Valley Fever is a lung infection. A fungus becomes airborne when dust around construction areas and agricultural areas is transported by the wind. Dogs contract Valley Fever by inhaling spores distributed by wind and construction, digging in the dirt, or uprooting plants. Soil that is being trenched, graded, or bulldozed increases the risk of spores in the air. Some dogs may get very sick from the fungus but the good news is that most dogs with recover with adequate antifungal medications.

An Owner’s Guide to Valley Fever in Dogs
By D Swain

Valley fever in dogs is a fungal infection that although not usually life-threatening, does require extensive treatment. This condition is prevalent in the Southwestern states. They include California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.

Photo: wearethecure.org

Cause

The fungus that causes this disease dwells in the desert soil. When dogs disturb the soil when digging, they can inhale some of the fungus spores. In most cases, the immune system will kill the infection. However, if the immune system doesn’t act fast enough, the infection will spread to the lungs and the rest of the body and rest in valley fever.

Symptoms

The lungs are most often affected by this fungus. This causes your dog to show symptoms such as fever, weight loss, lethargy, and coughing. As the condition advances, he may also develop severe pneumonia.

The lungs aren’t the only organs affected, as this disease can affect any tissue in your dog’s body. Common symptoms include neck and back pain, swollen limbs, swollen lymph nodes, and seizures. Some dogs also develop skin ulcerations.

Treatment

The treatment for valley fever in dogs is very extensive. Your dog will have to take antifungal medication anywhere from six months up to a year. If the condition has already spread to any organs or bones, treatment may take even longer. Some dogs have to take this medication for the rest of their lives or the symptoms will return. In addition to antifungal medication, the veterinarian may also prescribe pain relievers and cough suppressants.

Prognosis

When this disease is properly treated, your dog will most likely recover. Most dogs start back acting normally a week after treatment has begun. However, this disease is sometimes fatal. Older dogs, puppies, and canines with a weak immune system have the most risk of dying from this disease.

In addition to valley fever, there are many other diseases that can affect your dog such as canine cushing’s disease. Any responsible owner should want to know the causes and symptoms of some of these conditions in case they affect your dog. Dog-illnesses.com provides all of the information you need about a wide range of diseases. So, stop by right now to learn about some of these conditions like congestive heart failure.