Contagious respiratory disease for dogs spreading in Arkansas
Several cases of canine influenza have been confirmed in central Arkansas, leading veterinarians to recommend increased precautions for dog owners. The disease does not affect humans, but is highly contagious for dogs and can be fatal.
The virus – called CIRDC or canine infectious respiratory disease complex – can impact a dog's respiratory tract and can lead to pneumonia. The Veterinary Medical Center at Ohio State University reports that CIRDC is "very common." However, outbreaks can easily spread from dog to dog. It is also referred to as the "kennel cough" or "canine cough."
"At least nine different bacteria and viruses have been linked as causes of CIRDC," according to OSU. "Disease may be diagnosed after multiple dogs have a sudden onset of these signs shortly after being together in a common area."
...most cases have been mild, pet owners are urged to avoid dog parks and public settings with other dogs. Plus, officials said owners should keep their animals current on routine vaccines. It's unclear where the outbreak originated.
Dr Jones Comments...
This was what we used to call KENNEL COUGH, and used to believe that only 1-2 bacteria/viruses caused it. It was thought to be primarily caused by the bacteria Bordetella, or the Flu virus Parainfluenza..
It just so happens that those are the primary components of the Kennel Cough Vaccine..
NOW it turns out that MULTIPLE pathogens may be involved..
Common pathogens contributing to CIRDC:
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Canine adenovirus
Canine distemper virus
Canine herpesvirus
Canine influenza virus
Canine parainfluenza virus
Canine respiratory coronavirus
Mycoplasma cynos
Streptococcus equi
The vaccine may not even be effective, depending on the underlying cause...
So what can you do?
Treatment
There is no specific medicine used for treating kennel cough, and most dogs will recover even if they are not treated with any medications. Unless your dog is so ill that intravenous fluids or extra oxygen are required, treatment will be done at home. It is very important that you keep your sick dog away from all others because these infections are quite contagious between dogs. Viral infections must run their course, and they do not respond to antibiotics.
Primary clinical sign is coughing which will last for a few weeks.
So long as your dog is eating, drinking, with relatively normal energy, then let this run its course.
Monitor for secondary pneumonia, which will show up as a fever, increased/labored respiratory rate, less energy, less interest in food - a dog with pneumonia is sick. Then your dog will need to see a veterinarian.
SYMPTOMATIC treatment is ADVISED
COLLAR. Remove collar
HUMIDITY. Provide additional humidity
HONEY REMEDY. 1/2 teaspoon of honey with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice( per 10lbs of body weight), diluted in warm water given 2-3 times/day is very helpful, and more beneficial than any OTC cough syrup
GREEN TEA. This is a great antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
SLIPPERY ELM. I have found Slippery Elm to be very helpful as well - mix in 400mg/10lbs daily as it can coat the throat giving symptomatic relief
LICORICE ROOT TINCTURE. is very helpful for cough, and a proven antiviral. The dose is 1/2 a ml of the tincture/20lbs twice daily
ELDERBERRY. This has been studied to be very helpful in people with a cold/flu virus, and one of the few natural remedies shown to decrease the length and severity of infection. A standard dose is 100mg/10lbs twice daily. I prefer the concentrated elderberry crystals, then mix with water and honey
COMBINATION REMEDY. Green Tea, 1/2 cup. Honey 1 tablespoon. SLIPPERY ELM: 3, 400mg capsules. Give 1/4 cup per 50lbs twice daily.
