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Client Library
INFECTIOUS TRACHEOBRONCHITIS
| KENNEL COUGH |
| Kennel cough
is a very common condition of dogs caused by a number of different
bacteria and viral agents. The most common cause is the bacteria
Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Kennel cough is highly contagious and outbreaks are common in pet stores,
boarding kennels, shelters, puppy training classes, and other situations where large numbers of
dogs are stressed and in close contact with each other. Most
Bordetella infections follow viral respiratory infections that
breakdown the dogs natural defenses and allows the bacteria to move into the
respiratory tract. Clinical signs vary between dogs, but in typical cases,
the dog will develop a dry hacking cough approximately 4-6 days after
exposure. Other clinical signs may include ocular and nasal discharge,
fever, anorexia, and lethargy. Kennel cough will usually clear without
treatment, but it can before the cough resolves. During this period,
the affected dog is contagious to others and the respiratory viruses spread
easily. Occasionally, kennel cough can progress into bacterial
pneumonia as the bacteria infects the lungs. Kennel cough pneumonia is a
very serious condition that requires intensive medical therapy for the dog
to recover. |
| Symptoms |
- Dry hacking or honking type of cough
- Ocular discharge
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Fever
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| Diagnosis |
| Diagnosis is usually based on history & clinical
presentation. Most dogs present with a dry hacking cough easily elicited if
the trachea (wind pipe) is touched or squeezed gently and no other signs of
being ill. Vitals, attitude, and appetite are normal except for the cough
that seems to bother the owners more than the dogs. Although
puppies are particularly susceptible to kennel cough, it can be picked
up by dogs of any age. If coughing is severe, persistent, or if dog
is ill, diagnostics are indicated including blood work, chest
radiographs and possibly a culture of lung fluid. Kennel cough can progress to bacterial
pneumonia especially in stressed puppies (ie newly bought pet store pups
with other problems such as intestinal parasites and diarrhea) and dogs that
are brachycephalic with short faces such as Bull Dogs, Pugs, & Boxers, etc.
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| Treatment- breaking the
cough cycle |
- Most cases of kennel cough are self limiting. Treatment
is aimed at breaking the cough cycle using cough suppressant medication.
- If Bordetella bronchiseptica is suspected, many veterinarians will prescribe
antibiotics to prevent a secondary pneumonia. Even on antibiotics, pneumonia can
still develop in a small amount of dogs.
- All infected dogs should be isolated
from other animals until clinical signs (esp coughing) has resolved.
- Severe cases that do not respond to conservative therapy
require hospitalization, aggressive care (IV fluids & antibiotics) and
further diagnostics. Most non-responsive cases are due to
development of secondary bacterial pneumonia.
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| Prognosis |
| Excellent with conservative care at home for most cases,
fair in dogs that develop pneumonia or have underlying disease. |
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