Valley Fever 101: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Long-Term Care
If you live in Southern Arizona, you have likely heard of Valley Fever. It is a common, often misunderstood condition that affects both pets and people in our region. At Orange Grove Animal Hospital, we see many cases of Valley Fever, and we are here to help you understand what it is, how to spot it, and how to manage it if your pet is diagnosed.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus. This fungus lives dormant in the desert soil. When the soil is disturbed—by wind, construction, or even your pet digging—microscopic spores are released into the air.
Pets (and humans) contract Valley Fever simply by inhaling these airborne spores.
An important note: Valley Fever is not contagious. With rare exceptions, pets cannot spread Valley Fever to one another, or to you. Almost every recorded infection was acquired directly from the environment.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Valley Fever can affect different parts of the body, which means symptoms can vary significantly from one pet to another. Some pets may show no symptoms at all, while others may be quite ill.
Common signs to look for include:
Coughing: Often a dry, hacking, or persistent cough.
Fever: Your pet may feel warmer than usual or seem lethargic.
Lameness or Limping: The fungus has a tendency to settle in bones and joints, causing pain and swelling.
Weight Loss & Appetite Changes: A sudden lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
Lethargy: Your pet just doesn't seem like themselves, with lower energy levels than usual.
Less Common Signs: In some cases, you might notice skin lesions that don’t heal, eye inflammation, or, in severe cases, neurological signs like seizures.
If you notice any of these symptoms—especially if they persist or seem to come and go—it is important to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian.
How is Valley Fever Diagnosed?
There is no single "magic" test that guarantees a Valley Fever diagnosis, which is why our team uses a comprehensive approach. At Orange Grove Animal Hospital, we are proud to offer an advantage that is quite rare in veterinary medicine: we have an in-house screening test that allows us to start your pet on medication after the diagnosis has been made. We can then send that blood to our reference lab for a traditional Valley Fever titer.
Our comprehensive diagnostic process includes:
Medical History & Physical Exam: We look at your pet’s symptoms and discuss their recent activity levels and travel history.
In-House Screening Tests : Because we have screening equipment on-site, we can test for the specific antibodies your pet's immune system is creating in response to the fungus quickly and efficiently.
Imaging: Chest x-rays are often used to check for pneumonia or swollen lymph nodes, and bone x-rays help us investigate the cause of lameness.
General Blood Work: A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and chemistry panel help us understand your pet's overall health and how their immune system is responding to the infection.
Long-Term Care and Treatment
Treating Valley Fever is a marathon, not a sprint. The fungus does not respond to standard antibiotics; instead, it is treated with specialized antifungal medications, the most common being fluconazole.
What you should know about treatment:
Consistency is Essential: Treatment is a long-term commitment, typically lasting a minimum of 6 months, and sometimes longer depending on the severity of the infection.
Never Stop Early: It is critical that you do not stop or adjust your pet’s medication without consulting us, even if your pet seems to have returned to their normal, happy self. Stopping too soon can lead to a relapse.
Regular Monitoring: We will work with you to schedule regular check-ups and follow-up blood work. This allows us to track your pet's antibody titers, monitor their organ health (such as liver and kidney values), and ensure the treatment is effective.
We Are Here for You
A Valley Fever diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but with early detection and a dedicated treatment plan, many pets go on to lead long, comfortable lives.
Do you suspect your pet might have Valley Fever? Contact Orange Grove Animal Hospital today at (520) 877-2626 to schedule an exam. Our team is here to provide the support and specialized care your furry friend needs. 🐾