Kennel Cough in Dogs
Overview:
Kennel cough (also known as
canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a complex of highly contageous upper
respiratory tract infection in dogs which results in a harsh, honking cough.
The cause may be bacterial or viral or even a mixture. The organisms most
frequently involved are;
-
Viral: Parainfluenza
-
Bacterial: Bordatella
Canine
adenovirus types CAV-1 and CAV-2, canine herpesvirus,
canine distemper & mycoplasma are other causes of kennel
cough.
The
disease is highly contageous & spreads quickly through
places where numbers of dogs can be found such as
boarding kennels or rescue centres. However it should
not be assumed that these are the only places dogs can
become infected, due to the highly contageous nature of
the disease, transmission can be quite easily passed
from one dog to another.
Kennel cough
symptoms?
The
most common symptom of kennel cough is a harsh, dry,
honking cough that becomes worse with exercise or if the
dog pulls on it's collar. Other symptoms may include;
In most
cases, kennel cough is self limiting, but occasionally it
may progress to pneumonia. In which case the following
symptoms should be watched for;
-
Loss of
appetite
-
Lethargy &
or depression
-
Difficulty
breathing
-
Fever
How is kennel cough
diagnosed?
Your veterinarian
will perform a complete physical examination & obtain a medical
history from you. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms alone. He
may wish to perform some additional tests to confirm diagnosis.
How is kennel cough
treated?
There is no cure
for kennel cough & in most cases where the dog appears otherwise
healthy, supportive care is all that is required. Exercise may be
restricted or limited (avoiding strenous exertion) until the cough
improves.
In more severe
cases treatment may involve;
Dogs with pneumonia
will need to be hospitalised.
Can kennel cough be
prevented?
Vaccination can
prevented with vaccination.
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