“Valley Fever” is a common term for coccidioidomycosis, which is an uncommon but extremely severe and potentially fatal systemic disease caused by Coccidioides immitis. This fungus thrives in the hot, dry, dusty areas of the deep southwestern United States – especially in Arizona, California and Texas. It also exists in Mexico and in parts of Central and South America. Not all dogs exposed to the fungi succumb to clinical disease, but many do. People can
“Valley Fever,” or Coccidioidomycosis, is a respiratory and systemic fungal disease of dogs and people caused by infection with Coccidioides immitis. This fungus only thrives in dry, hot areas, especially in the southwestern United States, Mexico and a few parts of Central and South America. The fungus lives and grows several inches down in the soil, where it can survive high temperatures and low moisture. It becomes particularly infective after periods of rainfall, when it
Coccidioidomycosis, commonly called “Valley Fever,” is an uncommon but potentially dangerous fungal disease in domestic dogs. It develops after a dog inhales infectious spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis. This organism thrives in hot, arid areas of the southwestern United States. It is also found in Mexico and in parts of Central and South America. Some dogs become infected subclinically and develop immunity to the organism. Unfortunately, other infected dogs become gravely ill.Most cases of
Valley Fever is diagnosed by identification of the causative fungal organism, Coccidioides immitis, in blood, fluid or tissue samples. It is not particularly difficult to diagnose.Valley Fever should be suspected in any dog that lives in or travels through endemic areas and develops chronic upper and/or lower respiratory signs, together with enlarged lymph nodes. Veterinarians presented with such a patient will of course perform a thorough physical examination of the dog and take a complete
Valley Fever, medically called coccidioidomycosis, is a potentially fatal fungal disease in domestic dogs. Successful treatment is possible if the infection is properly and promptly diagnosed. However, treatment can take more than one year to complete. The goals of treating this disease are to prevent further dissemination of the fungal organism, eradicate the fungi from the dog’s body and restore the dog’s quality of life.Most dogs with Valley Fever are treated as outpatients. Supportive care