Kennel Cough
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a respiratory infection caused by many different organisms. These include, but are not limited to, Bordatella Bronchoseptica, Mycoplasma spp. Corona virus 2, Parainfluenza virus, canine influenza virus, Adenovirus, distemper virus, and many other bacterial species. In some literature it is stated that over 90 organisms can cause kennel cough.
Is it contagious to other dogs?
Absolutely. We commonly equate it with the common cold in humans, due to its' highly infectious nature. Many times the stress of being away from home acts to suppress a pet's immune system, making them more susceptible to respiratory infections. This is especially true during holiday boarding times when kennels are very full.
What are the symptoms?
The primary clinical sign for this disease is coughing , usually a dry, hacking cough that worsens with activity. The cough can also resemble gagging. Some dogs will act lethargic, have a decreased appetite, show exercise intolerance, and can have a nasal or ocular discharge. Early in the disease the coughing can be intense where the dogs and their owners have trouble sleeping.
How long does it take to recover?
The cough usually slowly improves but can linger for a few weeks. Most dogs, after a day or two, will act normal except for the lingering cough.
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of this disease is primarily presumptive, if the dog has a history of boarding recently. On Physical exam, the dog will cough when the veterinarian palpates the trachea. If the dog is lethargic and has a poor appetite, the veterinarian may opt to do some diagnostic testing. The tests that can be performed include a complete blood count, thorax radiographs, tracheal wash or broncheal-alveolar lavage with or without cultures, and a PCR panel to specifically identify the organism causing the disease. Most of the time diagnostics tests do not need to be performed unless the dog is not improving or is showing signs of pneumonia.
How can we keep our dogs safe from Kennel Cough?
Preventing kennel cough involves vaccines and strict cleaning and quarantine protocols at the boarding kennels. Good air exchange in a kennel also helps control the disease.
How do we treat it?
The uncomplicated kennel cough is a self-limiting disease so there is no treatment. If dogs are coughing uncontrollably, cough suppressants and bronchodilatiors can be used. A cough is a protective mechanism that the body has. Suppressing the cough is not always the best thing to do. The complicated kennel cough is treated with antibiotics, nebulization therapy and bronchodilators. All dogs with kennel cough should have limited exercise and rest to aid in the healing process.
Is there a vaccine?
Yes, but there is no vaccine on the market that will completely protect the dog. The current vaccines provide protection from some strains of Bordatella spp. Adenovirus and parainfluenz virus. The Bordatella vaccine should be administered every 6 months or at least 5 days before boarding the pet. We must always remember vaccines for kennel cough do not eliminate rick, but they do help prevent certain strains of the disease. All reputable boarding kennels will strictly require Bordatella vaccine and will strictly enforce a quarantine protocol for any coughing dogs.
Are puppies and older dogs more susceptible?
All dogs are susceptible but the very young and the very old have more potential to develop complications, such as pneumonia.
Can humans catch it from our dogs?
No
Can a dog carry the disease and pass it to other dogs without showing any signs or symptoms?
Usually not. Dogs with kennel cough will always cough or gag.
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Dr. Ellen Leonhardt
Animal General
Est Norwich
(516) 624-7500
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