Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis, commonly called Kennel cough, is a common respiratory condition in dogs manifested by a degree of coughing caused by one or a combination of infectious organism. As the name state, it is infectious in nature in that it is transmitted from one dog to the next mainly through coughing.

The disease mainly affects the air pipe (trachea) and the upper parts of the lungs. Kennel cough can be caused by various primary and/or secondary microorganisms. Common causes include Bordetella bronchoseptica and Canine Parainfluenza Virus. Other less likely causes includes Canine Herpes Virus, the Canine Adenoviruses, Reovirus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Mycoplasma and some other organisms. Very often it is a combination of these pathogens that causes the disease.

The common name of Kennel Cough is appropriate in that this disease have a higher incidence in areas where there are many dogs in close proximity, for example kennelling for boarding, hospital, in pet shops and charity organizations. The disease is also common in dogs that take part in endurance activities, dog shows and training classes. Dogs staying in less than ideal hygienic conditions are also at risk. Kennel cough is not contagious to people.

Kennel cough is most severe in puppies six weeks to six months old due to the lack of appropriate immunity, but dogs of any age, breed or gender can be affected. Pregnant bitches are also more prone.

The severity of Kennel cough may be nonexistent, mild, or severe with pneumonia. Some cases are self-limiting. It can spread rapidly, even from seemingly healthy dogs to others in the same environment and coughing usually begins about four days to a week after exposure to the infecting agent(s).

Clinical Signs
Apart from coughing, most dogs with Kennel cough will be otherwise healthy. The coughing may be may be dry and hacking, soft and dry, moist and hacking. In some cases the cough will be followed by gagging. In severe cases dogs might refuse to eat, have a moist productive cough, be lethargic, struggle to breath and show exercise intolerance.

My dog(s) are coughing, what now?
To establish the severity, instigate appropriate treatment and to minimize further spread, one should book an appointment your family Veterinarian as soon as possible. Any dog that coughs should be isolated immediately!

Diagnostic Tests
The preliminary diagnoses of Kennel cough is made by excluding other similar diseases that might be present. On presentation, your family Veterinarian will very likely do a routine blood smear, especially if there is even a mild fever. He or she will also enquire about the vaccination history and whereabouts of your dog. Depending on the severity of this disease, the Vet might also require a series of chest radiographs or even a bronchoalveolar lavage where a sample is taken directly from the affected areas of the lungs.

Treatment
Upon evaluation of the severity of the disease the pet will most likely be treated at home with an appropriate scheduled antibiotic, appropriate scheduled anti-inflammatory medication and antitussive medication to relieve coughing.

For severe cases, for example where the lungs are affected the attending Veterinarian will recommend hospitalisation in isolation (to protect the other hospitalized animals from being affected), indicated diagnostic and monitoring tests and appropriate medication.

Prevention
The best way to prevent this disease is by vaccinations. All non-vaccinated pets in your household should be vaccinated as soon as possible after the diagnoses, and although they will still be at risk of contracting the disease in the near future, they will either obtain partial immunity or in some cases the vaccine will protect them from future exposure.

The routine Canine Parainfluenza Virus and Canine Adenoviruses should be given early and boosted regularly. These vaccines are included as part of the core or necessary vaccines. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6 weeks, 9 weeks and then 12 weeks of age. Adult dogs should then be vaccinated once every year. Note that a puppy is not considered fully vaccinated against these diseases until two weeks after all of the booster vaccinations has been administered. At Vet Hospital Port Shepstone all the core vaccines are given as a single injection.

In order to prevent the very common, stubborn Borditella bronchoseptica bacteria we also recommend routine vaccination against this organism. This in an extra injection and can be given with or without the annual core vaccines. This vaccine will protect a dog for about six months after the injection. We at Vet Hospital Port Shepstone strongly recommend this vaccine in the beginning of the winter months and just before the December holidays.

Also see:

• Printable Version Of Kennel Cough
• Other Dog & Cat Vaccinations
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