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Treating Skin Ulcers and Bone Infection From Valley Fever

by A reader

Reader Question
I adopted a mini Australian Shepherd who developed intermittent pain in his front leg, diagnosed as arthritis. Later he got an open sore on that leg. A tissue sample showed the valley fever fungus, and X-rays showed a change in the bone that looked like cancer. His lungs looked clear, and a blood test was negative. I live in an area where it isn't common. He's on an oral antifungal, and I clean the sore, apply an ointment and keep it bandaged. It was almost healed when a new swollen lump appeared higher on the same leg, which still hurts and is still swollen. I give him aspirin for dogs when he limps. Is there anything else I should be doing?


Answer from Our Team

Valley fever that has settled in the bone needs long-term treatment, often 6 to 12 months or more, and new sores or abscesses can appear as the infection drains while treatment takes effect. A new swelling over infected bone is common, but it's worth telling your vet and possibly rechecking with X-rays to see whether the bone is improving.

Because this is uncommon where you live, ask your vet to consult with a veterinary school or internal medicine specialist familiar with valley fever. They can advise on the dose, monitoring and whether a different antifungal would work better for bone infection. Blood antibody tests can be negative early or with limited infection, so follow-up testing helps.

Please check with your vet before giving aspirin, as it can cause stomach problems and doesn't mix well with some medicines. Your vet can suggest safer pain relief. Keep the sore clean and covered, and limit his exercise while the bone heals.

See valley fever in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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