About Gold Canyon Dog Owners Group

Nikkomycin Z (NikZ) was discovered by a major pharmaceutical company in the 1970s. This drug is made by a bacteria and acts by blocking the enzyme that makes “chitin,” an important building block in fungal cell walls. People and animals do not make chitin and the enzyme target of NikZ is absent. Therefore, NikZ might have little or no toxicity for the patient. In the 1980s, experiments in mice demonstrated that NikZ was a very effective treatment for Valley Fever and might cure it. An actual cure would be a major breakthrough. A small pharmaceutical company started clinical development of NikZ but this activity stopped in 2000 when the company failed. For the next five years, a small foundation in California tried to find a pharmaceutical company to continue development of NikZ but was unsuccessful. The consensus was that the problem of Valley Fever – and therefore the market for drugs to treat it – was “too small” and profits not sufficiently large. At that point, the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona assumed sponsorship of the project and restarted Nik Z’s development.

Because of their susceptibility and popularity as human companions, dogs comprise the majority of animal cases of Valley Fever. Owners spend hundreds to thousands of dollars each year, especially in Arizona, diagnosing, treating, and following up care for their dogs with Valley Fever.

Education, research, and improved clinical treatment are the missions of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/ValleyFeverInPets/Default.aspx Lisa Shubitz, DVM, frequently engages in talks and seminars for both veterinary care groups and dog owners. Dog clubs, rescue organizations, and the Tucson Public Library are among the groups to whom she has given seminars.

Research is the backbone of medical advances that improve clinical treatment. Vaccines, drugs, better diagnostic tests, and understanding host responses are topics under current study at the Valley Fever Center. There is an active study underway testing the efficacy of a new Valley Fever drug, Nikkomycin Z, in dogs with Valley Fever pneumonia.

Nikkomycin Z Study in Dogs

The NikZ dog study is no longer recruiting candidates.
We are eagerly awaiting the study results
November 2011

Summary
Valley Fever is considered an “orphan disease” because at any one time fewer than 200,000 people in the United States are sick from this infection. However, about two-thirds of the infections are in Arizona and most of those in Maricopa County. The Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona is the only academic research institution in the world focused on this disease. Taking the lead in developing a possible Valley Fever cure is very much within its mission. Center efforts have capitalized on the University of Arizona’s academic strength in biochemistry, proteomics, genetics, pharmacology and medicine. As a result, a drug that otherwise has been ignored by pharmaceutical companies now is in active development. University of Arizona researchers hope that this, along with other research into improved diagnostics and ultimately a preventative vaccine, ultimately will be a boon to public health across the Southwest and most especially in Arizona.

Gold Canyon D.O.G. - Dog Owners Group, through the Kramer's Valley Fever Fund, has been one of the organizations involved in Valley Fever Awareness, Education and Fundraising.

Seventy percent of dogs recover from Valley Fever, if treated. It is important to be aware
of the symptoms and treat the disease as soon as possible

This program is only offered through Animal Health Consulting, LLC, a clinical veterinary research group. The procedures are done at select locations in throughout Arizona and their veterinay evaluation network in Arizona.

About the Procedure: This procedure is done at only a few clinics in Arizona.
Initial Visit (about 1 hr): A veterinarian will discuss a variety of topics, including Valley Fever, the immune system, use of immune modulators, potential side effects, and regulatory policies. Owners are required to sign an informed consent. A baseline blood sample is taken for later immunological analysis.

Follow up Visits (30-45 minutes): Dogs are normally seen back 1-2 more times at two week intervals to review progress and administer the immune modulator. Additional blood samples are taken for later immunological analysis.

Eligible Patients: Dogs that are unresponsive to anti-fungal drugs and continue to have clinical signs of the disease. In addition, dogs that have been on 6 months or more of antifungal drugs and are known to relapse after discontinuation of medication.

Disclaimer
The Canine Valley Fever Network is NOT associated with the Valley Fever Center forExcellence at the University of Arizona


Many of these dogs are survivors of Valley Fever 70% of dogs recoverfrom the disease	Ciara Petronzio, 13 years old has been working on Canine Valley Fever awareness for 7 years http://www.PenniesForPups.com


Veterinarian Dr. Lisa Schubitz and Dr. John Galgiani, from the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/	The Valley Fever Walk for the Cure was held in downtown Phoenix, near the Medical Center of the University of Arizona

Because of the success of the clinical trials held for 3 years, new
clinical trials will start in 2011 for humans.
At present two dogs are being tested with the promising drug Nikkomycin Z

We participated in the first annual Valley Fever Walk for the Cure in downtown Phoenix. More than 200 people and about 80 dogs attended the event. Present were Dr. John N. Galgiani, Director and founder of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona in Tucson, and Dr. Lisa F. Shubitz, Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology University of Arizona.

