Simple steps to protect your pet.

What happened and what you need to know!

Today, news about CIRDC- Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex began populating in the local media alerting dog owners to this highly contagious virus spreading throughout South Florida.

As your partner in pet care, we want to ensure you know the facts about CIRDC and exactly what to do to ensure your pups are protected.

What is CIRDC? CIRDC is a disease caused by exposure to multiple viruses and bacteria which infect the respiratory tract of dogs and can cause severe upper respiratory infections like pneumonia, sometimes referred to as "kennel cough."

What can you do? You can protect your pet by ensuring they are up-to-date on their routine vaccines, especially

1. Bordetella vaccine ("Kennel Cough vaccine")
2. K9 Influenza H3N8/H3N2 vaccine (CIV vaccine)
3. Also, this is a good time for dog distancing. Avoiding nose-to-nose meet-ups like at dogs parks and pet events will keep your pet safer.

Need your pet's vaccine status?

To check your pup's vaccine status log onto our myVCA App. Don't have the app, download it here!

Download myVCA App

Need to update your pet's vaccines?

Contact us to set up a Vaccine Clinic Appointment. Vaccine clinic appointments apply only to Bordetella and CIV vaccine services and are provided outside of the regular schedule of appointments. Therefore, you and your pet get in and out faster!

News You can use: What you need to know about Kennel Cough?

What is Kennel Cough?

Known by most as Kennel Cough but also goes by Canine infectious respiratory disease complex. This is a group of multiple pathogens which together can cause respiratory disease in dogs. Infection is most commonly seen in dogs which are exposed to areas with large groups of dogs, commonly shelters, kennels, groomers, dog shows, and vet clinics. The disease is very contagious and easily spreads through these areas with lots of dogs. The most common bacteria that play a role in this complex are parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus(CAV-2), Mycoplasma, and Bordetella. The disease can range from mild clinical signs to severe depending on the bacteria involved and the dogs immune system.

How is kennel cough spread?

Kennel cough is spread through respiratory secretions and from objects which have been exposed to these secretions. So that means even if your dog is never playing with another dog who has the virus, if they sit on the same table or play with the same toy they can become infected. The incubation period is 3-7 days which means your dog can be exposed but you don’t see the signs for up to one week.

What do you see?

The most common sign of kennel cough is coughing. The clinical signs vary and are usually split between uncomplicated and complicated cases. Those which are uncomplicated you commonly sick dogs which exhibit a dry cough and sometimes discharge from the eyes or nose. Some animals which fall into the complicated category exhibit moist cough with discharge and also occasionally bronchopneumonia.

 

Diagnosis

Most cases are diagnosed based on the history of being in an area with many dogs, ie kennel, dog park, dog show, etc. Clinical signs the dog is exhibiting are also an important role in diagnosis. In cases which are complicated sometimes blood work, thoracic x-rays, cytology, or PCR panels to look for viruses are used.

Treatment

Most cases which are uncomplicated are told to restrict the dogs exercise mainly then depending on the extent some are prescribed cough suppressants and occasionally antibiotics if bacteria is suspected. Those cases which may have more severe effects like bronchopneumonia may need nebulization, drugs to dilate the airways, antibiotics and restricted exercise. The prognosis when treated is good to excellent.

Prevention

Vaccination is a good way of avoiding kennel cough or decreases the likelihood. Bordetella vaccine given through the nose helps to prevent or decrease clinical signs associated with kennel cough. The vaccination is mandatory for most boarding facilities as well as many large dog shows. There is also an injection form of the vaccine as well as one put into the mouth. Kennel cough can also be prevented by avoiding areas with large groups of dogs and good sanitation in areas with lots of dogs.

Dr. Natalie Savo

https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/natalie-savo

Tuesday's Tips from our Doctors! - Kennel Cough!!!

Tuesday's Tips from our Doctors! 

Recently our  Doctors asked how they could share some facts about the common (and not so common) things that can effect the health of our  pets in S. Florida.  This is what we can up with. Be on the look out for more Tips from our Doctors and be sure to let us know what other things you would like to know about!

