Animals, Pets & Coccidioidomycosis

ANIMALS AT-RISK

Laborador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Boxer breeds of dogs have an increased risk of contracting coccidioidomycosis. Cats are diagnosed less frequently than dogs, and cases can also occur in horses, llamas, and exotic pets, as well as in wild animals and sea mammals.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The clinical signs of coccidioidomycosis can be vague and overlap with other common inflammatory diseases, so the diagnosis can be delayed.

  • Anorexia
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy
  • Fever, unresponsive to antibiotics
  • Cough
  • Tachypnea/dyspnea
  • Lameness or joint swelling
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Ulcerative or draining skin lesions
  • CNS signs
  • Blindness

TREATMENT AND TESTING

Early detection and accurate diagnosis are critical for improved outcomes. The combination of 2 antibody tests yields the most accurate results – MVista®️ Coccidioides Canine lgG Antibody EIA and Coccidioides Antibody by lmmunodiffusion. Your veterinarian may recommend the MVista®️ Coccidioides Antigen Quantitative EIA treatment monitoring. With a wide variety of possible clinical scenarios, other non-invasive testing might be recommended by your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding Fungal Infections Affecting Your Pet

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).