Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal infection found in the soil throughout the Sonoran Desert, and dogs in the Phoenix area are frequently exposed to it. Symptoms can range from a mild, lingering cough to more serious, long-term illness.
At Rose Veterinary, Dr. McCartney offers in-home blood testing and ongoing management for pets diagnosed with Valley Fever. To learn more or schedule testing, call us today at (602) 341-5214.
Valley Fever is caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus, which lives in Arizona soil and becomes airborne during digging, construction, or windy weather. Most pets are exposed through their respiratory tract, and while some infections stay mild, others become chronic and require long-term treatment.
Diagnosis begins with a simple blood draw to check for Valley Fever antibodies (a titer test). Dr. McCartney will review your pet's symptoms and history alongside the test results to confirm a diagnosis and talk through next steps with you. If your pet is diagnosed, treatment typically involves long-term oral antifungal medication, often for many months or longer, and Dr. McCartney will monitor their progress with periodic bloodwork, adjusting treatment as needed along the way.
Valley Fever can be easy to overlook, since early symptoms often look like a minor cough or general tiredness. Left untested and untreated, the infection can spread beyond the lungs to bones, skin, or other organs, leading to more serious, harder-to-manage illness. Early diagnosis and consistent management give pets the best chance at a full recovery or a comfortable, well-managed life with the condition.
If your pet is showing signs of Valley Fever, such as a persistent cough, lethargy, or weight loss, or you'd like to schedule testing, contact Rose Veterinary at (602) 341-5214.
