You may have seen news reports about a mysterious canine respiratory disease throughout the United States. You may be concerned about your pet’s health and safety and have many questions. Although much about this wave of respiratory disease remains unanswered, we will attempt to keep you updated as new information comes to light.
Traditionally, canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) has been generically called “kennel cough”. Kennel cough is a syndrome of coughing and occasionally involves sneezing and ocular discharge. There are many bacteria and viruses that can cause “kennel cough”. To best protect your pet, keep them up to date on vaccines that prevent known strains of “kennel cough”.
They are as follows:
· Bordetella- we recommend it twice yearly to provide enhanced protection.
· Canine Influenza- a bivalent canine influenza vaccine is recommended.
· Distemper/Parvo- this vaccine also protects against adenovirus and parainfluenza (two causes of kennel cough)
The cause (viral or bacterial) of this new more serious strain has yet to be characterized. In other words: we do not know the germ that is causing this. It could be a new germ, or one of the more well-known causes listed above, but mutated into a different form.
Historically, contagious respiratory disease spreads more easily in areas with poor ventilation and where large numbers of dogs congregate. Where and when possible, avoid areas with high number of dogs of unknown vaccination/health status. Temporarily at Neffsville Veterinary Clinic we are discontinuing any group play programs in our resort. Dogs are housed separately and walked separately. Furthermore, we have 10 ERV units on our facilities roof so that no air is recirculated, and pathogens/particulates are filtered, thereby lowering the risk of contagious disease spread.
If your pet is coughing, please call for an appointment and avoid taking your dog to public areas. Upon arrival for your appointment, you will be asked to wait in the car while we prepare a separate or isolated room to examine, diagnose, and treat your pet.
