My Arizona Veterinarian informed me that our dog has Valley Fever, coccidioidomycosis.  I’m writing this article to share the information and facts I’ve learned about this Valley Fever fungus.  Our little furry boy is on Valley Fever antifungal medicine,  and his prognosis looks good.

our dog has valley fever

What symptoms made me visit the veterinarian?

• Our dog was eating well but losing weight.
• A few times I caught our boy crying as though he were in pain.
• Something just seemed off with our little dog.

Valley Fever is a fungus

Canine valley fever originates in a dog as he inhales the coccidioidomycosis fungal spores. These fungus spores are usually found in dirt and in arid areas of the desert. Once inhaled, valley fever spores grow and multiply very rapidly at the first available point in a dog’s body, the lungs.

Symptoms of coccidioidomycosis, valley fever, usually appear between 1 and 3 weeks after exposure to the fungus.

Common Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs and Cats

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Lameness
• Dry or moist cough
• Bone swelling/joint enlargement
• Extreme weight loss with muscle wasting
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Most fungi are harmless, but some types like Valley Fever can make you sick.  The map below shows areas of the United States that have common cases of Valley Fever in humans and animals.

locations where Valley Fever fungus is found

The fungus spores of Valley Fever begin in the lungs until they grow large enough to rupture, releasing hundreds of endospores.  These numerous spores begin a parasitic stage in the tissues and disseminate into the animal’s body.  The Valley Fever Fungus can spread to the organs.

The immune system does have the capability to fight off the Valley Fever infection before symptoms can even be realized, but it requires an exceptionally strong immune system to do so.

fungus in a dog’s lungs

According to the University of Arizona, about 70% of dogs who inhale Valley Fever spores control the infection and do not become sick.  The Valley Fever infection can range from mild to severe.

Canine Valley Fever will begin to affect the dog’s joints if the condition continues to progress.  It is very sad when the infection of Valley Fever fungus is so severe in the bones that an animal can no longer move its arms or legs.

dog’s bone below the knee with Valley Fever fungus

It is very important to continue medicating your dog as directed until the veterinarian confirms that the blood tests are negative and tells you to stop medication. If you stop treating Valley Fever too soon, symptoms may recur.  Some animals will have to remain on the anti fungal medication for life.

life cycle of valley fever

Is Valley Fever contagious from animal to animal, human to human, or animal to human?
NO.  Valley Fever is considered a non-contagious disease. Even if multiple animals or humans are affected in the same household, each Valley Fever case was acquired independently.

Recently, I felt swollen glands on our other dog, Shadow.  This week I’m taking him to the doctor for Valley Fever blood tests and x-rays.  Already my heart is heavy with our little dog being infected and I can’t yet imagine how crushed I will be if Shadow comes up positive with Valley Fever also.

Shadow and Trigger for their checkup

A Valley Fever vaccine is under development. Here’s hoping it is developed soon and may be available to prevent Valley Fever or make it very mild.

our rescue Labrador, Shadow xxoo

The Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona is the only academic research institution in the world focused on the study of Valley Fever.

The outcome of Shadow’s blood test may take up to 10 days.  I will post a new article with updated information from the doctor and the Valley Fever fungus results.

UPDATES:   Click for latest article for our dogs results