Understanding Fungal Infections Affecting Your Pet
Did you know that sudden weight loss could be a sign of a fungal infection?
If your pet has recently been diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis, its essential to follow the direction of the veterinarian caring for your pet.
Valley Fever is not contagious to other animals or humans but occurs when a dog or cat inhales spores from the environment. Treatment includes antifungal medication. Other treatments might also be recommended based on the severity of illness and the location of infection within the body. It is important to give the antifungal medications as prescribed as this provides the best chance for a full recovery.
What is Coccidioidomycosis
Valley Fever, caused by Coccidioides, is a fungal infection affecting primarily dogs and cats, but other animals can also be infected. Within the U.S, most infections occur in the arid climates of the Southwest, although infections can occur sporadically anywhere. Infection ranges from life-threatening to mild and can affect any organ, commonly including the lung, eyes, skin, lymph nodes, bones, and nervous system. Clinical signs can be vague (decreased appetite, decreased activity level, weight loss, and fever) or more specific (limping, skin lesions, vision loss, trouble breathing, or coughing). Diagnosis can be made by finding the fungi in body fluid or tissue samples or by testing blood or urine for immune response (antibody) or small pieces of the fungi (antigen).
