by April Starr

Created on: November 21, 2009

What is Valley Fever?

Your dog may be fine one day and the next you notice a cough or a limp or he is so ill he can hardly get up and will not eat. If you live in the dusty desert regions of the southwestern United States these symptoms could very well be the first noticeable signs of the dreaded illness Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Cocci or Valley Fever (VF). This is a fungal disease whose spores live in the dust. Valley Fever is caused by a fungus so horrible that the United States federal government has regulated it in the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. Anybody possessing, using, transferring, or receiving this agent must notify the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services or they could be convicted of committing a federal crime. Following the attack on September 11, 2001 and the anthrax deaths, it was further regulated by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. Yet millions of people and animals dwell in the very regions where this fungus spore is found naturally living in the soil around them. All mammals, including humans and even dolphins can fall victim to this disease. It is not contagious and infects the animal or human when spores are inhaled. People and dogs that have lived in the regions associated with Valley Fever for any length of time have most likely contracted the disease without knowing it due to lack of symptoms. But a certain portion will exhibit the symptoms and will need medical treatment. Valley Fever in dogs can be a roller coaster ride, and not the fun kind.

Symptoms: The symptoms of Valley Fever are common to other diseases such as Tick Fever. Valley Fever falls into two classifications. The first is Primary and is often the initial infection of which the symptoms usually occur within three weeks after contracting the disease. At this point it will sometimes rectify itself and no medication is needed. Some of the symptoms at this stage can include a harsh, dry cough, fever, depressed state, lack of appetite, and stiffness of the neck. Disseminated is the second classification in dogs and occurs when the disease spreads to other parts of the body. At this point the fungus will target the bones and joints often causing lameness. Other symptoms of the disseminated classification are persistent fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and weight loss. The dog must get veterinary treatment when the disease reaches the disseminated state in order to

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