11/22/2023
INFORMATION ON OUTBREAK OF A NEW CANINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE
We have had many questions after reports in the media of a new respiratory illness in dogs. Unfortunately, as of yet we have a lot more questions than answers as to the underlying cause of the disease. Because cases have only been reported in the last few months, there is a lot that is unknown. But here are some answers we have to commonly asked questions:
1) What is the cause?
There are many respiratory diseases in dogs which we classify as CIRDC (canine infectious respiratory disease complex) which used to be called "kennel cough". We can test for many of these diseases, but not all causes, and testing isn't 100% accurate in finding the cause even if the test is available. Minimally invasive testing we have performed on some of the dogs with suspected cases have tested positive for bacteria. Unfortunately, testing takes several days to get a result.
2) What are the symptoms?
CIRDC symptoms can include a dry, hacking cough (sometimes with retching at the end), nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, eye discharge, and irritation around the eyes. Dogs with classical CIRDC are not lethargic, have a fairly normal energy level, and have a normal appetite. With this new respiratory disease, symptoms start the same as classical CIRDC, but last longer and have a higher risk of turning into pneumonia.
2) How is this disease different?
Most cases of CIRDC get better on their own within 7-10 days. We are now seeing cases that are lasting longer, sometimes a month or more. Symptoms of turning into pneumonia include the cough changing into a more moist- deep cough, lethargy, reduced appetite, and more difficulty breathing.
3) Have any dogs died?
We have not had any fatalities at our hospital and have not heard any reports of any others from nearby practices.
4) How is it contracted?
The most common routes are from aerosolized droplets from a dog sneezing or coughing and inhaled by another dog. Infected surfaces called fomites such as food bowls, kennel surfaces, and human hands are another source.
5) What dogs are at highest risk?
Dogs who socialize or congregate with other dogs are at the highest risk. Indoor areas are at highest risk, such as boarding facilities, grooming facilities, and doggy day care are at highest risk. But because dogs do go "nose to nose" even play dates in the park can be a risk.
6) How do I prevent my dog from getting sick?
The best prevention is to avoid high risk areas. Keep play dates to the same dogs and make sure they are avoiding high risk areas as well. While there is no vaccine for this disease as of yet, co-infections with multiple viruses/bacteria is common with CIRDC. If your dog does go to places where risk is higher, we recommend vaccinating for diseases which can reduce symptoms. One vaccine is a nasal vaccine for Bordetella, Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus. Another vaccine is for Influenza (the dog flu). These could reduce the risk for more serious disease.
7) When will we know what the cause is and when a vaccine is available?
This is one of the things that we just don't know yet. But rest assured that we are keeping a close watch on developments.
8) Is there a treatment?
Because we don't know the cause, we don't have a specific treatment as of yet. If your dog has a mild case of CIRDC, we typically just monitor. If coughing is an issue, we can treat the symptoms with a cough suppressant. If symptoms are more severe, we typically will recommend PCR testing to look for a cause and recommend chest radiographs. Sometimes we will recommend inhalant medication or nebulizers to help viral infections. If a bacterial infection is found then antibiotics could be appropriate. As of now, all of our cases were treated outpatient (at home) and recovered/recovering well.
