11/28/2023
New Canine Respiratory Disease - No confirmation on any instances in Ohio ... yet
As has been widely reported by the media, an unknown canine respiratory disease has been circulating in some parts of the country after possibly originating in Oregon earlier this year. According to information from the AVMA, the causative agent remains unidentified.
In Oregon, some 200 cases have been identified by veterinarians, and it has either been officially or anecdotally reported in 12 states to date. At present, we are not definitely aware of confirmed cases in Ohio.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has shared the following three general clinical syndromes from the cases in their state:
Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6-8 weeks or longer) that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics
Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics
Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours
AVMA has additionally shared the following information:
Until a causative agent is identified, and assuming a viral etiology, treatment is usually supportive (i.e., good hydration, nutrition) with the intent to prevent secondary bacterial infections. If a bacterial cause is identified or strongly suspected, then antibiotics may be indicated.
Initial therapy is prescribed based on likely respiratory pathogens and information about the coverage provided by various antibiotics.
Because tracheal irritation is a common feature of respiratory disease in dogs, care should be taken to prevent further irritation to the trachea by avoid a neck lead and removing barking triggers.
A helpful article on Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (generally) and its treatment is available from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
