Desert Dangers

VALLEY FEVER- Coccidiomycosis, or Valley Fever, is a disease caused by a fungus which exists as a mold found in the soil of the Sonoran Desert.  The disease can affect most species of domestic animals, exotic animals and even people.  It is not considered contagious from one animal to another or from animals to human.  The disease occurs as a result of of the inhalation of fungal spores directly from soil or from dust in the air.  Valley Fever can effect nearly every system in the body and can have symptoms ranging from a mild cough, to limping and neurological signs.  Early stages of the disease usually start out with listlessness, anorexia or loss of appetite and fever.  A blood test sent for analysis at a laboratory can determine if your pet has been exposed to Valley Fever.  Treatment of the disease consists of anti-fungal medications and other supportive care.  Some dogs cannot be "cured" of Valley Fever, but often the disease can be controlled with medications.

TICK FEVER- Tick Fever, or Ehrlichia Canis, is a tick transmitted disease affecting dogs.  The brown dog tick carries the organism causing Ehrlichiosis and transmits the disease while feeding on the dogs blood.  The best prevention of the disease is to prevent ticks.  This should include checking your dog's skin daily for ticks, and using tick treatments such as Frontline or Advantix.   Tick Fever is diagnosed with a simple blood test that is usually sent out to a laboratory. Symptoms of tick fever can range from mild lethargy and fever, to not wanting to eat and nose bleeds.  Treatment of E. Canis involves a course of antibiotics and possibly other supportive care.

HEAT/SUN STROKE-  Living in Southern Arizona, it is not uncommon for our pets to suffer from heat/sun stroke, due to the excessive temperatures and dry heat.  Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting and drooling.  In severe cases, pets may collapse and appear unconscious.  Heat stroke is a medical emergency and should not be taken lightly.  If you notice these symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian.  Prevention of heat stroke is the best policy!  Pets should always have shelter from the sun and heat, and plenty of fresh water should always be available.  In addition to proper shelter at home, pets should never be left in parked cars! Temperatures in a parked car can reach astronomical numbers in just minutes, turning your car into an oven.  Pima Animal Control has laws enforcing these guidelines and legal action is often taken against pet owners who disregard them. 

SNAKES-  Many species of snakes call the Sonoran Desert their home, and while not all snakes are dangerous and poisonous, they should all be avoided whenever possible.  Rattlesnakes are notably the most dangerous snake in the Southwest.  Rattlesnake bites are a serious and life threatening emergency for any pet or person who is unlucky enough to get bit.  Pets should be rushed to the nearest emergency clinic for treatment.  Treatment often involves anti-venom injections, intraveneous fluids, high doses of antibiotics and generalized supportive care with pain control.  Recovery from snake bites is a long and drawn out process and unfortunately some pets do not recover.  Prevention of snake bites is the best policy.  Avoid all snakes whenever possible and keep yards free of debris. 

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COLORADO RIVER TOADS-  Colorado River Toads are small toads that appear during the monsoon season in the Southwest.  These toads secrete their toxin through pores in the skin when they feel threatened.  Pets who pick up a toad and get the toxin in their mouth suffer from neurological problems that if not treated can cause death.  If your pet disturbs a Colorado River Toad, call your veterinarian immediately for instructions.  Again- prevention in the best policy.  Remove all toads from your yard and keep places where your pets reside free of debris.

JAVELINA-  Javelina are wild pigs that roam the Southwest.  They do not see well and are easily startled.  Javelina mothers are very protective of their young and will often defend them aggressively.  Even though Javelinas are "just pigs" they can cause quite a bit of damage when they attack.  Dogs should not be allowed to torment or chase javelina, regardless of their size.  If you should come across javelina at any point, leave them alone and go as far away from them as possible.

COYOTES-  Coyotes have become so used to people that they are often seen in suburban neighborhoods.  They will prey on small domestic animals such as cats and small dogs.  Coyotes also carry mange, which is a mite infection in the skin that can be transmitted to other animals and in some cases even to people.  Do not leave small pets outside unsupervised especially in the early morning and late evenings.  Discourage coyotes from roaming your neighborhood by not leaving food out for them or other animals and by keeping garbage securely contained.  Should your pet come in contact with a coyote and become injured, immediately call your veterinarian for instructions.