Veterinary Technician Advice Kennel
Cough: Not just associated with kennels!
By Kami R. Guy, CVT
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 diseases 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 its 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 to 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.
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