Because of their susceptibility and popularity as human companions, dogs comprise the majority of animal cases of Valley Fever. Owners spend hundreds to thousands of dollars each year, especially in Arizona, diagnosing, treating, and following up care for their dogs with Valley Fever.

Education, research, and improved clinical treatment are the missions of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence. Lisa Shubitz, DVM, frequently engages in talks and seminars for both veterinary care groups and dog owners. Dog clubs, rescue organizations, and the Tucson Public Library are among the groups to whom she has given seminars.

Research is the backbone of medical advances that improve clinical treatment. Vaccines, drugs, better diagnostic tests, and understanding host responses are topics under current study at the Valley Fever Center. There is an active study underway testing the efficacy of a new Valley Fever drug, nikkomycin Z, in dogs with Valley Fever pneumonia.

Other studies that might benefit dogs in the future include testing combinations of drugs, and determining absorption of various formulations of the drug itraconazole.

The Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson is the hub of clinical Valley Fever research involving companion animals in southern Arizona. VSCOT supports the research by providing hospital facilities where animals can be involved in studies of treatments or new diagnostic tests for Valley Fever. Diagnostic studies occurring at VSCOT at this time:

Pathogene - Study to determine if Valley Fever can be detected in sick dogs by testing saliva. This study is very simple to be enrolled in. The dog chews a cotton swab to wet it with saliva and the veterinarian draws a blood sample. The owner signs a consent form and the saliva and blood samples are sent to Pathogene for analysis. There is no direct benefit to the dog or owner, but overall results could improve diagnostics in dogs and people in the future.

Mira Vista Labs - Study to determine if Valley Fever can be detected in sick dogs by testing urine. This study is very simple to be enrolled in. The veterinarian collects urine and blood from the dog. The owner signs a consent form and the urine and blood are sent to Mira Vista Labs for analysis. There is no direct benefit to the dog or owner but overall results could improve diagnostics in dogs and people in the future.

The vast majority of funds to perform clinical studies in dogs arise from donations to the Valley Fever Companion Animal Fund. Click here to donate to Valley Fever research that benefits dogs by designating 'Valley Fever Companion Care Fund'.

Support groups:

GoldcanyonDOG.org (Phoenix area)

Valley Fever Alliance (Tucson chapter)

Arizona Victims of Valley Fever (Phoenix chapter)