11/24/2023
PSA NOTICE---Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease
Several states have reported cases of an unusual canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRDC) since August 2023.
The cause is unknown as dogs show similar signs of an upper respiratory disease but generally don’t test positive for common respiratory diseases. The disease is generally resistant to standard treatments.
The symptoms fall into 3 main categories:
Chronic which lasts for 6-8 weeks or longer and doesn't respond well to antibiotics.
Chronic pneumonia that shows minimal response to antibiotics.
Acute pneumonia that leads to poor outcomes within 24-36 hours.
One veterinary pathologist noted fatalities aren't common, but some animals can become acute and that has resulted in fatal pneumonia after the longer chronic stage. They consider these cases as secondary infections to dogs with existing health issues.
If your dog shows symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy, ISOLATE HIM FROM OTHER ANIMALS and seek medical care. In most cases, it appears that the period of shedding has passed by the time cases are seen by reporting veterinarians. If your dog already has an illness or a compromised immune system, take care to avoid areas where animals gather. And if you're planning to board your pet, consider other options.
Here are some general recommendations for dog owners:
Since a bacterial or viral cause is unknown, boosters will have no value.
If you're attending an event with your dog, get a health check 12-24 hours before and don’t attend if he exhibits any symptoms.
Limit contact with unknown dogs. The more contacts your dog has, the higher the risk of encountering an infectious dog.
Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.
Remember, if your dog appears sick, it's best to keep him at home. Support the immune system in all dogs and that includes feeding liquids and a fresh, whole food diet.
There are several different types of respiratory infection in dogs. Here's what you need to know ...
