How do I know if my dog has Valley Fever?
Signs of primary valley fever include a harsh dry cough, a fever, a lack of appetite, and lethargy or depression. These signs usually occur about three weeks after infection although sometimes, the organism can lay dormant in the body for up to three years before signs occur.
What can I give my dog for Valley Fever?
There are three common medications used to treat Valley Fever in dogs:
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Can dogs live with Valley Fever?
More than 90 percent of dogs that are treated for Valley Fever will survive, according to The University of Arizona. Dogs with symptoms involving several parts of the body (particularly the brain) or that do not respond well to anti-fungal medication have a worse prognosis.
What happens if Valley Fever goes untreated in dogs?
When Valley Fever spreads, it causes severe pain. In extreme cases, dogs can lose the use of their legs altogether. Left untreated, it can even spread to your dog’s nervous system, a development that can often be fatal.
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.
What happens if Valley Fever goes untreated?
Some may develop a rash. It’s easy to dismiss these symptoms, even if they linger for weeks or months. For many, the symptoms will disappear on their own. But for some, untreated Valley Fever can lead to chronic fatigue, severe weight loss, pneumonia, meningitis or even death.
How fast does Valley Fever progress 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.
Can dogs recover from Valley Fever without medication?
Valley Fever Symptoms in Pets. Most animals are able to fight off the infection without treatment unless there is a preexisting condition or their immune system is weak.
How long do Valley fever symptoms last?
The symptoms of Valley fever usually last for a few weeks to a few months. However, some patients have symptoms that last longer than this, especially if the infection becomes severe. Approximately 5 to 10% of people who get Valley fever will develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs.
Does Valley fever come and go?
Usually not. If you’ve already had Valley fever, your immune system will most likely protect you from getting it again. Some people can have the infection come back again (a relapse) after getting better the first time, but this is very rare.
How much does it cost to treat Valley Fever in dogs?
Canine influenza cases popping up here The valley fever medication fluconazole has become costly, rising recently from $20 a month to as much as $200.