Valley Fever

Valley Fever
by Darleen Rudnick, Pet Nutritionist
and other sources

The medical name for Valley Fever is coccidioidomycosis - often called "cocci" (pronounced KOK-SEE) for short. The name of the fungus, which causes Valley Fever or "cocci", is Coccidioides immitis, which grows in soils around areas of low rainfall, high summer temperatures, and moderate winter temperatures. Valley Fever is prevalent in portions of Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, desert regions, southern portions of California, and much of the southwestern United States.

Coccidioides immitis (fungal spores) become airborne when the soil is disturbed by winds, construction, farming and other activities. The infection occurs when a spore is inhaled. The infecting spores grow in the lung tissue and become microscopic cysts called "spherules" (little spheres). Each spherule is filled with even smaller endospores. As the infection in the lung increases, the spherules burst, allowing the endospores to be discharged into the lung tissue. Each of the numerous endospores may itself grow into a spherule causing the disease to progress.

Both people and pets are susceptible to this disease, but it is not a "contagious" disease, meaning it is not passed from person-to-person, or pet-to-pet, you must breath in the spore to get it. In some cases, it can become very serious and even life threatening. Fortunately in most cases, the body will build an immunity to it.
Symptoms of Valley Fever may be:

Fever

Aching joints or lameness

Chills

Sweats

Fatigue

Cough

Flu-like symptoms

Loss of appetite

Slight cold

Skin rashes

If you feel your pet may be suffering from this disease, Purely Pets recommends seeking veterinarian advice and a blood test or culture to determine if it is Valley Fever. If after the blood test is positive you decide to treat naturally, Purely Pets recommends the following products:

Yeast & Fungal d'tox
This product contains Fresh Spilanthes Leaf & Root, Grape Root, Juniper Berry, Usnea Lichen, and Myrrh Gum tincture. It is supportive in the reduction of Valley Fever.

Immuno Stim'r
This replication of Renee Caisse's formula (ESSIAC Tea) has been widely used for over 50 years, successfully addressing cancers, cysts, tumors, degenerative diseases, viral and bacterial infections. It stimulates the immune system and is effective in fighting stubborn infections. Contains fresh organic, wild crafted Sheep Sorrel, Burdock Root, Slippery Elm and Turkey Rhubarb Root.

Nupro or Mega Pet
Purely Pets recommends Mega Pet for pets 20 lbs. and over. It is in capsule form and may be difficult for smaller pets to swallow. Nupro is suggested for pets 20 lbs. and under. Both supplements are high potency, nutritional supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Valley fever is on the rise because of the growing number of pet owners moving to areas where the disease is common. Recent natural disasters have also triggered a rise in Valley Fever cases. To date, there is no vaccine against this disease. Persons or animals should avoid exposure to dust and dry soil in areas where this disease is common.

If you have further questions, or are interested in more in-depth information regarding Valley Fever, we urge you to contact Purely Pets today!

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Last Modified: January 12, 2008