The Fungus Among Us Part 1

Last year, I wrote about a Valley Fever vaccine that would soon hit the market. It’s time for an update and some things I’ve learned about the disease.

First, the update. The vaccine, Δcps1, is under review with the USDA and could be available by the end of 2025. Human vaccine studies are being performed in cooperation with the NIH and are in Phase 1 trials.

Things I’ve learned about the disease:

Valley Fever is caused by a fungus (Coccidioides), which lives in the desert soil in the southwestern United States. The spores are inhaled and settle into different body parts, human and animal. Not all who inhale get VF and will become sick. According to the University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence, it is estimated that about 70% of dogs who inhale Valley Fever spores control them quickly. These dogs are asymptomatic and are probably immune to the disease afterward. This is very similar to what happens in people.

For the unlucky 30%, Valley Fever in dogs presents several ways. More common are coughing, fever, weight loss, lack of appetite and lack of energy. In cases where the disease has spread, symptoms include lameness or swelling of limbs. The fungus has a tendency to infect bones, particularly in the legs, causing lameness, back or neck pain, abscesses, swollen lymph nodes, eye inflammation, seizures (very rare) and non-healing wounds.

Late last year, we had a relinquished hound who was a little on the skinny side, but he’s never been a big eater. The adopter, no matter how much they fed him, the hound was unable to put on weight. He would cough every once in a while, but nothing stood out. We arranged for a vet visit with the adopter’s vet. He had a blood draw and urinalysis. The blood work was mostly unremarkable except for a slight elevation in some kidney values. His urinalysis came back with an excessive amount of protein. The vet’s initial diagnosis was kidney disease. He was put on a kidney diet and given medication to address kidney disease. Seeing these findings, we consulted Briarcrest, our vet, who recommended a Valley Fever titer test. Sure enough, this dog tested positive for Valley Fever. He didn’t fit into the Valley Fever profile except for a slight sporadic cough and subtle weight loss.  Remember, he was never a big dog nor a big eater. He is now on an antifungal medication, and the kidney issues have resolved, his cough is barely present and he is slowly gaining weight.

The moral of this story is that Valley Fever presents in many different ways, often very subtle.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a Valley Fever titer test. It’s not inexpensive; currently, a titer will cost approximately $250. We spent more than $1,000 on tests, food and medication before he was correctly diagnosed.

Next month: The fungus is spreading …

Always moving forward,

Nancy