How is coccidioidomycosis treated in dogs?
In dogs, management of coccidioidomycosis involves long-term antifungal drug treatment, typically with azoles such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or fluconazole [1].
Is coccidioidomycosis contagious in dogs?
Both people and animals can get valley fever but they do not transmit the infection between one another. Valley fever is considered non-contagious. If multiple animals or humans are affected in a household, each infection was acquired independently by inhaling spores from the same environment.
What are early signs of Valley Fever in dogs?
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.
Can Valley Fever spread from dog to dog?
Valley Fever is considered a noncontagious disease. Even if multiple animals or humans are affected in a household, each infection was acquired by inhaling spores from the soil. Coughing cannot spread it between animals or people.
Can dogs survive fungal infections?
In some dogs that develop signs, the disease will resolve without treatment. However, if chronic respiratory signs occur or the infection involves many body organs and tissues, longterm antifungal treatment is needed. In cases where the infection has spread, treatment of at least 6 to 12 months is typical.
How common is coccidioidomycosis in dogs?
Interestingly enough, despite the presence of Coccidioides immitis in the soil (and soil is everywhere), coccidioidomycosis is not very common, even in the endemic areas of the U.S. Asymptomatic infections may occur, in which dogs are exposed, but develop immunity without experiencing the signs of full-blown disease.
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).
Is there a cure for Valley fever in dogs?
Oral antifungal medication in the form of twice daily pills or capsules is the usual treatment for Valley Fever. There are three common medications used to treat Valley Fever in dogs: Fluconazole (Diflucan) Itraconazole (Sporanox)
How long does it take for a dog to recover from Valley fever?
Typically antifungal medications will need to be administered for 6-12 months, with an improvement in symptoms often being seen within a couple of weeks. When valley fever has spread to other parts of the body, your dog may need to continue taking antifungal medications for life.
How did my dog get a fungal infection?
In dogs, fungal infections can occur due to contact with other animals, exposure within the environment, or as a result of the overgrowth of fungi (yeast) that are naturally present in and on your dog’s own body.
Can dog fungus transfer to humans?
But illnesses common among house pets — such as distemper, canine parvovirus, and heartworms — can’t spread to people. But some types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that pets can carry can make people sick though a bite or scratch, or if someone has contact with an animal’s waste, saliva, or dander.
What does coccidioidomycosis do to animals?
The dog may develop lameness and/or weakness, as well as back and neck pain. In severe cases, if the organism spreads throughout the body, becoming systemic, the dog may develop seizures or blindness due to the central nervous systems becoming involved.
Is Valley fever painful in dogs?
Our Ventura vets frequently see Valley Fever in dogs who have spent time in the low desert regions of the southwestern United States. While healthy adult dogs may show no signs of this condition, puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems can develop severe, often painful symptoms.
How do you get rid of Valley fever in dogs?
How long can a dog live with Valley Fever?
How long does it take for a dog to recover from Valley Fever?
Is Valley fever in dogs fatal?
When diagnosed and treated early, many dogs recover well from valley fever. Dogs diagnosed with valley fever after the disease has spread to other parts of the body are more challenging to treat, and in some cases the disease becomes life-threatening.
What medication is given to dogs for Valley fever?
There are three common medications used to treat Valley Fever in dogs: Fluconazole (Diflucan) Itraconazole (Sporanox) Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Can a dog survive a fungal infection?
What are symptoms of fungal infection in dogs?
The symptoms of fungal dermatitis in dogs include intense itchiness, flaky or crusty skin (particularly around your dog’s nails, skin folds, armpits and anal area), and ear infections. Treatment for this condition may include antibiotics combined with topical anti-fungal treatments such as shampoos, or ear solutions.
How Long Can dogs live with Valley fever?
How long does it take for Valley fever to go away in dogs?
Treatment of Valley Fever in pets takes time. Most pets will remain on antifungal medication for a minimum of 6 – 12 months but if the condition has spread throughout their body there is a chance that they will need to remain on antifungal medications for life.
Is treating Valley Fever in dogs expensive?
The valley fever medication fluconazole has become costly, rising recently from $20 a month to as much as $200.
How much does it cost to treat a dog with Valley fever?
The cost of 60 205-mg tablets is $43.16 plus shipping.