11/28/2023
Vet Services of Aiken posted the Warning *****Please Read****
This post contains a lot of important information about the new Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD). We’ve tried to condense it as much as possible, but please read through the following carefully:
• CIRD presents very similarly to Kennel Cough, but does not respond as well to traditional treatment with antibiotics. In some cases, CIRD progresses to pneumonia, and unfortunately, has resulted in some canine deaths.
• There is no vaccine available at this time and while the assumption is that the disease is airborne, we don’t know for certain how it is transmitted.
• We don’t know how long the organism that causes the disease remains in the air or on surfaces.
• At this time there is no evidence that cats are at risk
• We have learned that a case of CIRD has been diagnosed at another animal hospital in Aiken, it is in Georgia, and it is in North Carolina.
• Aiken typically gets a large influx of out of state visitors in the winter months, many of whom are dog owners. This increased mobility may facilitate the transmission of the disease.
Due to the extremely contagious nature of CIRD, we will no longer be taking new boarding reservations until further notice. Existing reservations will be honored; however, we want you to make an informed decision about boarding your dog with us (or at any facility) and perhaps consider hiring a pet sitter to come into your home instead. If you do opt to board with us:
• All dogs will be closely monitored for cough, nasal discharge, fever and lethargy
• Any signs of a potential upper respiratory illness will result in the pet being examined by our doctors
• If deemed necessary, treatment will be started and we will ask that the pet be picked up as soon as possible
• We make every effort to ensure our kennel is cleaned and disinfected daily, and food and water bowls are cleaned after each use and not shared
• It is impossible to disinfect our outdoor exercise area, but we do not do any group playtimes with dogs from different households
While the situation is still fluid and researchers don’t yet have all the answers, we recommend the following:
• Make sure your dog has been fully vaccinated, especially for Kennel Cough (Bordatella) and Canine Influenza. While these vaccines may not target the unknown infection, maintaining overall health through routine vaccinations helps support your dog’s immune system.
• Avoid dog parks, pet stores, grooming facilities, and other public places where dogs gather, if possible.
• If your dog shows any signs of respiratory issues, contact us and keep your dog isolated from others until the matter resolves.
• Any dog exhibiting symptoms will be asked to wait in the car until an exam room is ready and you will be instructed when/how to enter and exit the building so as to minimize time in our lobby.
We don’t want to overreact or create panic; but out of an abundance of caution, we wanted to be as transparent as possible. Our goal is to be proactive rather than reactive, as this disease has resulted in canine deaths..
Should you wish to keep your boarding reservation, we will be here as always to give your dog the best possible care. If you wish to cancel, we understand that as well, but ask that you give us as much notice as possible so that we can plan to staff the facility appropriately.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out, and our doctors will do their best to answer them with the limited information we have at this time. We will continue to update you as the situation develops.