| Veterinary Technician Advice Kennel Cough: Not just associated with kennels! Kennel Cough? Bordettela? Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis is the technical name for this disease. The reason it is referred to as many different names is because of the origin in which it is transferred and by the organisms that can cause it. These organisms include the adenovirus type-2 virus, parainfluenza virus, canine distemper, the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica and mycoplasma, which is an organism somewhere between a virus and a bacteria. In essence it is all the same disease, but can come from different sources. It is very closely related to the organism Bordetella pertussis or better known as Whooping Cough. Although it is not certain, it is estimated that 80-90% of all cases of kennel cough are due to the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Since this disease is airborne, it can be spread from dog to dog in close quarters such as boarding facilities, grooming facilities, dog events, veterinary offices and pet shops. Even if your dog does not leave the yard they can still be susceptible to this disease if they have neighboring dogs. Those that are not vaccinated and have the disease can spread it to others while walking in highly populated dog areas such as neighborhoods and parks. Because this is an airborne disease it is highly recommended that you vaccinate your dog for the disease. Usually the incubation period (the time from which the dog gets the disease to the time they show symptoms) is 3-7 days. There are many symptoms that occur with this disease. The primary sign is a dry, hacking, spasmodic cough, which is caused by pathogens that induce inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. Many owners described the cough as either, "The dog is trying to get something out of their throat", or, "It seems as if something is stuck in their throat". Often, the owners complain about the dog coughing many times through the night and coughing up a white foamy discharge. Other symptoms that may occur are conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane lining of the eyelids), rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane), nasal discharge, ocular discharge, swollen tonsils, sneezing and wheezing. This disease is not contagious to humans however, it can be picked up by rabbits, guinea pigs and pigs. To diagnose this disease a physical exam and a history are usually all that are needed. This cough is very characteristic and can be easily elicited by massaging the dog’s larynx or trachea. If there are other symptoms such as depression, fever, yellow or green discharge from the nose or abnormal lung sounds your Veterinarian may want to perform more diagnostic test to rule out other disease or a secondary infection. Other diagnostic tests could include, but are not limited to, a CBC, chest X-ray and laboratory analysis of the microscopic organisms in the dog’s airways. Just as the common cold or flu in humans there is not a drug to kill this virus, so it must run it’s course, which can take from 2-6 weeks. Although this disease is not deadly, many times antibiotics are given to help prevent any secondary infections that may occur such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Even if all symptoms are gone the dog can still spread the virus for up too one week. There are two vaccination forms for this disease. The first is the injectable form that is good for aggressive dogs or dogs that are head shy. This form provides good systemic immunity and is given in two doses at 2-3 weeks apart after the age of four months and then annually. The second form is intranasal. This form can be given as early as 2 weeks of age and can provide immunity for 10-12 months. This vaccination must also be given annually. I hope you have enjoyed this article and will be looking forward to the last article on the diseases your dog can be vaccinated for which will be Lyme disease. Until next time, Sincerely, Kami R. Guy CVT |
| HILLSIDE KENNEL 478-668-4699 |
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