Canine Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

Canine valley fever (Coccidioidomycosis) is a systemic fungal disease caused by the organism Coccidioides immitis. This page looks at the symptoms and treatment of valley fever in dogs.

Valley fever in dogs is the most life-threatening of all systemic fungal diseases in dogs. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis and is found in dry desert areas of the Southwestern U.S. (such as Arizona, desert areas of California, Nevada, New Mexico, southwestern Texas and Utah), and northern Mexico.

During drought periods, the Cocci fungus lies dormant in the soil. When it rains, the fungus comes back to life as a mold and releases airborne spores.

Valley fever can affect many warm-blooded animals, including dogs and people, but dogs seem to be particularly susceptible to the fungus. The disease is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted between people and dogs, and dogs cannot transmit the disease to other dogs.

Symptoms of Canine Valley Fever

Most dogs develop an immunity against valley fever, and do not show any outward symptoms. Valley fever in dogs usually affect older dogs or dogs with immune systems that are compromised.

Infection occurs by inhaling the spores. If infection happens, the inhaled spores burst in the lungs and start growing. The first symptoms of an infection are similar to those of a chronic respiratory disease, such as coughing and, in severe cases, acute pneumonia.

If the disease is not being treated at this point, the fungus will spread throughout the body and the disease will become systemic, affecting other organ tissues in the dog's body, such as the long bones (most common), liver, spleen, lymph nodes, skin, and the brain. It will cause symptoms such as:

a chronic cough
weight loss
fever (over 102°F)
swollen joints and lameness
swollen lymph nodes
weakness and lethargy
blindness (in severe cases)

If valley fever is not treated, the symptoms will progressively worsen and it can be fatal.

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Treatment of Canine Valley Fever

Conventional treatment of valley fever in dogs is the use of one of the imidazole group of antifungal medications (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole).

Treatment usually starts with ketoconazole which is the least expensive. However, ketoconazole is not without side-effects - it can sometimes cause vomiting, appetite loss, and even liver damage. Itraconazole has fewer side effects but is more expensive than ketoconazole. Both ketoconazole and itraconazole are oral medications which have to be continued daily for 6 to 12 months to prevent recurrence.

In dogs with severe infections, intravenous Amphotericin B is given combined with one of the above oral medications. However, Amphotericin B can cause damage to the kidneys.

Prevention of Canine Valley Fever

Since medications for canine valley fever are expensive, and treatment time is long and not without side effects, it is better to take preventive measures so that your dog does not become infected, such as:

Avoid visiting areas where the fungus grows.
Discourage behaviors like digging holes or sniffing the soil.
Strengthen the immune system of your dog through healthy diets and supplements, such as:
PetAlive Immunity and Liver Support.
This is a 100% natural herbal supplement that contains herbs that are known for their ability to cleanse and purify the system (Dandelion), support immune functioning (Echinacea, Ginseng), and maintain liver health (Milk Thistle). It is effective in supporting the lymphatic and immune systems, as well as maintaining liver health and functioning.