Proudly Serving San Tan Valley Arizona!

  1. Valley fever is caused by a fungus that lives in the desert soil in the southwestern United States
  2. Dogs comprise the majority of valley fever cases in animals
  3. Approximately 6-10% of dogs living in Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa counties in Arizona will become sick with Valley Fever each year.
  4. Not all dogs who breath in the spores will become sick
    • About 70% of dogs who inhale Valley Fever spores are asymptomatic and possibly immune to the disease afterwards.
  5. As part of its life cycle, the fungus grows in the soil and dries turning into strands of cells that are inhaled.
  6. Once inhaled the spores grow and turn into endo spores. This process continues and spreads the infection in the host until the immune system surrounds and destroys it. The sickness Valley Fever occurs when the immune system does not kill the spores quick enough and they spread.
  7. There is no way to prevent valley fever
    • You cannot prevent Valley Fever but you can limit the likelihood of exposure by avoiding activities that generate dust. Such as hiking, digging, sniffing.
  8. A vaccine is under development
    • It is possible a vaccine will be available in the future to prevent Valley Fever or make it only a very mild illness.

Now that we know what Valley Fever is, how do we treat it?

Valley Fever diagnostics and treatment protocol

COCCI PROFILE (CBC, CHEMISTRY, T4, COCCI TITER)

Based on presentation and clinical signs, radiographs, and CT may be indicated. However, bloodwork tends to be important in making the diagnosis. The Valley Fever Titer is not always positive.

TRIAL OF FLUCONAZOLE

A trial of fluconazole should be considered in symptomatic patients based off of blood work results. If patient shows improvement during the trial of fluconazole, treat the patient as a Valley Fever patient regardless of titer results.

TREATMENT PLAN

After 30 days of treatment blood work will be ran to look for changes in liver values and white blood cells. These values will help us determine severity of the disease, future dosing, additional medications needed, and possible duration of treatment.

In 3-4 months, your doctor may perform recheck of the blood work and Cocci (Valley Fever) titer. Blood work will be repeated to monitor values every 4-6 months moving forward. Valley Fever treatment can range anywhere from 6 months or longer. Treatment is discontinued when there are no changes in the titer (1:4 or below) for 2 consecutive blood tests in conjunction with a normal CBC and globulins or one or two years with no symptoms. Your doctor will recommend a recheck Cocci (Valley Fever) titer 3 months after discontinuing Fluconazole, to make sure that it is not returning.

Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic Reviews
  • 5 star rating

    I took my 3 month old puppy to Johnson Ranch Animal. Dr Schmidt gave Charli the once over and found an issue that will require follow up. Charli seemed to... read more

    Mel J.
    11/13/2017
  • They are the best, caring, kind and gentle. I found Dr. B. about a yr. ago and have been so thankful ever since, she and her staff are... read more

    Kathi Kane
    10/08/2022
  • As a new customer to Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic, I was impressed by the ease of making an appointment and the precautions taken by the clinic in making me and... read more

    Darlene Maly
    4/22/2020
  • No vet has been so aware of our dogs needs. Felt like family, and explained the recommendations in full detail.

    Ronald Rowley
    4/22/2020
  • 5 star rating

    I took our American Staffordshire Bull Terrior puppy here yesterday for some skin problems and he and I loved Dr. Bowers! She was fantastic and her staff was... read more

    Jessica C.
    8/29/2017
  • 5 star rating

    This is a very good animal clinic. I took my cat in because I thought something might've been in her ears but also found rash on her stomach while being... read more

    Jeff S.
    9/25/2020
  • 4 star rating

    Very friendly staff and knowledgeable Vet. Parking lot is tight for us truck owners and I wished there were Saturday hours.

    Carrie K.
    2/15/2020
  • 5 star rating

    I have taken my dog to JRAC, for 7 years. Everyone from the front office to the staff working behind the scenes exemplify care, compassion, and professional service.... read more

    Carol H.
    12/06/2019
  • Miss Kitty did fine after all her shots. Everyone was very caring and happy to listen. I'll send picture after her grooming! Thank you, Elizabeth

    Elizabeth Janssen
    4/22/2020
  • I went to my first visit today, nice place very nice staff and answer all questions. Definitely recommend them!

    antonio silva
    5/08/2020
X
Contact Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic
  • P: (480) 987-4555
  • 270 East Hunt Hwy, Ste. #4
  • San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
Request Appointment Download Our App

Clinic Hours

Open 5 Days a Week
Mon - Fri 7am-7pm
Sat - Sun Closed

For Emergency 24 hour care please visit Gilbert Queen Creek Emergency Veterinarian @ 18610 E Rittenhouse Rd Building B, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Phone: 480-674-3200
Online: gqvet.com

Contact Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic