Novel Respiratory Illness in Dogs

Novel Respiratory Illness in Dogs

               Reports of a new respiratory illness in dogs began circulating in the news this month. What is causing it and do you need to be concerned? Let’s learn more.

               Frist noted in August in the region of Portland, Oregon, dogs began exhibiting signs of a long-lasting cough continuing for 6-8 weeks with limited response to antibiotics. Some dogs developed a chronic pneumonia while others experienced acute pneumonia that rapidly became severe and sometimes fatal in as little as 24 to 36 hours.  More than 200 cases have been reported and, it is a contagious illness spreading from dog to dog.

               Pennsylvania has not reported any official cases as of yet. However, with holiday travel ramping up, making sure your pet is healthy and fully vaccinated before travel and limiting contact with unknown dogs at places like rest stops and dog parks is a good idea to prevent exposing your dog to this illness as well as other canine illnesses such as kennel cough.

               Affected states currently include: Oregon, California, Washington and others in the Midwest as well as the New England states of Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts and Southern states like Floria Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina. It may be only a matter of time before it appears in PA so use caution but don’t panic.

               The cause is currently not known, but it is suspected that it may be a virus or possibly, “a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence”, according to new evidence from Dr. David Needle pathologist at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire.  This is very preliminary information and the bacteria has not yet been fully identified.

Symptoms include chronic cough, sneezing, discharge from the nose and/or eyes, lethargy and difficulty breathing which can last for weeks. Since the cause is unknown, treatment is largely supportive—IV fluids if needed, broad spectrum antibiotics and possibly oxygen therapy, nebulization or other treatments if needed for pneumonia.

There is no need for panic at this time and most infected dogs are expected to recover.  But, be cautious.  Limit contact with dogs outside your own home and see your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

 https://www.avma.org/news/oregon-dealing-respiratory-illness-incidents-dogs

https://nypost.com/2023/11/22/lifestyle/deadly-disease-striking-dogs-may-finally-be-identified-report/

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/11/23/1214951367/could-a-funky-pathogen-be-sickening-dogs-scientists-search-for-clues

https://www.fox43.com/article/life/animals/how-to-protect-dog-mysterious-illness-circulating-ahead-holidays/521-54f1fad1-cdc7-4dc7-b877-a6878a9d47aa