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Kennel Cough - Infectious
Tracheobronchitis
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough in dogs is a highly contagious
upper respiratory infection which can be caused by bacteria or
a virus. The most common form of kennel cough is caused by the
bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica. Frequently kennel
cough is caused by a combination of both bacteria and virus.
Other infections may come from parainfluenza virus, adenovirus
and the canine distemper virus. The lining of the trachea and
bronchi become inflamed and when air passes over them it
results in an irritating cough.
What are the symptoms of
Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough presents as a dry, hacking, coarse
cough, retching and gagging. It often sounds like your dog has
got something caught in the back of his throat and he is
trying to cough it up. Many owners mistakenly think that their
dog has a bone caught in his throat. He may also cough up
white frothy material. The dog is usually quite
well (apart from the cough) with a normal temperature and it
usually engages in its normal
activities. The dog seldom loses its appetite. Coughing can
become worse on exertion and can continue day and night which
can become very distressing to
the dog's owner. The cough can be
produced if you gently press the region of the throat over the
trachea.
Complications
Be watchful of your dog developing a raised
temperature, lethargy, loss of appetite, eye and nose
discharge or coughing up green
phlegm as it is sometimes possible that a secondary bacterial
infection can lead to pneumonia.
How is kennel cough
transmitted
Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease. It
transmits to other dogs much the same way as a human cold
transmits in humans through airborne organisms or dog to dog
contact. Symptoms generally begin 3 - 10 days after exposure.
Kennel cough is so named because it is often
spread in areas where many dogs are confined together such as
boarding kennels or animal shelters. Other at risk situations
are dog groomers, animal hospitals and dog shows. One infected
dog can soon infect many others even if it is not showing any
symptoms of kennel cough at the time.
Treatment of Kennel Cough
Most uncomplicated cases of Kennel Cough
usually resolve themselves without any treatment within 7 - 14
days. For symptomatic relief your vet may prescribe a cough
suppressant, nebulizer, or short term steroids. He may also
choose to prescribe antibiotics if the symptoms are severe or
to lessen the chance of a secondary bacterial infection. The
most commonly used antibiotics include Clavamox, trimethoprim
sulfonamide and doxycycline.
To aid the recovery of your dog you should keep
him warm, and reduce any stress. Also remove your dog's collar
and use a harness if you need to restrain him. Encourage him
to drink plenty of water and remember he may have a sore
throat so soft food usually goes down well. Limit exercise and
don't smoke near him.
How is kennel cough
prevented?
There are two types of vaccine available for
kennel cough, intranasal and injectable. Discuss with your vet
which would be the most suitable for your dog.
Puppies can be
vaccinated intra-nasally as early as two weeks of age.
Many dog boarding facilities will not accept a
dog that has not been vaccinated for Kennel Cough. Remember to
vaccinate your dog a few weeks before boarding him to give
time for the immunity to build up.
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Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian
& should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian
visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes
only. Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets. While great care
has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot
guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any
doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice |
