BY: MARTHA BENNETT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WESTERN ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY

Valley Fever is Coccidiomycosis, also known as Cocci. It is a fungal infection that is seen in the south-western United States, including Arizona.
Where is the fungus found? The fungal spore is found in the soil, and reproduces after periods of rainfall. When conditions become windy and dusty, infection seems to be more prevalent.

Who can be infected?

Dogs, cats and people can be infected by inhaling the fungal spores.

What happens after the infection?

The disease first affects the lungs and most, but not all, animals that are infected will cough. The fungus can spread to bones and joints causing lameness. Valley Fever can also spread to the brain, the spinal cord, the eyes, the skin and lymph nodes.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms include breathing difficulties, coughing, fever, weight loss, diarrhea, skin lumps and draining lesions, sore necks and back. Not all of these symptoms will appear.

What is the outcome?

Several outcomes may occur. The immune system of animals will fights off the organism. If this occurs, the owner will never know the pet was infected. If for some reason your pet cannot overcome the fungus, he becomes ill and shows some of the symptoms described above. You and your pets cannot catch Valley Fever from your infected pet.

How do I find out if my pet is infected?

Take your pet to the veterinarian. If your veterinarian suspects that your pet has Cocci, he or she generally takes x-rays and sends out a special blood test called a Cocci titer. This test measures antibodies to the fungus. Generally, the higher the antibody titer, the more the disease has spread throughout your pet's body.

What is the treatment?

The most common treatment involves the use of Ketoconazole or Nizoral. This medication is given two times a day, and is absorbed better if given with food. Another drug that is used is called Fluconazole or Diflucan. This is the preferred drug from brain or spinal fluid infection. It also appears to work better on very ill dogs. Another drug is called Itraconazole or Sporanex. All of these drugs can cause some side effects, particularly changes in your pet's liver enzymes and decreased appetite. Nizoral can also cause a lightening of your dog's haircoat. Most pets are treated for a minimum of three to six months; those with brain or spinal disease much longer. Some dogs are also placed on antibiotics in addition to the anti-fungal drugs.

Is there a cure?

The response to treatments depends upon your pet's immune system, the length of time your pet has been sick where the fungus is in your pet's body, and your pet's ability to tolerate the medication.

Most, but not all , pets can be cured. Re-infection and relapses can also occur.