Tonka tested positive for Valley Fever.

[Nat Ursula]

We are trying not to be discouraged by this. Would love to hear from others who have been through this. (This means I'm trying not to cry at the moment.)

 

[BCdogs]

Huh, I hadn't heard of it before, I don't think we have it in our area. Just looked it up and it says mild cases usually resolve on their own whereas severe cases require antifungals. Does she need to be medicated?

 

[Nat Ursula]

Yes, they said her titer is 1:16?

 

[Madeleinemom]

Healing vibes to her, and positive thoughts for you as well.

 

[Cofla]

Healing vibes from me too.
Big hug for Tonka and the family.
Never heard of that condition.

Eddy

 

[steve07]

Nat m soo sorry to hear this. Big hugs to tonka from us!! I have never heard of this but tonka is a fighter. Everyone in this forum knos that. Just try to take it day by day

 

[Nat Ursula]

I got Valley Fever as soon as we moved out here. It caused double pneumonia and I was hospitalized for 3 nights. I took the anti fungals for six months. I have a residual spot on my lung that they have been monitoring every six months. I was so weak after this that it took me up to a year before I could just do simple things like vaacum my house or do groceries and walk Tonka. It is a very terrible illness. The medication is very expensive. I think $150 per month without insurance. They told me Tonka might have to be on it for years, but they don't know. They require two or three negative tests before they stop medication. A lot of dogs get it again because they sniff the ground and the spores are on the ground.

 

[Lillie May]

Ah geez Nat, how I wish you guys could catch a break! I knew people got Valley Fever, but didn't know the animals could as well. That sucks! Sending you all hugs.

 

[Capt. Roxy]

Awwww no Tonka! *hugs* *healing vibes*

 

[mark_a_]

Sorry to hear about your dog.
I just got my dog 7 months ago. I have become so attached to him. I would be heart broken.
hopefully everything works out well for you and Tonka

 

[Nat Ursula]

Thank you, everyone.

She doesn't look bad. All three Vets said her heart and lungs sounded good. We just saw her lagging behind on walks and unable to do sprints. She didn't have much power to jump in and out of the car. We knew something was wrong. Honestly, if the test came back negative I was going to be more worried than I am right now.

 

[Madeleinemom]

Thank you, everyone.

She doesn't look bad. All three Vets said her heart and lungs sounded good. We just saw her lagging behind on walks and unable to do sprints. She didn't have much power to jump in and out of the car. We knew something was wrong. Honestly, if the test came back negative I was going to be more worried than I am right now.

I agree with you - I would much rathr know what the issue is than be in the dark, and speculate around ...

 

[Toe_Tappy]

Hugs and positive vibes for you and Tonka <3

 

[Nat Ursula]

Thank you.

 

[Nat Ursula]

Titter is now 1:2 - much improved. We are looking at at least six more months of daily medication.

 

[Capt. Roxy]

Titter is now 1:2 - much improved. We are looking at at least six more months of daily medication.

Yay! That's good news!! Hope she keeps progressing!

 

[Nat Ursula]

Yay! That's good news!! Hope she keeps progressing!

Thank you.

 

[Nat Ursula]

Her titer was 1:4 this time. We are disappointed.

 

[TWadeJ]

Sorry Nat. Does that mean continued meds for foreseeable future?

 

[Derek1]

I don't really know what that count means, but I'm sorry it's bad news.