What is coccidioidomycosis and what are the symptoms?

Coccidioidomycosis is an infection caused by a fungus found in the environment. Dogs and cats commonly show fever, coughing, reduced appetite, and lethargy; in severe cases multiple organs may be affected.

How does a vet diagnose coccidioidomycosis?

Diagnosis typically combines blood tests, chest X-rays or other imaging, and bacterial or fungal culture alongside serological testing; a tissue biopsy may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis when necessary.

Can coccidioidomycosis spread to humans?

Direct transmission to people is generally low risk, but immunocompromised individuals should avoid contact with contaminated soil or infected secretions. Consult a medical or veterinary professional if you have concerns.

How long does treatment take before improvement is seen?

Improvement time varies depending on the stage and severity of infection. Some cases require weeks to months of follow-up. Follow your vet's instructions and attend all scheduled rechecks.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Coccidioidomycosis in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care [2025]

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the respiratory tract and multiple organs, requiring long-term antifungal treatment that may span several months to a year.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek emergency care immediately

•Persistent and significant difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
•Obvious blue or white discoloration of the lips or gums
•Continuous high fever lasting more than one day accompanied by severe lethargy

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Persistent coughing or noticeably changed breathing sounds
•Reduced appetite or significantly decreased food intake
•Markedly decreased activity level, though still able to move briefly

01What signs indicate something is wrong?

Coccidioidomycosis commonly causes systemic and respiratory signs in dogs and cats, ranging from mild to severe.

Persistent lethargy and noticeably reduced activity levels
Loss of appetite or decreased food intake
Progressive weight loss or visibly thin body condition
Fever or intermittent elevated body temperature
Coughing, changes in breathing sounds, or irregular breathing pattern
Seek veterinary evaluation promptly if symptoms are pronounced or worsening

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Persistent and severe difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
⚠️ Noticeably blue or white discolouration of the lips or gums
⚠️ Sustained high fever for more than one day combined with severe weakness

02What should you watch for at home? Observation tips and emergency criteria

Keeping a record of key changes at home helps your vet assess the condition and determine the right treatment approach.

Record appetite and actual food intake daily
Weigh your pet at consistent times and track the trend
Take temperature morning and evening and note the time and reading
Film the frequency of coughing and any episodes of laboured breathing or wheezing
Observe changes in alertness, activity level, and sleep patterns
Contact your vet immediately to arrange a visit if symptoms worsen

03How does the vet make a diagnosis? Common diagnostic tests

Your vet will use blood work, imaging, and microbiology tests to assess whether coccidioidomycosis is present and how severe it is.

Blood tests

assess overall health status and inflammatory markers

Urinalysis

rule out the influence of other systemic diseases

Chest X-ray

check for lesions in the lungs or thoracic cavity

Bacterial or fungal culture

identify the causative organism

Tissue biopsy or serological testing

help confirm infection or immune response

Advanced imaging (CT) or specialist referral if indicated

04How is it treated and managed after diagnosis? Medications, dietary changes, and care guide

Treatment is tailored to the severity of disease; a complete course and regular monitoring are essential to confirm recovery.

Complete the full anti-infective course as directed by your vet and attend all follow-up appointments
Monitor blood work or imaging to confirm the infection is under control
Maintain good nutrition and adjust diet as needed to stabilise body weight
Provide a quiet, warm, low-stress resting environment
Schedule required follow-up checks to confirm improvement in symptoms and imaging
Consider specialist referral if symptoms do not improve or continue to worsen

05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help the vet identify the cause quickly

Note when symptoms first appeared, how they have progressed, and how severe they are

Prepare a log of appetite, food intake, and toileting (urination and defecation)

List the names of all current and recent medications and supplements

Record video or audio of coughing or abnormal breathing for the vet to review

Bring any previous test reports or imaging (such as X-rays or blood results)

Call ahead to book an appointment and mention that infectious disease or specialist assessment may be needed

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.