There is a possibility that my 1yr old Bullmastiff/shep mix might have Valley Fever. He’s had a small limp that is obvious sometimes and sometimes not. Anyways, he went and got his shots today and a vet said it could be valley fever. We haven’t done any tests yet to know for sure but was wondering if a dogs immune system can fight VF off by itself? I’ve been reading all about it on the internet but can’t find anything to answer that.

1. silver wings Says:
   February 15th, 2010 at 9:57 pm

   Dogs may fight it off if their immune systems are ok, but generally it is best to treat it especially if it presents in the disseminate form affecting skin or bones.If you are in Arizona I can tell you were to get flucanazole cheap.

2. Kip's Mom *shoveling dog* Says:
   February 15th, 2010 at 10:22 pm

   I’m assuming you mean the Valley fever caused by a fungal infection. As far as I know, a dog cannot fight it off by itself, and the medicine for it is quite expensive. Good luck.

3. pupgranny Says:
   February 16th, 2010 at 1:09 am

   I think that animals and people with good immune systems can be exposed to coccidiosis fungal Valley Fever and get over it or fight it off, but if you dog has symptoms like a limp, I’d assume he needs help, and get the medicine from the vet.

   He may also have panostitis, or “pano” growing pains, from his bones growing so fast that his calcium uptake or your food being deficient in that or the vitamin c and what not he needs. That often causes growing pains, and bone inflamtion in large breed dogs 6 mos to 2 years old.

   If he was mine, he’d get 1000 mg of vitamin C a day to help prevent hip displaysia and also he’d be on Life’s Abundance dog food. You can see videos about it, and brand comparisons on this site that is NOT my site. This is what I feed my dogs.

   http://www.healthypetnet.com/whisper