Dogs can provide you with lots of happiness and love. Whether you’d like to play, take an outing, or need a hug, it is always available to you. The relationship between a dog and its owner is an amazing thing. To keep the bond you have with your pet, it is vital to know the potential dangers and signs that indicate your pet isn’t doing well. While many ailments and injuries can affect pets’ health, valley fever is an indication of concern.

What is valley fever?

Valley fever refers to an illness caused by the Fungal Coccidioides Immitis. Although the term used to describe this condition is coccidioidomycosis, they call it valley fever, California diseases, desert rheumatism, and San Joaquin valley fever.

What kinds of animals can valley fever infect?

It could affect dogs, cattle, deer, horses, mules, elk, monkeys, apes, kangaroos, wallabies, badgers, tigers, marine mammals, and humans.

The dogs are particularly susceptible to the valley fever infection because they sniff out the ground and dig in the dirt, possibly inhaling large quantities of spores simultaneously.

What are the symptoms of valley fever in dogs?

Inhaling spores in dogs cause inflammation of the lung. The lungs expand into larger structures, known as spherules. The immune systems of healthy dogs will protect the living organisms within the spherules, and there won’t be other issues. The signs of illness are generally minimal in these instances, and the dog will not appear to be ill. You can check this link if your pet needs immediate assistance.

Dogs who have a weak immune system because they are old or have a health problem are more likely to get sick. As a result, young puppies and senior canines are more prone to valley fever. In these cases, the spherules continue to expand and then explode to release more infectious bacteria into the lungs and other organs in the body. The cycle continues for a long time.

The symptoms can show up in two ways: a primary disease or a disease that spreads.

The main disease only affects the lung. Dry cough and fever, a loss of appetite, and even lethargy or depression are signs of primary valley fever. These symptoms typically manifest about three weeks after the infection. However, the organism could remain inactive for as long as three years before symptoms manifest. In this case, you need to find trusted veterinarians like VSCOT Tucson to diagnose your pet properly. 

The fungus is dispersing or has expanded across other body parts as part of disseminated diseases. The most frequent disease sites are joints and bones, and lameness is the most frequent manifestation. Joints may become swollen and then become painful. Other signs could include low appetite, fatigue, depression, constant temperature, and weight loss. Eye infections can trigger inflammation and, in the most severe instances, blindness. In rare cases, the fungus can infiltrate the brain and cause seizures.

What is the treatment for valley fever?

The type of plan to use for valley fever treatment will depend on how far the disease has progressed. Your vet will collect blood samples and may also take an x-ray to determine the cause of your pet’s condition, and then they’ll select the best treatment and timeframe for care. It is almost always possible to combat valley fever with antifungal medications, and it lasts between 6 months and an entire lifetime, based on how much the disease has advanced. The earlier you recognize the condition and the earlier you catch it, the less time you’ll need to devote to treatment.

Conclusion

Be aware that your dog demands continuous care, love, and attention. Always be alert for signs of an emergency, like valley fever, to ensure that your pet has healthy well-being. You need to have two appointments with your veterinarian each year. However, ensure you keep a local animal hospital and emergency vet in your thoughts always.

Maintain a constant dialogue with your vet regarding the risks and vital signs to be aware of when encountering situations like valley fever in dogs. Pets have an intimate relationship with us. It is our duty to cherish and protect our dogs.