How do you get rid of Valley Fever in dogs? Some of the most common antifungal medications used to treat valley fever in dogs include ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Itrafungol® and Sporanox®), and fluconazole (Diflucan®).
How long does it take for fluconazole to work for Valley Fever in dogs? The most commonly prescribed medications are ketoconazole (brand name Nizoral®), itraconazole (brand names Itrafungol® and Sporanox®), and fluconazole (brand name Diflucan®). Although the treatment is prolonged, dogs usually begin to feel better within 1-2 weeks after the treatment begins.
How long can a dog live with Valley Fever? Dogs with disseminated infection
As with lung infections, the majority of dogs with disseminated disease respond well to medication and lead normal lives, though they often require prolonged drug treatment (12-18 months).
Can you walk a dog with Valley Fever? Humans and other animals are susceptible to valley fever, but it is not contagious. The only way to get infected is by directly breathing in the mold spores that cause the disease. Pets can’t pass it to other animals, and humans cannot pass it to other people.
How do you get rid of Valley Fever in dogs? – Additional Questions
Is Valley Fever painful in dogs?
Once the fungal spores have reached other parts of your dog’s body the signs of Valley Fever in dogs may become more severe and could include: Painful swollen joints. Persistent fever.
Can dogs get Valley fever more than once?
Can Valley Fever relapse and can dogs be reinfected? Valley Fever is well known to relapse in both humans and dogs. In particular, cases of disseminated infection have a 30-50% rate of relapse in humans, no matter how well the initial infection was treated.
Can a dog have Valley fever without cough?
However, Valley Fever can occur in almost any bone or organ of dogs. Sometimes a dog will not have any signs of a primary infection in the lungs, such as coughing, but will only develop symptoms of disseminated disease, e.g., lameness, seizures.
How long should my dog be on fluconazole?
This medication is often prescribed for several weeks or months. If your dog vomits or acts ill, administer medication with food or treats, and always have fresh water available. Be sure to continue this medication for the entire period prescribed by your veterinarian, without skipping doses.
How did my dog get Valley Fever?
The strands are very delicate, and when the soil is disturbed – by digging, walking, construction, high winds – the strands break apart into tiny individual spores called arthroconidia or arthrospores. Dogs and other animals mainly acquire Valley Fever by inhaling these fungal spores in the dust and air.
What does Valley fever look like in dogs?
Primary valley fever generally presents three weeks following initial contact with the fungus, most notably as a persistent cough. This is soon accompanied by a fever and overall decline in mood. You may notice your dog has stopped eating as well or displays a sudden lethargy or disinterest.
Does Valley Fever cause swollen lymph nodes in dogs?
Fever, lameness, and cough are common signs, but seizures, heart disease, and skin abscesses can also occur.” Other symptoms may include an oozing sore, swollen lymph nodes, eye inflammation, and pain. Both primary and disseminated valley fever can be dangerous to your dog’s well-being.
What are the side effects of fluconazole in dogs?
When taking fluconazole, the most common side effects include gastrointestinal effects such as low appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or soft stools. Especially with long-term use, liver toxicity can occur.
Can Valley Fever cause paralysis in dogs?
Canine valley fever, also known as desert fever, a fungal disease, affects one dog’s vertebrae and spinal cord, making her unable to stand up or walk.
What does valley fever do to the brain?
Typically in these cases, the infection spreads to the person’s bones or the lining of the brain, called the meninges, Gholam told Live Science. If the infection spreads to the meninges, a person can develop meningitis, which is inflammation of the meninges, he said.
How do you treat valley fever in dogs naturally?
Is there a blood test for valley fever?
The most common way that healthcare providers test for Valley fever is by taking a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory to look for Coccidioides antibodies or antigens. Healthcare providers may do imaging tests such as chest x-rays or CT scans of your lungs to look for Valley fever pneumonia.
What is another name for valley fever?
The scientific name for Valley fever is “coccidioidomycosis,” and it’s also sometimes called “San Joaquin Valley fever” or “desert rheumatism.” The term “Valley fever” usually refers to Coccidioides infection in the lungs, but the infection can spread to other parts of the body in severe cases (this is called “
What happens if Valley fever goes untreated?
Without treatment, valley fever that has spread beyond the lungs is usually fatal. In low-risk patients, the form that is limited to the lungs usually does not require treatment. Treatment may include: Antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole or amphotericin B.
What does Valley fever rash look like?
What is Valley Fever Skin rash like? Valley Fever can cause rashes that look several different ways. A common presentation is as painful or tender, slightly elevated red nodules or bumps, which may change color to bluish to brown and often occur on the legs, but may occur on the chest, arms and back.
How can Valley fever get worse?
The fungus that causes valley fever lives in soil in the U.S. desert Southwest and parts of Mexico, Central America and South America. Inhaling the fungus’ airborne spores can cause flu-like symptoms that can turn into pneumonia, meningitis or even worse.
What time of year is Valley fever worse?
Valley Fever typically peaks in late fall and early winter with a minor peak from June to August (refer to the 2007-2011 Valley Fever Report). Those who’ve been in Arizona for a while may know that Valley Fever is a lung infection caused by a fungus that is common in the soil here.
