11/29/2023
As expected, it is spreading. I'm just trying to keep everyone up to date. Still no known treatment, but the dogs that are getting pneumonia are responding to an older antibiotic Chloramphenicol ((brand names Chloromycetin® and Viceton). Just as a review here are the symptoms: coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and lethargy. HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs. Just like with other respiratory pathogens, the more contact your dog has, the greater the risk of encountering a dog that’s infectious. Those of you who follow me know that I've never been a proponent of doggie daycares or dog parks for this very reason.
2. Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs
3. Reducing contact with sick dogs. This can be harder to determine but if a dog looks sick (coughing, runny nose, runny eyes), obviously, keep your dog away from it. When you go to the vet's office: Leave your dog in the car...sign in...and then tell them to call you on your cell phone when it is your turn. Do not let your dog down on the floor. Take a clean towel into the vet's office to put on the exam table. Never let your dog p*e on the ground outside of the vet's office.
4. Hopefully all of my owners have their dogs on NuVET vitamins which really help with their immune system, as do Probiotics (Bark and Whiskers (Dr. Mercola) Complete Probiotics.
5. If you live in Texas, let's all keep an eye out for news of any cases in Texas. It will most likely get here, but maybe by the time that it does they will have learned what is causing it.