Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex

               We all know kennel cough is an infectious disease that can cause mild to severe cough in dogs who have been in a kennel, dog park or other situation where multiple dogs are present.  Kennel cough is actually a bit of a misnomer, as it is not caused by one infection. Rather, what we commonly call “kennel cough” is caused by a constellation of multiple viruses and bacteria and has been renamed Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex or “CIRDC” for short in order to better describe the illness.

As stated, CIRDC has multiple causes including, canine influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenovirus, canine respiratory coronavirus, herpesvirus and by bacteria like mycoplasma, some species of streptococcus, and, of course, Bordetella.  Canine distemper virus can also cause severe respiratory and neurologic disease in dogs, but is thankfully much less common due to routine vaccination. Dogs may be infected by one or more of these organisms.

               CIRDC is acquired by inhalation of infectious organisms when infected dogs cough or sneeze, spreading viruses or bacteria into the air.  Dogs may not be symptomatic before they begin shedding organisms.  Spread is more common in settings where large number of dogs are congregated such as at a dog park, dog show or boarding kennel.  Dogs can also become infected by close contact with other infected dogs or through contaminated items such as toys, bedding, people's hands, or food or water bowls. Cats can be affected by some of the organisms causing CIRDC.  In very rare instances, immune-compromised people may be infected with Bordetella bronchiseptica but infected dogs pose little risk to healthy humans.

               The classic symptom of CIRDC is relatively sudden onset of a hoarse, “honking” cough that may worsen when the dog is active or excited.  Some dogs may retch or cough up foamy fluid. Occasionally, dogs may exhibit sneezing and runny nose or eyes.  For most dogs, CIRDC is a mild, self-limiting infection that may clear on its own within 7-10 days. However, in some dogs, due either to secondary illness, age (very young or very old) or individual immune response or due to the underlying organism—for instance, canine influenza and canine distemper viruses—symptoms may progress to more pneumonia causing fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and, in some cases, difficulty breathing.

               Treatment may not be necessary for dogs who have mild symptoms and who are otherwise acting normal.  However, a trip to the vet is still warranted if your dog is coughing and certainly if he or she is lethargic, stops eating or appears to have labored breathing. Since there are multiple causes there is no one specific treatment.  Minor infections may be treated with antibiotics as a precaution.  More serious infections that have progressed to pneumonia may require supportive care such as IV fluids, antibiotics, oxygen therapy and other supportive measures.  Death is rare, but can occur in cases of severe pneumonia and respiratory compromise 

               Prevention of CIRDC includes keeping your dog current on core vaccines such as canine distemper-adenovirus 2-parainfluenza-parvovirus and considering vaccination against canine influenza and Bordetella if your dog is exposed to other dogs at a dog park, doggie daycare or boarding kennel. If your dog is infected, keep him or her away from other dogs for a minimum of 2 weeks from the start of infection to prevent spread to other dogs.  CIRDC is a typically minor infection, but prevention with a good vaccine protocol and limiting exposure in high-risk situations can reduce the risk. Remember to seek veterinary care if your dog has a lingering cough or if he or she seems ill with decreased activity, labored breathing, etc.

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

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough