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Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment
a.k.a. Canine infectious tracheobronchitis
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
SEVERITY:
- Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
- Typically resolves within two to three weeks if uncomplicated and with appropriate therapy as recommended by your veterinarian. Young puppies,senior dogs or those with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to more severe complications of the disease.
- Treatable by a veterinarian and by the pet parent
- Most dogs that are routinely housed in boarding facilities, attend doggy day care, or play at dog parks will benefit from vaccination.
- Transmission is via aerosolized or direct nasal and oral secretions to other dogs, but transmission to cats and humans is rare.
- Diagnosis requires presenting signs and history. To differentiate from other respiratory diseases, radiographs or PCR testing may be recommended by your veterinarian.
VERY COMMON IN
Symptoms & Signs
A sudden onset of a severe cough is typically seen, which is typically non-productive, but may become productive if pneumonia develops. The cough is characteristically a honking cough, which can often be elicited by massaging the throat. Gagging and retching may also be seen. The cough can also be exacerbated by exercise, excitement, or pressure on the neck from the collar.
An on-going infection with kennel cough can lead to pneumonia, so if the dog shows any signs of rapid breathing, lethargy, and anorexia, they should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
Diagnosis
Due to the fact that Kennel Cough has classic symptoms, diagnosis can typically be made simply based on presenting signs. The veterinarian will also take the dog’s history into account in making the diagnosis. If the veterinarian is concerned that this dog’s particular case of Kennel Cough is more complicated, and may potentially involve infection in the lungs (i.e. pneumonia), then chest x-rays and blood work may be recommended. PCR testing may also be recommended to differentiate the specific type of disease your dog is affected by.
Even in the presence of the classic honking cough of Kennel Cough, veterinarians and pet parents should be careful to avoid jumping to the conclusion that the dog has this disease and not something more serious, such as heart disease, canine influenza, or heartworm infestation, all of which are much more serious.
Causation
Kennel Cough is caused by a number of infectious agents, include canine adenovirus 2 (CAV2), parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and mycoplasma. These infectious agents infect the cells of the respiratory system, causing damage and irritation of the trachea and bronchi of the lungs. As the infectious agent clears from the dog’s system, the damage to the trachea and bronchi heals. Kennel Cough is passed to other dogs when they come in direct contact with or inhale the bacteria or virus particles. Because it can be transmitted through the air or direct contact, it is a very contagious disease.
Treatments
AT-HOME CARE
Any dog with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs for at least two weeks, possibly longer depending on the severity of the infection. The dog should be kept in a well-humidified area, and a harness used for walks instead of a collar to minimize pressure on the esophagus. Affected dogs may benefit from exposure to steam from a hot shower in a closed bathroom, as well as the feeding of softened kibble or canned foods that minimize irritation to the throat. Any medications should only be given under the guidance of your veterinarian.
SUPPORTIVE CARE
Hospitalization may be required in dogs who develop pneumonia or other complications. Oxygen therapy, either through a nasal tube or in a specialized cage that delivers oxygen, can help to improve oxygenation in a compromised patient. Coupage, which is a type of physical therapy that involves clapping hands on the sides of the chest, may be performed by your veterinarian as an effort to help break up and expel congestion in the lungs.
MEDICATIONS
Antibiotics may not be needed in uncomplicated cases of Kennel Cough, but the veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants and antibiotics to help lessen the severity of the dog’s symptoms, especially in unvaccinated patients.
While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.
MEDICAL PROCEDURES
In more complicated cases in which either pneumonia is suspected or the dog is not responding to treatment, a tracheal fluid analysis and culture may be recommended. The procedure can be done in several fashions, but the goal is to obtain material from inside the airways. The material is examined under a microscope, and also cultured for bacterial growth. Radiographs or PCR testing may be recommended in more severe cases to help determine cause of symptoms.
SURGERY
None
SPECIALISTS
A competent general practitioner veterinarian should be able to diagnose and manage most cases of kennel cough. A specialist is typically not required in straightforward cases.
Cost Of Treatment
In more complicated cases in which either pneumonia is suspected or the dog is not responding to treatment, a tracheal fluid analysis and culture may be recommended. The procedure can be done in several fashions, but the goal is to obtain material from inside the airways. The material is examined under a microscope, and also cultured for bacterial growth. Radiographs or PCR testing may be recommended in more severe cases to help determine cause of symptoms.
Recovery
Dogs usually recover from Kennel Cough in one to three weeks, and prognosis for uncomplicated infections is excellent.
Monitoring
Any dog that has worsening symptoms or is not improving should be re-checked by the veterinarian, as treatment may be necessary if not started already, or other more serious conditions may be present.
Prevention
Several different vaccine formulations exist against the Bordetella bacteria, however multiple strains of this bacteria exist, therefore no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing infection. It is thought that vaccination decreases the severity of the disease, and this is likely true, since more complicated cases typically arise in unvaccinated individuals. If your dog is routinely housed in boarding facilities, attends doggy day care, plays at dog parks, or is exposed to a large number of dogs in other scenarios such as competitions, you should discuss if vaccinations are recommended with your veterinarian. Dogs are typically vaccinated as puppies against Bordetella and canine adenovirus-2 and parainfluenza, and as adults Bordatella is typically recommended every 6-12 months and canine adenovirus-2 and parainfluenza is generally boostered every 3 years in adults.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. Treatment should only be provided under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.