Your Pet’s Cough Might Hide a Deadly Secret

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a potentially deadly fungal disease that occurs in hot, dry climates; Tucson, AZ veterinarians are warning pet parents that cases of the infection are on the rise
• Dogs acquire valley fever from inhaling the soil-borne fungus, and susceptible animals can develop the infection from as few as 10 fungal spores; symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing
• Tucson integrative veterinarian Dr. Randy Aronson has seen several dogs and cats with the infection so far this year; he encourages local pet owners to help strengthen their animal companions’ immune systems in the event they’re exposed to the fungus
• Treatment depends on the extent of the infection and clinical symptoms, and can involve antifungal drug therapy for up to a year or more
• In valley fever endemic areas, there’s no foolproof way to prevent infection; however, there are steps dog parents can take to reduce the risk of exposure