...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Arizona Small Animal Clinic
"We’re here for your needs"
Valley Fever "Coccidiomycosis"
As residents of Southern Arizona, many if not all of us, have: heard, had, or known someone (human or animal) that was diagnosed with Coccidiomycosis, more commonly known as Valley Fever. Valley Fever is one of the most frequently diagnosed infectious diseases and is prominent not only in Arizona, but in most of the South Western United States, as well as, parts of Mexico and South America. For example: our clinic averages seeing one patient with Valley Fever symptoms per week, meaning so far this year we have seen at least 39 canines potentially infected with Valley Fever. Of these 39 canines, 90% of their Valley Fever titers resulted in a positive diagnosis. Doing the math, the averages out to 35 out of 39 canines we have seen just this year have Valley Fever and are currently undergoing treatment for the disease.
Through the disease is classified as infectious, it is not possible to contract it through contact with anyone already infected. Valley Fever is the result in inhaling microscopic fungal spores known as Coccidioides that are found in soil and are most commonly transmitted through gusts of wind, dust storms, digging, and other activities that result in the soil being disrupted.
Through initial contraction of Valley Fever occurs by inhaling the fungal spores, the disease can and will infect other parts of the body besides the lungs; especially if the disease if let undiagnosed and untreated. Treatment of Valley Fever is relatively simple and easily manageable if cough early, however, the disease can become fatal if left untreated for long periods of time or if the disease has progressed into the bones and/or brain. It is for these reasons, that it is very important to not only be aware of the disease, but to also discuss it with your doctor/veterinarian to assess your risks.
For more information, including a list of the most common symptoms and what research is being conducted toward the prevention and treatment of Valley Fever, please visit the following websites.
The Arizona Department of Health Serves Valley Fever Website
The Valley Fever Center for Excellence Website
The following is just some informational facts shared with us by Dr. Edwards, regarding Valley Fever or "Coccidiomycosis"
