South Western Pet Concerns

Speedway Vet
3736 E.Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ. 85716
Phone 520-321-4235

Valley Fever

What Is Valley Fever?
Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley Fever, is a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which exists as a mold found in the soil. The highest incidence of this disease occurs in the desert areas of the south western United States.

The environmental conditions necessary for survival of the fungus include a warm, arid climate, low elevations with small amounts of rainfall, and relatively alkaline soil.

The disease occurs in most species of domestic animals, many exotic animals and in man. It is not considered contagious from one animal to another or from animals to man. The disease occurs as a result of the inhalation of fungal spores directly from the soil or from dust in the air.

An animal of nearly any age may be susceptible. Statistics also show that most breeds and sizes of pets are capable of contracting the fungal infection.

Two Forms Of Valley Fever
Coccidioidomycosis can occur in two forms ... the primary form and the disseminated form. In the primary form, the infection develops two to four weeks from the time of exposure, and is still primarily located in the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes. In the disseminated form, the disease process has advanced, allowing the infection to spread from the original lung site to other areas of the body, to bones, joints, skin, brain, liver, kidney and almost any other fissue, with lameness a common sign.

Know What To Look For
The signs seen with the primary form of the disease may include an elevated temperature of 104' to 105', listlessness, anorexia or loss of appetite, and a pronounced dry, harsh cough. The cough sounds similar to a bronchial type and may be confused with kennel cough in dogs. In disseminated cases, infection of the bones is the most prevalent type, causing lameness or limping. Other signs could include swelling of joints, weight loss, chronic coughing, skin abscesses, pain, eye problems, incoordination or seizures.

If your pet is showing any of the signs suggestive of Coccidioidomycosis, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination. This examination will include temperature, auscultation of the chest, radiographs of the chest or other affected area, blood serology testing, and other specialized tests as indicated by the signs.

Treatment
Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis should be started immediately. The treatment process may vary based on location of the infection and the degree to which the individual animal is affected.
Several antifungal medications can be used to treat Valley Fever. Fluconazole (Diflucan) and Itraconazole (Sporanox) are the most effective oral drugs with the least side effects. Fluconazole is also a very effective drug for infections in the brain.
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) is the least expensive drug, but also causes common side effects such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and lightening of hair color. Liver toxicity may also occur in rare instances.
Occasionally in extremely ill patients, hospitalization is required with intravenous fluids, intravenous Fluconazole or Amphotericin B (an IV drip only). The latter drug is effective, but may be toxic to the kidneys and requires a series of intravenous injections over several weeks.
At the present time there is no known preventive other than decreasing your pet's exposure to the desert soil and dust as much as possible, especially around rodent burrows in the ground.

Contact Your Veterinarian
If your pet is exhibiting any of the signs listed above, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If Coccidioidomycosis is present, everything possible will be done to help return your pet to good health.

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