Talk:Dog Coughs
From Pet Health Learning Center
Some more info on Kennel Coughs... what do you guys think, should we incorporate some of this info into the main article or does it get repetative?
Dogs suffering from Kennel Cough will have a coarse, dry, hacking cough. Although annoying, this disease still allows the dog to eat, sleep and play as usual. This disease is also known as Canine Cough, Bordetellosis and Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis.
Kennel Cough infects a high percentage of dogs. Several infectious agents cause Kennel Cough: bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica), viruses (Parainfluenza virus and canine Adenovirus, and Canine Herpes Virus) and organism (mycoplsma). The agents superficially damage and irritate the trachea and upper bronchii lining. Air passing over the damaged lining irritates the exposed nerve endings.
Enclosed environments, such as a kennel, indoor dog show or animal shelter provide a breeding ground for spreading this disease. Starting with one infected dog as a source, infections can spread to any susceptible canines. Transmission is by airborne organisms in the expired air that can float in microscopically tiny water vapour or dust particles. As these organism cling to the lining of the trachea and upper airway passages, the warm, moist surfaces provide the environment for replication. Infected cells develop into damaged cells.
Approximately three to seven days after initial infection, dogs will have a coarse, dry, hacking cough, somewhat similar to a honking noise, as claimed by some owners. The dog tries to clear its throat and occasionally retch. Every few minutes the coughing recurs. Another possible symptom is a watery nasal discharge. Extra exertion or activity may bring on the cough. Symptoms may last seven to twenty-one days. In severe cases, symptoms include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and pneumonia. Death occurs in very severe cases, perhaps in immunocompromised animals or unvaccinated puppies.
Diagnosis can be based on symptoms and exposure to other infected canines. Organisms can spread days to weeks after the dog source recovered. Although not routine, bacterial cultures, viral isolation and blood work can help determine individual agents.
The majority of dogs suffering from Kennel Cough recover by letting the disease run its course. When the organisms are eliminated, the tracheal lining heals. Treatment may include bronchodilators like aminophylline. With any respiratory disease, veterinary medical attention is needed, especially if a more serious disease that includes cough symptoms is present: blastomycosis, Valley Fever, Heartworms and cardiac disease. For symptomatic relief of coughing, options may include non-prescription and occasionally prescription cough suppressants. Antibiotics may treat a fever or severe cough. Secondary bacteria may add complications and prolong recovery.
Dogs with Kennel Cough will carry some immunity for future exposure. Deciding to vaccinate is up to the individual. Considering that different infectious agents produce Kennel Cough, the vaccination may not offer full protection. The vaccine takes days to weeks to stimulate protective immunity. For canines at high risk, an intranasal vaccine (parainfluenza and bordetella) may be administered. Side effects include mild signs similar to tracheobronchitis.
Even after recovery, infected dogs can spread the organism for days to weeks. The Bordetella bacteria can be shed for six to fourteen weeks.
