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How Kennel Cough affects your dog Kennel Cough, also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis or Bordatella, is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that affects dogs worldwide. There are several different organisms that can cause Kennel Cough, but the most common pathogens (disease causing organisms) involved are Parainfluenza virus, Bordatella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma bacteria, as well as Canine adenovirus type 2. The most common viral agent to cause this disease is Parainfluenza virus and the most common bacterial agent responsible is Bordatella bacteria. While just one of these pathogens can cause an animal to suffer from clinical symptoms, they more often-than-not occur in combination with one or more different pathogens. Kennel Cough is spread through aerosolized droplets from an infected dog to an otherwise healthy animal. The disease itself commonly occurs in boarding facilities, clinics and animal shelters, but can be spread to animals via indirect contact. It is important to know that while Kennel Cough is a disease that produces a harsh cough, animals that are recently recovering from the disease may show no clinical signs at all, but are actively shedding the disease, therefore putting other animals exposed to them at risk. Symptoms The most common symptom of Kennel Cough is a dry hacking or honking cough, usually accompanied by retching. In mild cases the disease may also involve a mild nasal discharge. In mild cases the disease is self-limiting and signs will regress within a few days, with the assistance of pharmaceuticals like antibiotics and cough suppressants. In more severe cases the disease can progress to the point where affected animals suffer from a loss of appetite, lethargy, pneumonia and in some cases — even death. Diagnosis Diagnosing Kennel Cough is usually based on clinical signs, history or evidence of exposure to other dogs. Diagnostic laboratory tests like cultures and blood work can be performed to confirm the diagnosis; however, due to the nature of the disease, with its classic symptoms, these tests are rarely performed. Treatment Treatment usually depends on the severity of the disease. Mild forms of Kennel Cough resolve relatively quickly with cough suppressants and sometimes antibiotic usage is warranted. In more severe cases, where the animal may be suffering from fevers, loss of appetite and/or pneumonia the animal may require antibiotics, fever reducers and possibly bronchodilators (that will open the airways and provide for easier breathing). In life-threatening cases, hospitalization may be required. Prevention The best prevention is to minimize your dogs exposure to other dogs. While that may not be possible, there are other options that one can take to protect their dog. Most five-in-one vaccines provide protection against the Parainfluenza virus, while separate Bordatella vaccines will protect against the bacterial component of the disease. Animals that may need housing while their owners are on vacation should be current on their vaccinations and owners should consider having the Bordatella vaccination become a part of their routine vaccination series if they know that their pet will be boarded in a kennel facility often. To have your pet questions answered, send an e-mail to purrfectpets1@gmail.com or call Dr. Bridgette Johnson at 364-8101. Monday, June 15,2009