The infamous “Kennel Cough” is the canine equivalent of a child coming home from school or a friend’s house and coming down with the “flu” soon after. In terms of Kennel Cough, there are many “bugs” at play as opposed to just the “flu”, and many of these bugs can work together to create a more severe infection. Kennel Cough is medically termed, infectious tracheobronchitis, or inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi(the airways of the lungs). The disease often starts with a virus, either canine parainfluenza virus(CPiV) and canine adenovirus 2(CAV2) at the most commonly associated viruses. Other more life threatening viruses have been isolated, but due to widespread vaccination, are far less common. CPiV and CAV2 are acquired through interaction with other dogs and inhalation/consumption of viral particles, whether it be from a sneeze, playing with a toy or object another dog recently played with, or very close contact between a dog that has been infected. Both viruses target the cells of the respiratory tract, damaging and paralyzing the defense mechanisms, such as cilia(or microscopic hairs) responsible for removing debris and helping to remove pathogens from the respiratory tract. This allows for bacteria that either naturally inhabit the respiratory tract(commensal bacteria) or pathogenic and infectious bacteria to colonize and wreak havoc on the respiratory tract, further increasing the severity of clinical signs.

            The bacteria associated with Kennel Cough is Bordatella bronchiseptica  This bacteria is capable of infecting a dog indepedently, or with the help of the viruses listed above. Just like the viruses, it is spread via transmission of respiratory secretions and objects that have been contaminated. Studies have shown that nearly 50% of normal, healthy dogs may have Bordatella in their respiratory tract, allowing spread of infection from playmates without the infectious dog appearing sick! Another pathogen implicated in kennel cough, is Mycoplasma, a primitive bacteria. Mycoplasma is known for its ability to create a biofilm or layer of slime that allows it remain in the body and protects it from host defense mechanisms as well as antibiotic therapy.

 

The main signs associated with “Kennel Cough” are sudden coughing episodes often accompanied by retching and coughing up phlegm in an otherwise normal dog.  A characteristic “goose honk” associated with kennel cough is theorized to be a result of swelling of the larynx or voicebox. Mucoid discharge from the eyes and nose is also recognized. In more severe cases, loss of appetite, fever and appetite may be observed. These signs often begin 3 to 10 days after exposure. In severe cases, pneumonia may occur, leading to respiratory distress and difficulty breathing.

Diagnosis of the pathogens involved in kennel cough is often difficult, as many of the viruses involved do not infect for a long period of time. Recovering bacteria from infected dogs is sometimes helpful, however there is often contamination from normal inhabitants in the respiratory tract and it is often hard to differentiate.

Treatment involves controlling discomfort as a result of the irritation caused by the pathogen including anti-tussives(anti-cough) and anti-inflammatories as well as antibiotics which target, not only the bacteria implicated in kennel cough, but those that are opportunistic, or taking advantage of the weakened immune system. In severe cases, nebulization may be indicated. Most cases however, are self-limiting, or resolve on their own.

Prevention is key, and involves sanitation and vaccination. Vaccination can be performed as early as 2 to 3 weeks if the dog is living in a high-risk environment. Studies of the intranasal and injectable versions of the vaccine have been shown to significantly lessen the severity clinical signs. Boosters should be given 3 to 4 weeks after the first injection. The vaccine shows long lasting immunity for the viruses involved, but short duration for Bordatella, the main bacterial player, lasting from 3 months to 10 months. The recommendation is to administer the vaccine at least 5 days prior to potential exposure (boarding, showing, and other high risk activities.) if the dog has not had the vaccination within 6 months.

Michael Freifeld, D.V.M 

Cornell University, 2015

VCA HAH First Year Associate

Dr. Jodi Heim on Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a bacterial infection in the respiratory tract.  It causes bronchitis, with a harsh, dry cough.  Rarely, it can lead to pneumonia.  It is called “kennel cough” due to the highly contagious nature in dogs housed in close quarters.  Often dogs are affected after being adopted from a shelter or being boarded at a kennel.  Uncomplicated cases of kennel cough respond very well to antibiotic treatment.  There is a high risk for the other dogs in the household to get the infection as well so they should be closely monitored and separated if possible.  Dogs in contact with other dogs (dog park, Petsmart, boarding, day care) should be vaccinated yearly to help prevent infection.

