It can take up to a year to clear up Valley fever.
What Can Be Done?
In most cases, dogs that develop symptomatic VF will require treatment with an anti-fungal medication. It’s a lengthy treatment, depending on the severity of the infection, but usually lasts 6-12 months, and sometimes longer. Dogs with infection that’s invaded the brain or spine may require medication for life to keep symptoms from returning. Anti-fungal medications are very expensive, but are the only way to treat the cause of this disease.
One of the most commonly prescribed antifungal medicines is ketoconazole (Nizoral) and is the least expensive of the group. It’s given orally, with food, and our most recent experiences (2/2005) are that cost of treatment with this medicine is running $30/month. A typical dose is 1 pill, twice a day. The common side effects to Nizoral include loss of appetite and vomiting, and rarely liver problems can develop. Newer antifungal drugs are itraconazole (Sporanox) and fluconazole (Diflucan). Both drugs are reported to have fewer side effects, but they can cost significantly more. Sometimes, if a dog is experiencing uncomfortable side effects on ketoconazole, the veterinarian will prescribe one of these newer drugs. Many people travel to Mexico to obtain these drugs at a lower cost.
(In the Phoenix area, there are a few Veterinary Pharmacies that offer these medications at a significant discount. While DLRR does not endorse or recommend private businesses, we have been told that a local possible source for these medications is Pet Health Pharmacy, 12012 N. 111th Ave, Youngtown, AZ 85363, 1-800-742-0516. They have quoted prices over the phone. Consult with your veterinarian.)
The good news is that most dogs, with the appropriate medication and treatment, do recover from this disease. In fact, most dogs are acting normally, and have a very good quality of life after the first week or so of treatment with the medication. Antibody tests, also called serologies or titers, will be repeated periodically, and the results will determine the point at which the medication can be stopped.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with and treated for VF, they are probably immune for the rest of their lives from a new infection. A small percentage of dogs will die of Valley Fever, despite aggressive anti-fungal medications. These are usually dogs with severe, disseminated disease.
Because of the very regional nature of this organism, funding for research related to VF is limited. Drug companies don’t foresee enough profit in investigating or developing treatments for a disease contained within such a limited region. However, Assemblyman Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) introduced new legislation in February, 2002 to provide additional funding from the state of California for scientific research towards the development of a vaccine against VF. The bill would secure $1 million to continue the Valley Fever Research Project.
If you have a dog with VF, or have further questions about VF, please consult with a veterinarian. The information contained here is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice or a veterinary exam. Should you have any questions about your pet's health, please call or see your veterinarian immediately.
Source :
http://www.dlrrphoenix.org/VF.html
Talk with your vet about extending treatment. Print this website above and take it to him.
The cough may need to be medicated as prescibed by your vet. Here is another link for you to look at.
http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/VFID-treatment.htm
Stay with the full treatment as this is a very nasty fugal based disease. Good luck and I hope your dog shows signs of relef soon :)
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