We are aware that a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs has been reported in a growing number of states across the country, which currently include Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, Florida, New Hampshire, Rhodes Island and Massachusetts. This recent outbreak is classified as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) of undetermined cause.
What are the signs of this new type of CIRDC?
The complex of signs reported can range from an acute onset of cough and difficulty breathing with pneumonia within days to a more chronic form of cough that may also progress to pneumonia over weeks. The acute form can be life-threatening, and deaths have been reported.
What is the underlying cause?
No known cause for this current outbreak of CIRDS has been determined yet. It is suspected that a viral origin is the source of the initial infection, with secondary bacterial infections causing complications and additional signs of pneumonia.
There are many other known causes of CIRDC, also referred to as “kennel” cough. These include bacterial (Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus zooepdimicus) and a number of viral causes (influenza, parainfluenza, pneumovirus and others).
Who is at risk to be infected?
Periodically, we see increases in Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) patients that may show up as a local “outbreak”.
- Dogs that are in close contact with other dogs are at higher risk in general. Areas that this can occur include dog parks, boarding facilities, and shelters.
- This may be more common during the holiday season, as many board their dogs or travel with their dog, which increases the risk of exposure to new/unknown dogs and potential respiratory diseases.
- Some dogs, especially Brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs, are at a higher risk of concurrent aspiration pneumonia due to anatomical risk factors that lead to aspiration events when excess coughing occurs.
When should pet owners see a veterinarian?
Labored breathing in dogs is typically a medical emergency and pets having difficulty breathing should be immediately evaluated.
Coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes/nose, lethargy/weakness, and refusal of food/water are common clinical signs of respiratory illness and you should have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your dog has been exposed to other dogs.
What diagnostic tests are recommended?
Initial diagnostic testing is focused on gauging the current health status of the patient to include blood tests (complete blood count and chemistry panel) and chest radiographs.
More advanced diagnostic testing is centered around supportive care treatment to monitor blood oxygen levels and major organ function and finding a definitive cause. The latter is done with submission of a canine respiratory disease real-time PCR that tests for a broad range of bacterial and viral pathogens sent to a national reference laboratory. The laboratories are also working with the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory to identify the cause.
What is the treatment?
Supportive care with intravenous fluid therapy, cough suppressants, and oxygen therapy (as needed) is the initial treatment. Antibiotic therapy may be indicated for suspect secondary bacterial infections that can lead to progressive pneumonia.
What can pet owners do to keep pets safe?
Respiratory diseases are typically transmitted via direct contact including face to face contact, close nose contact, licking behaviors and through shared communal water bowls, and chew toys. Avoid this type of contact with other unknown dogs in areas where dogs congregate. For example, daycare, grooming, and boarding facilities, and dog parks.
Speak with your family veterinarian about the preventative vaccines that are available to protect against common respiratory illnesses.
- It is best to ensure adult pets are fully vaccinated at least 1-2 weeks before exposure to other pets, as the body’s immune system needs time to respond to vaccines.
- Having pets fully vaccinated prior to boarding, grooming, or taking them to daycare or other areas where dogs may congregate can decrease the risk of community acquired respiratory infections.
Consider having friends, family members or a qualified pet sitter care for your pet at home when you travel to limit exposure to pets outside the home that could carry infectious diseases.
If you know your dog is being treated for a respiratory illness, it is best to keep your pet at home to limit exposure to other pets.
What is Hidden Springs Animal Hospital doing to help our clients and their pets?
Our Hidden Springs Animal Hospital caregivers remain vigilant and take appropriate infectious disease precautions with any patient presenting with respiratory signs that could be infectious.
- Clients may be asked to stay in the vehicle with their pet as part of the initial triage process so that we can prepare our team with PPE and safely transport these pets into isolation exam rooms.
- This approach ensures even if a new respiratory infectious disease does make its way into our community, that we can limit the spread while providing essential care to sick pets.
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