Canine Bordetella Side Effects

Bordetella is a disease that affects a dog's upper respiratory system. The disease strikes dogs of all ages and breeds. Bordetella is caused by small bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and is one of the causes of kennel cough. Kennel cough, a highly contagious canine disease, is due to infection of viral and bacterial organisms including Bordetella. Bordetella often appears with few symptoms but can progress to serious infections such as pneumonia.

Identifying Bordetella

Contact with dogs in crowded areas such as dog shows, kennels and animal hospitals often exposes a canine to Bordetella. The first sign is when the dog begins coughing a few days later. The dog coughs like it has something in its throat. The cough may be dry or it may produce foamy mucus from the dog's throat. Pressing on the dog's throat or trachea produces a cough.

Many factors cause dog coughing. Allergies, vital infections, inhaling chemicals or being around cigarette smoke may cause secondary irritations resulting in a cough. A veterinarian confirms Bordetella bacterial infection with lab testing.

Side Effects

The primary side effect is coughing. It clears usually within 10 days. The dog may have nasal dripping. Sneezing, vomiting and retching are other signs of Bordetella. These side effects disappear as the coughing subsides.

Most dogs remain active and have no visible effects except the coughing and nasal discharge. After the symptoms are gone, the dog is still carrying active bacteria and can infect other dogs for 2 to 3 weeks.

Moderate Side Effects

More serious side effects include weakness in the dog. As the bacterial infection becomes worse, the dog is infected with other viral or bacterial diseases. He loses his appetite and energy. A fever indicates the dog is beyond a mild infection and has serious illness requiring veterinarian attention.

Severe Side Effects

Severe side effects include pneumonia and other pulmonary problems. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, heavy and painful coughing and large amounts of cough mucus. The dog is exhausted by the coughing fits and at this stage may die from pulmonary inflammation.

Treatment

Many Bordetella cases are mild and require no treatment. Most dogs encounter Bordetella at least once in a lifetime and the disease, like the common cold, runs its course within 2 weeks. A veterinarian may suggest antibiotics and cough suppressants.

When the dog has a fever or is not eating, seek veterinary help. Treatment is determined by tests that confirm the Bordetella and any secondary infections. At this stage bronchodilators to open airways, aerosol therapy and antibiotics are typically prescribed to reduce the infections and complications that may be fatal.

Prevention

Avoid exposure to other dogs in close quarters. This is the best way to prevent Bordetella. Because isolation is rarely practical, vaccines have been developed that help guard against the bacteria. The injectable and the intranasal vaccines do not provide complete immunity, but do protect most dogs against infection. Some dog shows and boarding kennels require Bordetella immunizations.

References

• Bordetella
• Merck Vet Manual: Kennel Cough

Resources

• Kennel Cough