Kennel cough
Kennel cough is a syndrome affecting canines[1] . Characterized as inflammation of the upper respiratory system, it can be caused by viral infections, such as canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus or Orthomyxoviridae Influenzavirus, or bacterial infections, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica.[2] It is so named because the infection can spread quickly among dogs, such as in the close quarters of a kennel.
Infection
Both virus and bacterial causes of kennel cough are spread through the air by infected dogs sneezing and coughing. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and through direct contact. It is highly contagious, even days or weeks after symptoms disappear. Symptoms begin usually two to three days after exposure,[2] and can progress to pneumonia.
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[edit] Symptoms
Symptoms can include a harsh, dry, hacking cough, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting in response to light pressing of the trachea or after excitement or exercise. The presence of a fever varies from case to case. The disease can last initially from 10–20 days and can rebreak when the dog is put into a stressful situation which puts stress on the dog's immune system. Diagnosis is made by seeing these symptoms; having a history of exposure is also helpful, but not always found, as kennel cough is easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as the ground, toys, and sidewalks.
[edit] Treatment and prevention
Antibiotics are given to treat any bacterial infection present. Cough suppressants are used if the cough is not productive. Prevention is by vaccinating for canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. In kennels, the best prevention is to keep all the cages disinfected. In some cases such as Doggie Daycares or Non-Traditional Playcare type boarding environments, it is usually not a cleaning or disinfecting issue, but rather an airborne issue, as the dogs are in contact with each other's saliva and breath. Although most kennels require proof of vaccination, the vaccination is not a fail-safe preventative. Just like the human flu, even even after receiving the vaccination, you can still contract mutated strains or less severe cases.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Crawford, Cynda. "Media Briefing on Canine Influenza". http://www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/t050926.htm. CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/t050926.htm. Retrieved Current.
- ^ a b Ettinger, Stephen J.;Feldman, Edward C. (1995). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (4th ed. ed.). W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-6795-3.