Dr. Jodi Heim, D.V.M. - HAH 
Tufts University, 2011

All about Kennel Cough!

What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a term used to describe both viral and bacterial infections that cause inflammation of a dog’s trachea. It’s similar to a chest cold in humans. Though it usually clears up on its own, kennel cough is highly contagious to other dogs.  Unfortunately, kennel cough usually does not show visible symptoms for 5-7 days after exposure. While we make intense efforts to prevent an outbreak in our kennel through extensive cleaning and disinfecting, public awareness, and by requiring vaccinations, we cannot guarantee that your dog will not be exposed.
 
What Are the General Symptoms of Kennel Cough?
A persistent dry cough with a “honking” sound is the main clue your dog’s caught kennel cough. In most cases, dogs appear healthy except for the cough. Their appetite and activity level usually won't change. The cough may worsen after exercise, or if it's excited or pulls against its collar. Some dogs may also develop a fever and nasal discharge.

What Should I Do if I Think My Dog Has Kennel Cough?
If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, immediately isolate it from all other dogs and call Hollywood Animal Hospital.  Do NOT bring the dog into the clinic, instead, a doctor and technician will meet you and the dog in the car to diagnose it.

How Did My Dog Catch Kennel Cough?
Dogs can catch kennel cough in several ways. It can spread through aerosols in the air, directly from dog to dog, or through germs on contaminated objects. Kennel cough is often spread while boarding in a kennel or an animal shelter, for example (hence the name), or through direct contact with other animals. The term kennel cough can be misleading because owners who don't board their pets may assume their dog cannot catch kennel cough. This is not necessarily true because any dog-dog interaction may spread the infection.

Kennel cough is so contagious that your pet might even catch it from sharing a water dish at the dog park or by simply greeting another dog. Most kennels will not board your pet without proof of a recent vaccination against parainfluenza and bordetella, two of the main causes of kennel cough.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Kennel Cough?
Most often, dogs that have frequent contact with other dogs, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, are most prone to becoming infected. Young and unvaccinated dogs are also at higher risk.

How Is Kennel Cough Prevented?
The best way to prevent kennel cough is to prevent exposure. Vaccinations are also available for several of the agents known to be involved in kennel cough, including parainfluenza, bordetella and adenovirus-2. We do recommend the bordetella vaccination for all dogs, but be advised that the vaccination is much like the flu vaccine in humans. It protects a dog against several strains of kennel cough but not all. If your dog has been vaccinated they still have a chance of becoming infected, but it is usually less severe and shorter-lived than in non-vaccinated dogs.

How Is Kennel Cough Treated?
Make an appointment to have a vet diagnose your dog with kennel cough so they can recommend the right course of treatment. It's always a good idea to come see us in case it isn't kennel cough and there is some other underlying problem. If it is kennel cough, the following course of treatment is recommended.

Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.
A humidifier or vaporizer can provide some relief. You can also allow your dog into the bathroom while you shower. The steam will help soothe her irritated breathing passages.
Avoid exposing her/him to cigarette smoke or other noxious, irritating fumes.
A cough suppressant may be prescribed and can be picked up at any of our local pharmacies.
If your dog pulls against her collar while being walked, replace it with a harness until the coughing subsides.
Supportive care is very important—be sure your dog is eating, drinking and in a stress-free environment.
Limit your dogs play and exercise.
How Long Does Kennel Cough Last?
In most cases, the signs of kennel cough gradually decrease and disappear after 10 days to 2 weeks. Young puppies, elderly dogs and other immunocompromised animals may take up to six weeks or more to recover. In rare cases, animals may remain infectious for long periods of time even after the symptoms have cleared up.
When Is It Time To See The Vet Again?
You should see some improvement in your dog’s condition within one week of treatment, but be alert to how long the symptoms last. If your dog has nasal discharge, is breathing rapidly, refuses to eat or seems lethargic, call us right away. Serious cases of kennel cough can lead to pneumonia if left untreated.