The Bordetella Toxin
Bordetella, or "kennel cough," is a highly infectious and common upper respiratory sickness in dogs. Also referred to as tracheobronchitis, it is a threat whenever your dog will be around other dogs―the more dogs involved, the higher the threat. Vaccinations are generally given annually, but dogs who frequent kennels, shows, daycares and dog parks can be vaccinated twice a year. Kennel cough is comparable to but more dangerous than the common cold in humans. Left untreated, the dog could contract pneumonia.
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Symptoms
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While the most common sign of a bordetella infection is constant coughing, sneezing, gagging, a watery nasal discharge and throat-clearing are also common. In some cases, however, a cough is the only symptom a dog will exhibit. Dogs with mild cases of kennel cough may act normally, remaining active and maintaining a healthy appetite. More severe cases include fever and lethargy. Dogs whose immune systems may not be in excellent condition, like puppies, pregnant mothers and elderly dogs, are particularly at risk for the infection and will experience the worst symptoms.
Cause
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Canine tracheobronchitis is most commonly caused by a strain of bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, but it can also be the result of the parainfluenza virus and mycoplasma, and the majority of cases come from exposure to more than one organism. Parainfluenza and Bordetella are the most common combination, and together, they can produce a sickness lasting up to 20 days. Even after the symptoms have subsided, dogs can continue to carry the Bordetella bacteria and infect other dogs for as many as 14 weeks.
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Diagnosis
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To determine whether your dog has contracted the infection, a veterinarian will take into account his symptoms and any contact he's had with other dogs. The vet will need information from you regarding your dog's health history and the approximate date the symptoms started. The doctor likely will perform blood work and a urinalysis, and bacterial cultures and viral isolation can be used to determine the specific cause.
Treatment
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In the case of a Bordetella infection, antibiotics will be used to eliminate the pathogen and cough suppressants can be prescribed to help cope with symptoms. Minor cases of kennel cough, like the cold in humans, can be left to pass on their own, sometimes aided by an anti-inflammatory. Dogs who are recovering from the infection should have their collars removed, as pressure on the throat can sometimes worsen symptoms.
Prevention
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Avoiding large numbers of dogs is the simplest way to prevent your dog from contracting kennel cough, but this isn't always possible. Vaccinations are available from a veterinarian, but they aren't given to very small puppies. Most 5-way and 7-way combination vaccines given to dogs protect them from the risk of Bordetella infection. Side effects of the vaccinations can include mild symptoms or the ability of the dog to infect others; vaccinated dogs should wait as many as seven days to go to a kennel, dog show, daycare or other high-risk area or event.
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References
- Photo Credit Two Dogs image by ziggyhendry from Fotolia.com
