The Ins and Outs of Valley Fever in Dogs
If you live in the Southwestern U.S., you may have heard of valley fever, which is a disease that can affect humans and animals alike.
So what is valley fever, exactly?
Valley fever is a disease caused by a fungus living in desert soil, called Coccidioides. When inhaled, it may create disease in the body.
The Valley Fever Center for Excellence estimates that approximately 6-10% of dogs that live in Arizona’s Pima, Pinal and Maricopa counties will contract valley fever each year.
The good news is that not all dogs who inhale the fungus spores actually get sick! It is estimated that about 70% of dogs will clear the disease without even a simple cough!
The other good news is that by knowing your pet’s risk for valley fever in Arizona, you can be aware of any changes in their appearance or behavior and bring them to Revel Vet before the disease gets out of control.
So let’s dive into the ins and outs of dog valley fever and equip you with the information you need to be an empowered dog owner.
How Could My Dog Get Valley Fever?
If you’ve ever dealt with fungus or mold in your home, you know that it can be quite pervasive. In fact, mold, fungus, bacteria and all other types of microorganisms live around us in the world and we have our amazing immune systems to thank for keeping us healthy.
Arizona is no different and the desert climate is suitable to Coccidioides. This particular fungus lives and grows in soil and when it dries out, it forms into strands that cannot be seen by the human eye.
When the soil is disrupted, potentially by people walking over it, hiking, construction or even wind, these strands break apart into individual spores.
The spores are inhaled by dogs and other animals (including humans). It is impossible to know how many spores a dog inhaled and the number can vary from a few to hundreds, depending on where the animal was when they were breathing in the fungus.
Once inhaled, the dog’s body will either get to work “clearing it” or if the immune system is not able to work quickly enough, these spores can grow and spread infection.
Since these spores are inhaled, valley fever often makes its biggest mark on the lungs and respiratory system.
In the lungs, the spores grow into larger structures called spherules. In healthy adult dogs, the immune system gets to work and takes care of this before any problems develop.
But if the dog’s immune system is not as developed, such as in puppies, or is weakened, such as in senior dogs or dogs with another health condition, the spherules will continue to grow, burst and spread more spores (the infection) throughout the body.
Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs
As part of your daily routine with your dog, we always recommend that you run your hands over them and pay attention to any new bumps, growths or abnormalities.
Additionally, you will want to observe your dog’s mental state, breathing and overall wellness on a daily basis.
Any changes can be indicative of an issue that we will want to discuss, as early care is key to lifelong health.
This is no different with valley fever; early detection is key.
Some common signs of valley fever in dogs include:
- A hacking cough
- Fever
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
In more serious cases, if the disease has spread (called disseminated valley fever), some dogs can develop lameness due to painful and swollen joints, wounds that don’t seem to heal, seizures and/or eye inflammation. It has the potential to spread across the body, so it is important to catch the fever early before it affects the brain or nervous system.
Bottom line: If your dog is coughing or has signs of respiratory illness, call your team at Revel Vet as soon as possible. We may recommend x-rays or bloodwork to detect valley fever antibodies in order to determine what is causing the illness.
Remember to share any and all pertinent information, such as where you may have been with your dog, how long symptoms have been noticeable and any other changes in behavior.
How to Prevent Valley Fever
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine currently available for valley fever in dogs, although research into a valley fever vaccine has started (fingers crossed!).
Currently, if a dog contracts valley fever, treatments typically involve antifungal medications and other supportive types of treatment (such as pain management) depending on the case.
While it is difficult to completely prevent valley fever in dogs when living in Arizona, here are a few Revel Vet-approved tips!
- Minimize or avoid dust-generating activities with your dogs.
- Give your dogs a job so that they stay away from digging.
- Use grass, gravel and other ground cover in your yard to help reduce dust.
Outside of these tips, it is important to be in constant communication with your lifestyle-focused veterinary wellness team at Revel Vet! We can help you develop a plan to keep your pup safe and healthy throughout every life stage.
