Kennel Cough - What You Should Know

WHAT IS IT?

Kennel cough is bronchitis characterized by a harsh, hacking cough which most people describe as sounding like "something stuck in my dog's throat." It is analogous to a chest cold for humans and is only a serious condition in special circumstances; in general, it resolves on its own.

HOW INFECTION OCCURS?

The normal respiratory tract has substantial safeguards against invading infectious agents. These defense mechanisms are damaged by the following:

o shipping stress
o crowding stress
o heavy dust exposure
o cigarette smoke exposure
o infectious agents (various viruses, bacteria, etc)
o Cold temperature
o Poor ventilation

Without these protective mechanisms, invading bacteria, especially Bordetella bronchiseptica may simply march down the airways unimpeded.

Because it is common for Bordetella to be accompanied by at least one other infections agent. "Kennel Cough" is actually a complex of infections, rather than infection by one agent.

Classically, dogs get infected when they are kept in a crowded situation with poor air circulation but lots of warm air (i.e. a boarding kennel, vaccination clinic, obedience class, local park, animal shelter, animal hospital waiting room, or grooming parlor). In reality, most causes of coughing that begin acutely in the dog are due to infectious causes and usually represent some form of Kennel Cough.

*THE INCUBATION PERIOD IS 2 - 14 DAYS*

X-rays of the chest can gather much information about the heart and lungs as well as the entire respiratory system. We will be looking for infiltration of the lungs with fluid typical for pneumonia or congestion. We will look at the trachea and bronchi for thickness and inflammation.

There are many intestinal parasites that migrate through the lungs and respiratory parasites that pass eggs in the stools. Therefore, to evaluate your pet for respiratory disease, we recommend a fecal test for parasite eggs.

TREATMENT

We generally prescribed 2 medications:

1. an antibiotic to help your pet clear any bacterial agents that may be responsible for the coughing and inflammation in the airways, and

2. a cough suppressant and expectorant to help reduce the irritation brought about by continued coughing and to help bring up any mucous or debris in the airways.

We may also give your pet an injection of a short-acting cortisone medication. This steroid will reduce inflammation within the airway and help reduce symptoms for a short period of time, while body fights any infection that is present

FEEDING

You can feed your pet's normal diet - there is no need to change the diet at this time

Encourage as much fluid consumption as possible.

Water is the best drug available to help thin the mucus so that it can be coughed up.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

It is often helpful to use a cool water or cool mist humidifier in the room where your pet spends the majority of his/her time, particularly during the night or when sleeping.

Minimize exercise during recovery to help prevent coughing.

Remove collars and other objects from the neck which may cause pressure on the trachea, stimulating coughing.

It probably is best to keep your pet inside as much as possible. Maintain a constant air temperature and prevent chilling.

Be sure to thoroughly dry your pet if a bath is necessary.

HOW CONTAGIOUS IS IT?

Bordetella infection can be picked up by rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, cats (if they are very young and housed in groups), and other dogs. It is not contagious to humans though it is closely related to Bordetella pertussis, the agent of Whooping Cough.

Among dogs it is fairly contagious depending on stress level, vaccination status, and exposure to minor viruses.

Our hospital recommends keeping all dogs current on their Bordetella vaccinations as you never know when they might be in an unexpected situation.

WHEN IS IT A SERIOUS CONDITION?

In very young puppies, especially those with a recent shipping history (i.e. pet store puppies) are especially prone to severe cases of infectious tracheobronchitis (frequently progressing to pneumonia). In dogs where the distemper virus is involved (usually shelter or pet store puppies), there is tremendous potential for serious consequences.

If the coughing has not improved greatly within the next 2-3 days, or if the symptoms are not resolved completely within 7-10 days we recommend rechecking your pet and possibly considering other tests or medications