Valley fever natural remedies
 

my 3lbs yorkie has been diagnosed with valley fever. I am absolutely treating her with the fluconazole that the vet prescribed however I would like suggestions on natural remedies that I can give her as well. I have tried honey and coconut oil but she isn't a fan...

Maggiebaby, I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. How is your baby doing? What is the titer? When you were posting before about the pneumonia, I had a feeling it might be Valley Fever. Having the accurate diagnosis is half the battle, because now your baby can get the correct treatment.

If you are looking for the best price on Fluconazole, check prices at Diamondback Drugs in Scottsdale.

Are you on Facebook? If so, there is a small private group of VF pet parents that are prety knowledgeable and supportive. The group is private but if you want to PM me your facebook info, I would be glad to get the info for the group to you.

I haven't used it personally, but know of a few people that have had success with a supplement called Desert Defense. Both Oil of Oregano and Olive Leaf Extract are natural antifungals and may be of some help. The Oil of Oregano is 'hot tasting' so I ordered some small empty capsules from Amazon and would put the drops of oil in the capsules and give it that way. MSM is also a recommended supplement for Valley Fever. Anything that will build your dog's immune system is a plus. Valley Fever isn't exactly consedered an immune related issue, but the reality is that the antifungal medications only sterilize the fungus and keep it from multiplying. It is up to the dog's own immune system to kick in and erradicate the fungus. Our holistic vet put our dog on colustrum and it made a huge difference. Also, the fluconazole is very tough on a dog's liver, so I would suggest getting started right away with something to protect the liver. We used milk thistle and samE, and then eventually switched to Denamarin (which is a combo of the two meds). Your dog should stay on the milk thistle/denamarin throughout the Valley Fever treatment. It is also a good idea to run a liver panel each time you run titers for Valley Fever, or at least every six months or so.

I'm sure you are upset with the diagnosis and I don't blame you, but please remember that Valley Fever is not the death sentence that many people think of it as. Most dogs do get through it, survive, and thrive. Its the first few months that are tough, and often it seems like the treatment is as bad as the disease. Once your baby adjusts to taking the meds - even though the treatment can last months or years - your dog can live a good quality of life even during the treatment.

One more thing - Dr. Lisa Shubitz DVM from the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at Arizona State - will be presenting a seminar in Scottsdale next month on treating pets for Valley Fever. She is known to be the expert in Arizona on Canine Valley Fever, and is well worth listening to. Tickets are free but you do have to request them in advance. Let me know if you are interested and I can provide you with the info.

Hang in there!

Diana

That is awesome! I am getting her meds from diamond back drugs :) great to know I'm getting a good price as, from what I have read, this is going to be a long processes. Please send me the information for the seminar! That would be awesome!
I didn't know dogs could have olive leaf extract, I've used it for years and love it for myself and my kids.
The only problem I'm facing now is she is such a picky eater! Any thoughts on foods that she might eat it in?

https://eventbrite.com/event/15306752910/


Here's the info for the seminar. Just click the link to reserve a seat. You do have to reserve in advance but the seminar is free.


Yes, you are in for the long haul. Average length of treatment is six months to two years. Do you know what the titer was?


As for the olive leaf, I just put it into a capsule, wrapped it in liver sausage and my dog gulped it down. I have read over and over that fluconazole absorbs better if given with a fatty food, but you know you have to be careful with fatty foods with a yorkie as they're prone to pancreatitis. If your dog is eating well, I'd just stick with your regular food. Mine wouldn't eat when he first started fluconazole, so I home cooked a meal with chicken, rice, and some veggies.


Good luck.


Diana