When our doctors and staff hear an undiagnosed coughing dog coming into the Animal Clinic at Thorndale, we quickly move the patient through the waiting room and into a private exam room. Not all coughs are contagious. Major causes of non-contagious coughing in dogs are heart disease and collapsing trachea, among others. But “kennel cough”, more properly known as tracheobronchitis, is not something to which we want to expose a waiting room full of other dogs.
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or “kennel cough,” is an important respiratory disorder because it is highly contagious between dogs. A number of different infectious agents may be involved with this disease. It is characterized by bouts of nonproductive (dry) coughing lasting from days to even weeks.
Contributing Factors
Kennel cough spreads rapidly between dogs housed in close proximity, such as a boarding kennel. Affected dogs usually have a history of recent boarding or some similar stressor, such as a trip to the groomer or a dog show or dog park. That said, not all dogs with “kennel cough” have been kenneled. Perhaps they have had contact with, or been in close proximity of, an infected neighborhood dog (or fox). We are not always able to identify the source. If your dog has been to a groomer or kennel and is diagnosed with ‘kennel cough”, we also recommend you informing the proprietor of that business. While other dog owners may have knowingly or unwittingly brought their infected dog into that establishment causing your dog to become ill, it really can help the owner of that business prevent further spread if they are aware there was a problem.
Some researchers report that there is an increased incidence of kennel cough in the fall.
Causes/Transmission
As noted above, a number of different agents may be involved with kennel cough. The canine adeno-2 virus (CAV2), the parainfluenza virus (PIV), and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica are the common primary pathogens (responsible for setting up the initial respiratory disease). Secondary invaders, such as Mycoplasma, become involved once an inflammatory process is present in the airway.
Clinical Signs
A dry, hacking or “goose honk”cough is the hallmark of this disease. Many times, owners mistakenly believe that the dog is choking on a foreign body. Other than the cough, most dogs are still bright and alert with a good appetite. There is no difficulty swallowing food or water as would occur in choking. Fever and enlarged tonsils are not commonly found. Seriously ill dogs may have Canine Influenza, a much more serious respiratory disease that may progress to pneumonia. Other coughs can be due to heart disease or other diseases of the lungs and airway.
Diagnosis
In most cases, the history and physical exam are adequate to provide a presumptive diagnosis of kennel cough. Rarely are specific diagnostic tests indicated, although they may be helpful in cases that are not resolving as expected. These additional tests might include a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry (Chem Screen), chest x-rays, and a sample of fluid from the trachea (windpipe) or bronchi.
Treatment
Although antibiotic therapy can be helpful for the bacterial component of kennel cough, there is no specific therapy for the viruses. For dogs that cough continually, a mild cough suppressant can be prescribed. However, it is for short-term use only.
Dogs who are recovering from kennel cough should not be stressed with exercise or excitement for at least a 7-10 days. Rest is recommended to avoid precipitation of the cough caused by increased activity. Remember they will be contagious to other dogs while coughing and should not go to the kennel, groomer, day care, etc. while coughing.
Prognosis
The prognosis is usually good and, in most cases, has the potential to resolve without complication. Infrequently, long-term respiratory problems can result from kennel cough.
Transmission to Humans
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis does not pose any health risk for humans.
Prevention
Vaccines are available to protect against the main infectious agents responsible for kennel cough. Bordetella vaccines are given intranasally (drops in the nose) because this route produces rapid immunity. Sometimes the intranasal vaccine can lead to a mild cough. For dogs who do not tolerate being given the nose drops, we also carry an injectable form of the vaccine.
Immunity against the two main viral diseases (parainfluenza and adenovirus2) is covered with standard vaccine protocols.
Because the immunity offered is neither 100% protective nor permanent, boosters are needed on a periodic basis. These are especially important before a dog is placed into a kennel situation; many kennels require these boosters before allowing a dog to enter the facility.
Canine Influenza and Other Causes of Pneumonia
In recent years, another, potentially deadly, “cold-like” disease has also been identified in dogs, canine influenza or dog flu. Dogs that travel and are kenneled frequently should be vaccinated against this disease. While this viral disease can be mild and self-limiting, it can also progress into a full blown bronchopneumonia leading to death.
Any dog with a thick or colored nasal discharge, productive (moist) coughing, running a fever, listless and/or not eating, or just not getting over their “cold”, should be seen by one of our veterinarians at the Animal Clinic at Thorndale. If you have any questions about whether your dog has a mild “kennel cough” or something more serious, give us a call. That is what we are here for.