Currently we are seeing our typical cases of seasonal upper respiratory diseases that are more prevalent around the holidays each year. We have had some cases of prolonged coughing despite treatment in dogs that are otherwise normal, and we have had a few cases with pneumonia that required hospitalization. We would like to stress that this is in line with what we have seen in previous years during this season.
At this writing, there have been confirmed outbreaks of respiratory diseases in other states with an unknown cause that seems to be affecting some dogs very rapidly, resulting in severe pneumonia.
We do not know what the cause is of this severe disease, but multiple labs are working on this. We will update you when more information is available, but also would like to remind you that Bordetella and canine influenza, as well as many other common respiratory pathogens are still out there and result in some of these same symptoms.
If your dog is coughing, please contact us. IF we determine that an appointment is necessary, we will ask that you keep your dog in the car. We recommend all dogs be up to date with Bordetella and canine influenza vaccines. IF your dog has been coughing, EVERY dog in your household should stay home and avoid contact with other dogs for at least 10-14 days after the LAST COUGH. We recommend avoiding boarding and day care options if at all possible, and recommend against any public gatherings like dog parks.
In the hospital and when out and about, please do not allow your dogs to greet each other, or share water or toys.
There was an informative Facebook broadcast produced by our friends at Trupanion with lots of current information on the respiratory diseases we are seeing! It’s over an hour long, but worth watching! Visit k9illness.trupanion.com for access.
Belle Mead Animal Hospital, Your Other Family Doctors
