Canine Respiratory Disease
Infections
respiratory disease is a troublesome problem in dogs because it is
easily transmitted in the air or by direct contact, especially in
kennels or among dogs living together. Upper respiratory disease can
limit the dog's activity, and progress to pneumonia, which can be
life-threatening. The most common causes of respiratory infection in
dogs include canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine parainfluenza
virus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. CAV-2 is closely related
to CAV-1, the cause of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH). For this
reason, CAV-2 vaccines provide dual protection against both ICH and
respiratory disease caused by CAV-2. Infectious thracheobronchitis
("kennel cough" or "canine cough") is a persistent respiratory disease
with a harsh, dry cough, often caused by viral infection complicated by
Bordetella bronchispeptica.
Additional Information About Canine Respiratory Disease
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel
Cough is a broad term covering any infectious or contagious condition
of dogs where coughing is one of the major clinical signs. The term
tracheobronchitis describes the location of the infection in the
“windpipe” or trachea and bronchial tubes. Several viruses and bacteria
can cause kennel cough, often at the same time. These include
adenovirus type-2 (distinct from the adenovirus type 1 that causes
infectious hepatitis), parainfluenza virus, and the bacterium
Bordetella bronchiseptica. Because the infection spreads when dogs are
housed together, it is often seen soon after dogs have been in kennels,
hence the name “kennel cough”.
What are the clinical signs of kennel cough other than coughing?
Clinical
signs may be variable. It is often a mild disease, but the cough may be
chronic, lasting for several weeks in some cases. Common clinical signs
include a loud cough often describe as a “goose honk”, runny eyes and
nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite and depressed
behavior. Most cases of infectious tracheobronchitis have a
demonstrable or elicitable cough that occurs when the throat is rubbed
or palpated.
What is the treatment for infectious tracheobronchitis?
There
is no specific treatment for the viral infections, but many of the more
severe signs are due to bacterial involvement, particularly Bordetella
bronchiseptica. Antibiotics are useful against this bacterium, although
some antibiotic resistance has been reported. Some cases require
prolonged treatment, but most infections resolve within one to three
weeks. Mild clinical signs may linger even when the bacteria have been
eliminated.
How can I prevent my dog contracting Kennel Cough?
Most
vaccination programs your veterinarian will recommend contain
adenovirus and parainfluenza. Bordetella vaccination is also highly
recommended for dogs that are boarded, groomed or interact with other
dogs in areas such as dog parks.
How effective are these vaccines?
Immunity,
even if the dog has experienced a natural infection, is neither solid
nor long-lasting. We cannot expect vaccines to do much better. Since
immunity varies with the circumstances, Consult with your veterinarian
regarding specific vaccination recommendations for your pet. Which may
vary according to specific circumstances. Some kennel facilities
require a booster vaccination shortly before boarding and some
veterinarians recommend a booster vaccine every six months to ensure
maximum protection against this troublesome infection.
How are the Bordetella vaccines administered?
Bordetella
vaccination is given either by injection or intra-nasal route.
Intra-nasal refers to the liquid vaccine administered as nose drops.
This allows local immunity to develop on the mucous membranes of the
nose, throat and windpipe where the infectious agents first attack.