ZEUS is a 3-year old Pit Bull Terrier who was diagnosed with a severe case of Valley Fever on March 7, 2007. On March 14 ZEUS had successful open heart surgery. The 3 1/2 hour procedure removed the pericardial sac from around the heart. If it had not been done, the sac could have fused to the heart and ZEUS could have developed fatal restrictive heart failure. The surgery was ZEUS' only hope of overcoming Valley Fever. Dr. Lisa Shubitz and Dr. Sharon Dial, from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology at the University of Arizona were consulted as well. The surgery was preformed at the Sonoran Veterinary Specialist Clinic in Phoenix. Phone 602-765-3700. Open 24 Hours. http://www.sonoraveterinaryspecialists.com/index.html

ZEUS is doing remarkable well! He went for a recheck on Thursday, March 22 (just 8 days after his surgery), Dr. Soderstrom said everything was great; heart rate, tempeature, no infections, etc. So he has definitely turned a corner. In fact, he has gained the 18 pounds he lost in the previous 2 weeks before his surgery.
A story was featured in the Scottsdale and East Valley Tribune on March 15 reporter John Leptich wrote a moving story about ZEUS, the "gentle giant", with a great picture by Paul O’Neill of the Tribune http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/life/pets/article_ebcabed7-eec4-5616-8a9b-88272741490d.html. Fundraising drives were started by friends to help with the more than $5,000 of surgery costs. Then an “Angel” from Fountain Hills who read the story, called Don to tell him that he would pay for ZEUS’ surgery, in full! Furthermore, his daughter, a senior in High School decided that she would like to go to the University of Arizona and become a Veterinarian. Wonderful people, and a story that touched the hearts of so many.

Finally, we had a chance to meet ZEUS and his "Dad" Don. As you can see from the pictures he looks wonderful, and has fully recovered. ZEUS wants to say THANKS to everyone for the prayers and loving emails he has received from his 4-legged friends.

August 28, 2008
"I am happy to report that ZEUS is 100% cured. He doesn't even take his medication any more. He went off meds in January because they could find no more trace of Valley Fever. So sometimes miracles happen. I am grateful that God spared my boy and that I was referred to Sonoran Vets before it was too late."

October 2009
"ZEUS will be 6 in November. He is completely cured of Valley Fever. He is the picture of health; very active and alive. He loves to go to the dog park to play with his friends and he brings me a lot of joy."

"In case your are wondering, the photo of Zeus is one where he came through the doggy door at my brothers house, and the frame of the door stuck on him. It was so funny. He looked at us as if to say, "Hey they don't make these doors big enough. In fact the door was for a mini schnauzer."

August 2011
ZEUS crossed the Rainbow Bridge in August of 2011- he died of heart failure. Dad Don said: "ZEUS lived a wonderful and healthy life after his surgery back in 2007"
This is the last picture taken of ZEUS -

Re-printed from the Valley Fever Center for Excellence
University of Arizona website
http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/

Valley Fever is primarily a disease of the lungs that is common in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides sp., which grows in soils in areas of low rainfall, high summer temperatures, and moderate winter temperatures. These fungal spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by winds, construction, farming and other activities. In susceptible people and animals, infection occurs when a spore is inhaled. Within the lung, the spore changes into a larger, multicellular structure called a spherule. The spherule grows and bursts, releasing endospores which develop into spherules. Valley Fever symptoms generally occur within three weeks of exposure. Valley Fever is NOT a "contagious" disease, meaning it is not passed from person to person. Second infections are rare.

Valley Fever can be a serious illness. It is estimated that there are about 100,000 cases in the southwestern U.S. each year, most of which resolve on their own. In patients with serious complications from the disease and those with immunosuppression (including AIDS and organ transplants), diagnosis and treatment is often complicated and expensive, and current therapy is sometimes inadequate to cure patients. Additionally, many visitors from regions where Valley Fever is not endemic develop Valley Fever after returning home from the Southwest, and their physicians may not be familiar with the disease.

The Valley Fever Center for Excellence (VFCE) was established in 1995 and is located at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System's facility (Tucson VA Medical Center) and is jointly sponsored by the University of Arizona and the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System.

The VFCE operates an informational HOTLINE 520-629-4777 for information about the disease, its diagnosis and treatment, as well as referrals to the Valley Fever Clinics and physicians. The VFCE maintains a website (English and Spanish) and answers questions by electronic mail vfever@email.arizona.edu

http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/ValleyFeverInPets/Default.aspx- The Valley Fever Center for Excellence (VFCE)
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/pcvf/ - Project Canine Valley Fever message board. This message board has been created to offer support, encouragement and a shoulder to cry on to those with canines' battling Valley Fever
http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/VFCE%20OLD/Spanish/index.htmFiebre de Valle - Valley Fever information in Spanish
http://www.valleyfever.com - Valley Fever Vaccine Project of the Americas
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0020002 - The article "Coccidioidomycosis- A Fungal Disease of the Americas" was written by Valley Fever Project Director Richard Hector with Rafael Laniado-Laborin of Mexico. It was published in January of 2005 by PLoS Medicine. PLoS Medicine is an open-access journal published by the nonprofit organization Public Library of Science
http://www.valleyfeversurvivor.com - A very informational website that includes: Frequently Asked Questions, Glossary, Action Letters and so much more

