Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) from inhaling fungal spores causes severe systemic illness in cats living in arid southwestern regions.
Cats with disseminated valley fever experience prolonged systemic illness that is painful, debilitating, and resource-intensive to treat. Bone infection causes chronic pain at affected sites, while lung involvement impairs breathing. The treatment period extends over a year with monthly monitoring. Cats in endemic areas who spend time outdoors are at highest risk. Owner education about the signs of valley fever enables earlier diagnosis when treatment is most effective.