Valley Fever, properly called Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease of animals and man. The causative agent in an organism called Coccidioides immits. This fungus normally lives in the soil and is endemic to the southwest area of the country (Arizona, New Mexico, parts of California, and Texas).

Dogs acquire the disease when the reproductive elements (spores) of the fungus enter the body. The microscopic particles usually gain entry into the body via inhalation. Once inside the body, the spores begin to grow (usually in the lungs) and can spread to other parts of the body, e.g., bones, liver, nervous system, etc. All animals in our area have probably encountered Valley Fever. In the majority of cases the body's natural defense (immune system) will squelch the disease before it gains a serious foothold. If the immune system fails to control the attack, clinical disease usually follows.

Clinical signs of Valley Fever depend on the organ system(s) involved. The most common symptoms include abnormal breathing and coughing (respiratory involvement), limping (with bone involvement), listlessness, lack of appetite, excess water consumption, and moderate fever.

Diagnosis of Valley Fever involves specific blood tests which are submitted to a laboratory. These test results tell if the disease is present and how advanced it may be. Frequently x-rays and additional blood tests are needed to determine location and extent of the disease process.

Treatment of Valley Fever involves long term therapy with a new antifungal drug called ketaconazole (trade name: Nizoral). Therapy usually involves a minimum of four months of medication. Patients are closely monitored thereafter so that the drug dosage and adjunct therapy can be fine-tuned to each individual animal.

Unfortunately, there is no effective prevention for Valley Fever because the fungal spores are literally everywhere in our environment. The most successful outcomes are due to an early diagnosis and treatment.