Officer Todd Johnson and K-9 SEIKO from the Gilbert Police Department.
SEIKO is a three-year-old, eighty-pound, Belgian Malinois imported from Holland. During his youth, SEIKO distinguished himself in a Dutch dog sport called KNPV, which is roughly translated as Royal Dutch Police Dog Association. In these competitions the dogs are run through a series of police dog related tests, which include obedience, agility and suspect apprehension. SEIKO underwent six weeks of training at the Gilbert Police Department where he was trained in narcotics detection and brushed up on his patrol dog skills. SEIKO and Officer Todd Johnson certified on September 15th and have already hit the streets.
Picture and text taken from the Gilbert Police Department website http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/police/k9.cfm

Officer Ben Lavis and K-9 BARCA from the Gilbert Police Department.
Officer Lavis was selected to the K-9 program in August, 2004. K-9 BARCA is his partner and is dual certified as a Patrol/Explosive canine. They received their training and certifications from the Gilbert Canine Unit and the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office.
K-9 Officer BARCA is a four-year old, Seventy pound Belgian Malinois from Holland. Prior to his acquisition by the Gilbert Police Department, he received a certification from the Royal Dutch Police Dog Association. BARCA recently received a stainless steel tooth, giving him a bit of a shiny smile!
BARCA and Officer Lavis have been on streets working patrol and have been used in several different calls for service. Recently, BARCA located a vehicle burglary suspect who had fled from patrol officers by hiding in a lake up to his chin! He was taken into custody.
Picture and text taken from the Gilbert Police Department website http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/police/k9.cfm

Officer Lavis and Officer Johnson from the Gilbert Police Department getting ready for a demonstration with BARCA.

Pinal County Sheriff Deputy Danny Richerson and his faithful companion K-9 FAZO, a 4-year old Belgian Malinois who has survived Valley Fever. FAZO is currently on medication for the disease, he is responding to treatment very well and working hard to apprehend the "bad guys"

Pinal County Sheriff's K-9 Officer FAZO and his handler Deputy Danny Richerson.

Which he did! The "bad guy" is Ernie Lindley, a volunteer Posse member for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

The Arizona Department of Public Safefy Officer Louis "Doug" Torres and his K-9 ALEX . ALEX is a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois who is currently on medication for Valley Fever. He is an all purpose dog.

Sandy Bellmore with her dogs SKIPPER & TOBY -TOBY is a survivor of Valley Fever-; Andrew Means with SPARKY -another survivor of Valley Fever- and RICKY; Kay Rutledge with her GRACIE, she is on medication for Valley Fever- from Gold Canyon, and Dr. Sharon Dial from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of the University of Arizona

From left to right:
Shannon Lorenz, Dr. Sharon Dial, Marta Saint-James. and Curt Fonger. Shannon Lorenz and Teri Rogo (not in the picture) both had rescue Greyhounds with Valley Fever. When Shannon lost her beloved Jeffrey to the disease, they formed Project Canine Valley Fever and Jeffrey’s Fund, which raised over $2000 for veterinary research.

Deputy Richerson from the Pinal County Sheriff's Office and FAZO relaxing after a great demonstration.

Cosmo Dog Park beautiful grounds. Dogs are welcome to swim in the lake. Humans are not!

We are very grateful to the Town of Gilbert for
allowing us the use of Cosmo Dog Park.
The park is located on Ray Rd., between Higley and Greenfield Rds.

A German Shepherd born in Holland, Cosmo van Blitsaerd began working for the Gilbert Police Department in 1993. While on duty in 1996, Cosmo ripped her tendon while apprehending a suspect, an injury she never fully recovered from. Despite walking with a limp, Cosmo courageously continued her service to the people of Gilbert. Ultimately, a degenerative eye disease
forced Cosmo into retirement in May, 1999.
Loyal to the end, Cosmo passed away on May 29, 2002.
COSMO DOG PARK
in the Town of Gilbert was named in her memory.
Picture and text taken from the Gilbert Police Department website http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/police/k9.cfm

KRAMER was our beloved Golden Retriever who died from complications of Valley Fever on January 15, 2005. We donated his body for research to the Valley Fever Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Arizona. We established the Kramer's Valley Fever Fund in his memory. ALL proceeds from fundraising events will go to the University of Arizona Veterinary Laboratory for further research of the illness.

The quilt was raffled at the Canyon Arts Festival in Gold Canyon on January 28, 2006. The lucky person who won Kramer's Valley Fever Memorial Quilt is Regina Barnhill, a resident of Gold Canyon and a proud "Mom" of a rescued Cocker Spaniel named Durango.
We raised $1,830 for canine Valley Fever research. Dr. Sharon Dial from the Valley Fever Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Arizona was given the check at the event.
If you would like more information about canine Valley Fever, please visit http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/ValleyFeverInPets/Default.aspx

VALLEY FEVER

Nikkomycin Z Study in Dogs