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Canine Cough: Canine Kennel Cough is a highly contagious infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract of the dog. Also termed Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis, this disease is caused primarily by the bacterium, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and the canine Parainfluenza Virus. Like the common cold in humans, the organisms that cause Canine Kennel Cough are spread through coughing and sneezing. Your dog can catch the disease simply by being in close proximity to an infected dog. Training kennels, humane societies, pet shops, boarding kennels, dog shows, veterinary hospitals, grooming salons and your local park are just some of the places where your dog may come in contact with this debilitating disease. Clinical Signs Initially the infective organisms colonize and irritate the lining of the upper respiratory tract. Coughing, sneezing, and retching, often accompanied by a nasal discharge, are the common clinical signs of canine cough. The cough is usually described as a deep, hacking cough and can be quite persistent, many times keeping both you and your dog awake all night. In some cases dogs may run a fever, have a decreased appetite and demonstrate signs of depression. These clinical signs can last from a few days to several weeks depending on the severity of the disease. Treatment Several different treatment regimens exist to treat Canine Kennel Cough. Antibiotics, cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs are often used alone or in combination to treat this disease. Because of the resiliency of the organisms that cause Canine Kennel Cough, response to treatment can be unpredictable. Prolonged treatment regimens are often employed to bring this disease under control. Prevention Vaccination serves as our best means to prevent Canine Kennel Cough. The intranasal vaccine starts to provide protection at the site of infection as early as 48 hours after being administered. The injectable vaccine takes longer to "kick in" since it has to work through your dog's bloodstream. Side Effects After having been on the market for more than 14 years, Intra-Trac II has established itself as a very safe vaccine. A very small number of dogs may show mild signs of canine kennel cough 1-10 days after being vaccinated. These signs are usually self-limiting, lasting only two-three days and rarely require medical treatment. Valley Fever A Common Cause of Canine Cough
The disease occurs in most species of domestic animals, many exotic animals, and in man. Dogs catch the disease when some of the reproductive elements (spores) of the fungus enter the body. The most frequent means of entry is through the respiratory system, as the spores are the size of tiny dust particles and are readily inhaled. The spores may also infect the body through an open wound. Once inside the body, the fungus begins to grow. In the majority of cases, the body's own defense system (immune system) will squelch the disease before it gains a serious foothold. A very large percentage, possibly greater than 90% of dogs in the Southwest, has or has had Valley Fever. If, however, the immune system fails to control the attack, clinical disease follows. Valley Fever can occur in two forms, depending upon the location of the infection:
Possible Signs of Valley Fever:
Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis of Valley Fever involves specific blood tests and X-rays by your veterinarian to determine if your pet has the disease and how advanced it may be. Treatment of Valley Fever in dogs is not a simple matter. It involves long-term therapy with close monitoring. The treatment of choice for Valley Fever is an oral drug, Fluconazole. There is no effective prevention since the fungal spores are literally everywhere in our area. The best chance for successful treatment is early detection. The prognosis is generally poor without treatment. Even with treatment the outcome is uncertain but usually effective. Consult your veterinarian for further information on the diagnosis and treatment of Valley Fever. Your veterinarian is the most qualified person to advise you on your pet's health and welfare. Return to Educational Information Page Return to top |
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