Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in the desert soil. As part of its life cycle, the fungus grows in the soil and matures, drying into fragile strands of cells. The strands are very delicate, and when the soil is disturbed - by digging, walking, construction and/or high winds, it becomes airbourne. Dogs and cats acquire Valley Fever by inhaling these fungal spores in the dust raised by the disturbance. The illness occurs when the immune system does not kill the spherules and endospores quickly and they continue to spread in the lungs and sometimes throughout the animal's body. Common tests include:

• Chemistries and blood cell counts
• chest x-rays
• bone and joint x-rays
• Valley Fever blood test (also called Cocci test, Cocci Serology, or Cocci Titer)

Dogs and cats have a tendency to want to play with toads. However, toads secrete mucus through the skin that does not taste good to other animals. Some toads, however, are actually poisonous. The toxin is produced by glands in the skin of these toads. Exposure is usually through oral exposure (the cat or dog mouthing the toad), but the toxin may also be absorbed through wounds or broken skin. The animal's oral cavity and other exposed areas will be flushed with large amounts of water. Sedation may be necessary. IV fluids may be administered to maintain hydration. The animal will be monitored with an EKG to watch for heart rhythm abnormalities. Atropine may be given to help control the drooling if no heart abnormalities are present.

While people are smart enough to know the risks of hot temperatures and take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming overheated, we sometimes forget to consider our animals needs. Heat stroke can be a life threatening condition for anyone--animals included.

Animals are at an increased risk for heat stroke if they are very old or very young, overweight, not used to being outside for long periods of time, not conditioned for prolonged exercise, or if they have heart, respiratory, or certain neurological diseases. Animals that have had problems with heat stroke previously are at risk for recurrence. In addition, animals on certain types of medications, including diuretics like Lasix, are at an increased risk for heat stroke.

The following are steps to prevent or reduce the occurrence of heat stroke in our pets. First, allow animals that are not used to hot temperatures to remain outside for short periods of time only. If an animal must be outside for long periods of time, assure that there is adequate shade and fresh water available. Secondly, avoid intense exercise during the hottest part of the day. And most importantly, monitor animals frequently if they are outside for long periods of time, especially if they have any of the risk factors for heat stroke.

Normal body temperature for many of the common domestic species is about 100-102 degrees. In heat stroke, animals can experience body temperatures as great as 109 degrees. Temperatures at this level are life threatening. Brain damage can occur at temperatures above 106 degrees. Also, place booties on dogs paws when walking on the pavement. It is very easy for dogs and cats to obtain burnt pads when walking on pavement that is over 135 degrees.

Most snakes will try to avoid you and your pets; snakes typically bite only as a last resort. While you may wisely decide to walk away when you encounter a snake, dogs and cats will often harass the snake and may get bitten as a result.

While hiking, stay on open paths. Off-trail hiking can stir up snakes. Keep your dog on a leash and away from high grass and rocky outcrops in which snakes like to rest. Don't let your dog explore holes or dig under rocks or logs. Remember that snakes are nocturnal, so daytime hikes are safer. If you hear a rattling noise, keep your dog at your side until you figure out where the snake is, and then move away with your dog. Your best bet is to stay vigilant and keep control of your dog when walking in snake habitats.

There is currently a snake bite vaccine approved for the use in dogs. The vaccine creates protective antibodies, and those antibodies can neutralize some of the venom immediately. The bitten pet will still need to be examined by a veterinarian to determine just how much treatment will be necessary. The vaccine is not labeled for use in cats. A significant factor in the outcome of a venomous snake bite is how much venom was injected, but there is no way to determine that amount. If the bite injected a large amount of venom, even a vaccinated dog given massive post-trauma treatment may not survive.

However, we do know that quick action on the owner's part improves the prognosis. A venomous snake bite is a life-threatening emergency. Irreversible effects from venom begin immediately after the animal is bitten, so speed of treatment is critical. Smaller animals are likely to have more problems, because of the "dose of venom" per pound of their bodyweight.

Treatment for snake bites involves hospitalization, controlling shock, neutralizing the venom, controlling intravascular coagulation, minimizing tissue death, and preventing any secondary infection. Therefore, there may be the need to use antivenin, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, fluid therapy, etc.