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.
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.