Guide To Valley Fever In Canines
Valley fever, a fungal disease, can be a very difficult condition to treat. Dogs that live in Southwestern states are affected most often. Some of these states include New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California. This article will share with you everything you need to know regarding valley fever in canines.
Cause
Desert soil harbors the fungus that causes this condition. When dogs disturb the soil when digging, they can inhale some of the fungus spores. Healthy dogs’ immune systems usually take care of these spores before they can cause problems. However, sometimes the immune system isn’t quick enough to kill the infection. It will then spread to the lungs and other areas.
Symptoms
Dogs develop problems with their lungs when exposed to this fungus. This causes your dog to display signs like lethargy, coughing, fever, and weight loss. As the condition advances, he may also develop severe pneumonia.
This fungal can affect any tissue in your dog’s body. Common symptoms include neck and back pain, swollen limbs, swollen lymph nodes, and seizures. Skin ulcerations may also develop.
Treatment
The treatment for valley fever in dogs is very extensive. Treatment with antifungal medication can last from six months up to 12 months. If valley fever is relatively advanced, your dog may even have to take medication for longer than a year. It may even be necessary for your dog to take the medication for the rest of his life. Pain relievers and cough suppressants may also be necessary for your dog.
Prognosis
When this disease is properly treated, your dog will most likely recover. Most dogs show no symptoms of disease a week after starting treatment. This disease can be fatal for some dogs, so the outcome isn’t always good. The disease can easily be life-threatening to older dogs, puppies, and dogs with a weakened immune system.
Your precious pet can be susceptible to dog illnesses. Fortunately, dog-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information on a range of these conditions. Click over right now.
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