Medication
There are three common medications used to treat Valley Fever in dogs:
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Self-care
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Caring for Your Dog at Home
- Keep your dog warm and dry. Keep your dog in a warm, dry environment as soon as you notice any potential symptoms.
- Feed them a warm, hearty diet. You should provide your dog with ample food while they are fighting their cold.
- Increase the humidity in your home. ...
- Watch your dog’s fluid intake. ...
- Give them plenty of rest. ...
Nutrition
Dogs and other animals mainly acquire Valley Fever by inhaling these fungal spores in the dust and air. The dog may inhale only a few spores or many hundreds. Once inhaled, the spores grow into spherules which continue to enlarge until they burst, releasing hundreds of endospores.
How do you treat Valley fever in dogs?
What Are Symptoms Of Valley Fever In Dogs?
- Bone pain or swelling
- Lameness
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Exercise intolerance
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Fever
- Panting
- Seizures
- General discomfort or uneasiness
How to comfort a dog with a fever at home?
How do dogs get Valley fever?
What are the symptoms of Valley fever for dogs?
How to treat Valley Fever in dogs?
Why does my dog cough when he has Valley fever?
Why do vets X-ray dogs?
How to help a dog with inflammation?
How to get rid of a dog's poop infection?
Can Valley fever cause open sores in dogs?
Is Valley Fever contagious?
See more
About this website
What helps dogs with valley fever?
There are three common medications used to treat Valley Fever in dogs: Fluconazole (Diflucan) Itraconazole (Sporanox) Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Can dogs recover from valley fever without treatment?
When Valley Fever spreads, it causes severe pain. In extreme cases, dogs can lose the use of their legs altogether. Left untreated, it can even spread to your dog's nervous system, a development that can often be fatal.
Can valley fever resolve on its own?
Mild cases of valley fever usually resolve on their own. In more-severe cases, doctors treat the infection with antifungal medications.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from valley fever?
Valley Fever requires long-term treatment. Dogs are typically given anti-fungal medications for at least six months to a year, but some may need extended or even life-long treatment to prevent relapses.
Is there an over the counter fluconazole for dogs?
Fluconazole is sold per tablet and requires a prescription from your veterinarian. NOTE: Ketoconazole is also available for treatment of fungal infections.
How did my dog get Valley Fever?
The strands are very delicate, and when the soil is disturbed - by digging, walking, construction, high winds - the strands break apart into tiny individual spores called arthroconidia or arthrospores. Dogs and other animals mainly acquire Valley Fever by inhaling these fungal spores in the dust and air.
How do you get rid of valley fever fast?
The treatment is usually 3 to 6 months of fluconazole or another type of antifungal medication. There are no over-the-counter medications to treat Valley fever. If you have Valley fever, you should talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need treatment.
How long should my dog be on fluconazole?
Fluconazole for dogs is generally given in tablet or liquid form once a day by mouth, with or without food, for the duration of time prescribed by your veterinarian. This medication is often prescribed for several weeks or months.
Can valley fever come back in dogs?
It is not known how many canine cases of Valley Fever relapse, but relapses are not uncommon and the rate may be similar to people. In the case of a relapse, a return to medication is usually enough to make symptoms subside, but the dog may require several additional months of treatment.
Is Valley Fever painful in dogs?
Although healthy adult dogs may experience no symptoms of valley fever, puppies, senior dogs and dogs with a compromised immune system may experience symptoms ranging from coughing to painful joints.
Is there a Valley Fever vaccine for dogs?
A new Valley fever vaccine for dogs appears to provide a safe and effective defense against the fungal illness that sickens thousands of pets in Arizona each year, new research by an international team of scientists shows, and marks a significant milestone that could lead to a similar vaccine for humans.
How much does it cost to treat Valley Fever in dogs?
The cost of 60 205-mg tablets is $43.16 plus shipping.
Supportive Treatments For Sick Dogs
Other treatments for Valley Fever are mainly directed at supportive care: making your dog feel better while the antifungal medication starts to hea...
What Is The Best Treatment For Valley Fever?
Treatment choices vary by the individual veterinarian and patient. Reasons for choice of medication include practitioner's experience with the drug...
What Is The Proper Dose of Valley Fever medications?
Your veterinarian is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's illness. Should you feel that your dog is not responding or may have side...
What Are The Side Effects of Oral Valley Fever Drugs (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole) in Dogs?
All Valley Fever medications have the potential to cause side effects in dogs. 1. Loss of appetite is the most common and may be severe in some dog...
What Happened to The Price of Generic Fluconazole & What Can I Do About It?
In 2013, most of the manufacturers of generic fluconazole stopped making it. There are only a few manufacturers left, which has driven the price up...
Treat Valley Fever Naturally | Simple Remedies
Valley fever is a disease caused by the Coccidioides fungus. It thrives in dry, dusty areas particularly in the southwestern United States. It is important to know if you live in an area where the fungus tends to thrive as a huge part of prevention is knowing that you may be at risk.
Study Shows Vaccine Protects Dogs Against Valley Fever
A possible canine vaccine for Valley fever took one giant step closer to becoming a reality thanks to a University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson-led study that showed the vaccine provided a high level of protection against Coccidioides posadasii, a fungus that causes Valley fever.The development of a potential canine vaccine serves as a positive harbinger of a human vaccine.
