Unveiling the Enigmatic Canine Respiratory Disease: A Guide for Pet Owners
A mysterious and deadly respiratory illness is spreading among dogs across the United States, leaving veterinarians puzzled Researchers are tirelessly working to uncover the origins of this infectious disease while dog owners are seeking guidance on how to protect their beloved pets
Researchers in various states, including New Hampshire and Oregon, are currently investigating the underlying cause of a highly contagious respiratory illness affecting dogs. In rare instances, this enigmatic disease has proven fatal. Referred to as "atypical canine infectious respiratory disease," as stated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture in a press release on November 9, it manifests through symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, and overall lethargy.
More than 200 cases of the disease have been reported by veterinarians in Oregon since mid-August. Additional cases have been documented in Colorado, Illinois, and New Hampshire.
"The cases reported so far suggest a viral cause, although routine respiratory diagnostic tests have yielded mostly negative results," stated Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon State Veterinarian, in a statement to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dogs with the unidentified illness exhibit symptoms resembling those of an upper respiratory disease, although they usually test negative for common respiratory diseases. Moreover, standard treatments have limited effectiveness against this disease, according to Dr. David B. Needle, a pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and clinical associate professor at the University of New Hampshire.
"Investigated cases do not indicate a significant number of fatalities associated with the syndrome. However, there have been rare instances where animals develop an acute and occasionally fatal pneumonia after suffering from the disease for an extended period," explained Needle. "These instances may be indicative of secondary infections."
Where did the disease come from?
Needle said hes part of a team trying to identify the disease and find common DNA segments by collecting samples from local veterinary clinics and comparing the results.
Needle stated that if the identified entity is indeed a pathogen, it is probable that the bacteria are specifically adapted to infect dogs due to their extensive colonization history. Moreover, he mentioned that a potential "evolutionary event," such as a spontaneous mutation or acquisition of a gene from another source, may have caused the bacteria to become virulent. To further investigate, researchers have already obtained samples from Oregon and are anticipating the arrival of samples from Colorado, Illinois, and various other states for testing.
According to an email from Kevin Snekvik, the Executive Director of The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and a professor at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, there has been an increase in cases of a mysterious respiratory disease among dogs. The symptoms, including coughing, lethargy, and fever, have been persisting for longer durations than usual.
Snekvik said his Washington lab has not reported any canine deaths from the mystifying disease, but said labs in other states have reported a few deaths.
What can dog owners do?
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Associations website advises caution rather than worry in light of the concerning news.
According to the association, although this disease is uncommon, there can be periodic outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) in dogs. CIRDC is transmitted through respiratory droplets and has been associated with at least nine different bacteria and viruses.
If your dog displays symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy, it is important to contact your veterinarian, as it is not uncommon for them to be infected with multiple bacterial or viral agents. In order to maintain the health of your pet, ensure that they receive necessary vaccinations, including those for canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza. The association also suggests other helpful tips.
- Minimizing exposure to unfamiliar dogs is crucial to lower the risk of encountering contagious dogs, similar to other respiratory pathogens.
- It is important to avoid contact with dogs displaying signs of illness, such as coughing, runny nose, or runny eyes, as determining their health status can be challenging.
- Sick dogs should be kept at home and receive veterinary care.
- Steering clear of communal water bowls that are used by multiple dogs is recommended.
