Why is my dog coughing, tilting head, and curling lip? Valley Fever?

Hi there! To answer your question, yes, dogs can get Valley Fever. Here is a handout about Valley Fever in Dogs from the VCA Animal Hospital: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Coccidioidomycosis.aspx Here is also a link to a CDC website that mentions the area of California where Valley Fever is endemic: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Coccidioidomycosis.aspx I hope you find this answer helpful! Best of luck!

Sorry to hear this! With valley fever the fungi that cause it tend to form groups in the lungs tissue that are then walked off. There isn't much in the way of educate produced so you get a dry cough as opposed to a wet one. It is therefore unlikely that an expectorant would help as the disease is not producing mucus and such. Furthermore valley fever can occur in humans so it's best to limit the amount of potential aerosolised organism.

Hi. Coughing can be caused by a lot of things. It can be allergies, irritants, infection, heart disease, tracheal collapse, valley fever, upper respiratory disease, and more. Olive will need an exam to start and then most likely xrays and labs. Veterinary expenses are unfortunately a part of pet ownership. If it helps you can apply for a medical credit card called care credit at carecredit.com

Hello. Valley Fever is a fungal infection that typically originated in southwestern United States. Dogs contract it by inhaling spores from the fungus which lives in the soil. There are different prognoses for Valley Fever depending on how severe or advanced the infection is. If it is isolated to the respiratory tract, lungs...the prognosis is good but requires long term treatment ....usually 6-12 months of oral antifungal medications. If the infection has settled in bones , lymph nodes or internal organs require treatment for up to a few years and the prognosis is guarded. The most advanced form involves the brain and/or spinal cord. This can require lifelong treatment. The medications are somewhat expensive and can have side effects. Your veterinarian may periodically want to do bloodwork to make sure the medication is not causing problems such as liver disease. This is not a quick fix disease and it would be important to know how advanced this dog’s infection is so you can plan on the future expenses and treatment plan. Best of luck in your adoption process. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

That would be unusual for him to have Valley Fever. Your vet could biopsy the lesions to help diagnose the problem. If your vet can not diagnose than you could take your dog to a veterinary dermatologist to help determine the exact cause. Also, if he has not been on an antibiotic than your vet could try an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory and see if that helps. Hope he feels better soon!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with a respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a tracheitis/bronchitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

The primary form of the disease typically stays in the lungs. The disseminated form can affect different parts of the body. While the gums aren't commonly affected, it may be possible. If Rocco has a degree of periodontal disease, this could be a cause or contributing factor. Address it, if necessary, and see if the gingivitis improves.