Valley Fever In Dogs | Symptoms & Treatment Options For This Fungus
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What is the best treatment for Valley Fever?
Oral antifungal medication in the form of twice daily pills or capsules is the usual treatment for Valley Fever.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat Valley Fever?
More recently introduced to the market for treatment of fungal disease in humans: Voriconazole (Vfend) Posaconazole (Noxafil) The role of these drugs in treating human Valley Fever is not yet clear. Voriconazole has absorption and treatment characteristics similar to fluconazole, but is more potent in laboratory studies.
Why do people choose fluconazole?
If one medication is unsuccessful, another will often be tried. For disease of the brain and spinal cord, fluconazole (Diflucan) is the drug of choice.
How to help a dog when he is ill?
The more ill your dog, the more important it is to discuss this issue with your vet. Meet the nutritional needs of your dog with high quality, palatable food.
What to do if my dog is not responding to a med?
Should you feel that your dog is not responding or may have side effects to the medicine, you should first discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. If the results are not satisfactory, you can seek a second opinion.
Does ketoconazole affect dogs liver?
Ketoconazole and itraconazole are extensively metabolized by the liver and 10-20% of fluconazole is metabolized by the liver. An individual dog may have a bad liver reaction to any of these drugs, but most tolerate them well. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog’s liver enzymes.
Is Valley Fever a good medicine for dogs?
Has a higher incidence of stomach and intestinal upset than fluconazole. Is a good Valley Fever drug in cases where it is making the dog well. Makes male dogs infertile while they are taking the medicine, this is also reversible when the medication is stopped.
What is the proper name for Valley Fever?
Valley Fever, whose proper name is coccidioidomycosis ,goes by several names, including: “California disease”, “Desert rheumatism”, and “San Joaquin Valley Fever”. Some sources say that VF is reaching epidemic proportions in dogs in Arizona. But knowing the cause, symptoms, and treatments for VF can protect your four-legged-friends.
How do you know if your dog has pulmonary fever?
According to the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, the most common early symptoms of primary pulmonary Valley Fever in dogs include: coughing. fever. weight loss. lack of appetite. lack of energy. When the infection spreads outside of the lungs (or disseminates), it can infect the bones and organs.
What are the symptoms of disseminated VF?
The University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson states that symptoms of disseminated VF include: lameness or swelling of limbs. back or neck pain, with or without weakness/paralysis. seizures and other manifestations of brain swelling. soft abscess-like swelling under the skin.
Where does VF occur in dogs?
The most common type of VF in dogs starts in the pulmonary system (lungs). VF is caused by a soil-dwelling fungus called Coccidiodes immitis, which is able to survive in the soil of the low desert region of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and southern parts of California. VF can also occur in Utah, Colorado, Mexico, and South America.
Can dogs get fungal spores?
These fungal spores can be kicked up in a dust storm, or by a dog’s routine sniffing and digging in the ground. When inhaled, these spores go into the lungs, mature, and reproduce. This can be very dangerous for dogs and people alike.
Does CBD oil help with VF?
It can also help treat some of the symptoms of VF including lack of appetite. CBD Dog Health ingredients also include essential oils which may be beneficial to treating VF, including coconut oil which can help with coughing , and ginger oil which is an antifungal.
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The list of infections a dog can catch seems endless. Every good dog owner does their best to protect her furry friend from disease. However, sometimes, the fate of a dog is simply out of our hands. Disease-causing agents are everywhere and we cannot always keep them away from our dogs.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever is a fungal disease common in dry hot areas. The disease is caused by a fungus. Valley fever is also known as Coccidioidomycosis. The fungus is commonly found in the soil in hot desert areas. In the United States, valley fever is endemic to hot states like Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Texas, and California.
How is Valley Fever Spread?
Dogs catch Valley Fever by digging in dusty areas where the spores of the fungus reside. When the spores are inhaled, they multiply in the body resulting in an infection. The disease cannot spread from one dog to another or from a dog to a human being. It can only be caught from inhaling the spores of the fungus.
Signs and Symptoms of Valley Fever
Fever. Increasing body temperature is one of the first responses to infection. Dogs with valley fever tend to catch a fever with temperatures rising up to 1030F and higher.
Why does Valley Fever Cause Dogs to Limp?
When valley fever is allowed to spread, it becomes disseminated in the body. Some of the organs it can disseminate to include the bones, eyes, skin, and the central nervous system. The bones are the most likely organ to be affected by the fungus after the lungs.
Diagnosis of Valley Fever
Since the signs and symptoms of valley fever are very similar to those of other diseases, a number of tests have to be carried out to confirm its presence. The tests your vet may have to carry out include a blood test, chest x-ray, urinalysis among others.
Treatment of Valley Fever
The treatment process can be tiring and expensive. Since it is a fungal disease, your dog will have to go on antifungal treatment. Antifungal therapy in particular is the most costly part of treatment. Three common antifungal drugs are used for valley fever: fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole.
How does Valley Fever spread to dogs?
Valley Fever is transmitted by inhaling spores contained in dirt and dust, not through contact with a sick animal or person.
What are the symptoms of Valley fever in dogs?
Typical symptoms of an infection that is limited to the lungs include: Coughing. Lethargy. Fever. Poor appetite. Weight loss. Additional symptoms are seen when the infection spreads outside of the lungs.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever is a disease caused by infection with a type of fungus called Coccidiodes immitis. The condition may also be called coccidioidomycosis, California disease, desert rheumatism, or San Joaquin Valley Fever. The disease is extremely common in south-central Arizona but is also frequently diagnosed in other parts ...
What is the best medicine for Valley Fever?
Commonly used medications include fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole.
How long does Valley Fever last?
Valley Fever requires long-term treatment. Dogs are typically given anti-fungal medications for at least six months to a year, but some may need extended or even life-long treatment to prevent relapses.
What is a titer test for dogs?
In other words, a titer test determines whether or not a dog has been exposed to Coccidiodes. Veterinarians combine the results of a dog’s titer with other diagnostic tests (complete blood cell counts, blood chemistry panels, x-rays, etc.) and a dog’s symptoms and history to make the final determination as to whether or not a dog has Valley Fever.
Can dogs survive Valley Fever?
More than 90 percent of dogs that are treated for Valley Fever will survive, according to The University of Arizona. Dogs with symptoms involving several parts of the body (particularly the brain) or that do not respond well to anti-fungal medication have a worse prognosis. Unfortunately, relapses are common even with appropriate treatment, so it is very important to monitor dogs closely. In general, dogs that relapse respond well again to treatment but may need to stay on an antifungal medication for the rest of their lives.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever, also called coccidioidmycosis, is caused by Coccidia fungi called Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasi. The spores are especially fond of warm soils. That’s why it’s so prevalent in Arizona, California, and Mexico.
What test is used to determine if a dog has Valley fever?
X-rays (chest and abdomen) Ultrasound of the abdomen or chest. Skin wound biopsies (if your dog has lesions) *As I mentioned earlier, titers measure the level of antibodies (fighting cells in the immune system) to a particular organism. These factors will usually confirm a Valley Fever diagnosis: High titer levels.
How does antifungal medicine kill organisms?
Another antifungal approach is to kill the organism by destroying its cell wall. The organism has a cell wall that is made of chitin, similar to insects and some worms.
Why does my dog's coat lighten?
Causes infertility in male dogs (usually reversible once medication is stopped) Causes coat color to lighten, especially in red and gold dogs (normal color usually returns after stopping the drug) So … be sure to consult a holistic veterinarian about treatment.
How deep do dog spores live?
The spores live 12 inches deep in the ground. So treating the soil isn’t practical … and the chemicals could harm your dog. Planting ground cover that reduces dust in your yard can be helpful. Use deep gravel or grass … or other plants that help control dust.
How to help a dog with an infection?
Prescribe herbal and/or homeopathic remedies to stimulate your dog’s immune system. Supplement the diet with foods and nutrients that support the immune cells. Prescribe natural anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation and pain associated with the infection.
What does a blood test show for Valley fever?
A blood test (titer test) can reveal if there are antibodies against the Valley Fever organism. This may indicate if your dog has the infection. I’ll talk more about diagnosis in a bit. Here is a list of the more common symptoms in dogs.
How to treat Valley Fever in dogs?
To treat a dog naturally for Valley Fever, give it a canine multivitamin to boost its immune system and provide nutritional support . Next, try adding garlic to your dog's food, since garlic has antiseptic and antiparasitic properties that can help fight the infection.
Why does my dog cough when he has Valley fever?
Your dog will develop a respiratory infection because of the fungal spores in its lungs, making the dog cough. You may also notice that the dog isn't breathing well or is wheezing.
Why do vets X-ray dogs?
The vet may X-ray your dog's chest to help determine the severity of the infection. They'll look for cloudiness in your dog's lungs, which may indicate an infection in the lungs. Since Valley Fever starts in the lungs, the X-ray will help the vet make a diagnosis.
How to help a dog with inflammation?
Provide a yucca supplement to help combat inflammation. Natural yucca supplements formulated for dogs can help reduce inflammation in your dog's body. This can help your dog heal faster, and it reduces your dog's pain. Read and follow all of the instructions on your supplement before giving it to your dog.
How to get rid of a dog's poop infection?
2. Add garlic to your dog's food to help fight the infection. Garlic has antiseptic and antiparasitic properties, so raw or slightly cooked garlic can help your dog's immune system fight the infection. Simply add the garlic to your dog's food and watch to make sure they eat it.
Can Valley fever cause open sores in dogs?
Watch for open sores that don't heal if the infection is severe. Most dogs who have Valley Fever won't have open sores. However, this may happen after the infection becomes severe. If you notice sores on your dog's body, take it to the vet immediately. Don't try to treat the dog's sores yourself.
Is Valley Fever contagious?
Valley Fever is fungal infection that's common in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It can infect both humans and their dogs, though it's not contagious. Although a dog with a healthy immune system can usually fight off the disease, Valley Fever can be deadly for dogs that develop symptoms.