12/06/2023
As many of you have heard there may be a new strain of what we in Vet Med call CIRDC (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex). Like viruses spread among preschoolers, infectious respiratory illnesses among dogs who socialize with other dogs are not new to us. There is no cause for panic, and preventative measures like reducing contact with other dogs are highly recommended. Always be prudent when bringing your dog into a public setting where other canines are present.
We at Village Vet have not seen any cases of canine respiratory illness recently. We are asking pet owners to help us in our effort to protect the dogs of our community. If your dog is ill or showing any signs or symptoms of respiratory illness, please keep your dog in your car and do not enter the lobby while waiting for your appointment.
For more information, we have put together a few snippets from sources we trust below.
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines CIRDC:
Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), more familiarly known as "kennel cough," is a highly contagious illness affecting the respiratory tract in dogs. All breeds and ages are susceptible. As the name "kennel cough" suggests, dogs at particular risk are those exposed to settings where multiple dogs are typically gathered or housed, such as kennels, shelters, and daycare facilities.
Several different types of bacteria and viruses can contribute to CIRDC, and dogs can be infected by two or more of these organisms at the same time. A few of the more commonly involved organisms include Bordetella bronchiseptica (a bacterium) as well as canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2.
The classic sign of CIRDC is a frequent, honking cough that comes on suddenly. This cough has also been described as gagging or retching, and it can involve froth that looks like vomit. Coughing generally worsens with activity or exercise, which can irritate the airways.
Even so, not all dogs with CIRDC will have a cough. Other common signs include sneezing and a runny nose or eyes.
From UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine:
Over the course of the pandemic, dog ownership increased, and it is estimated that about 50% of households have at least one dog. As people have returned to work, and with travel over the holiday period, it is likely that there are more dogs being boarded, placed in dog “day care” facilities, and dogs are being looked after by other people that also have dogs. While the possibility of a new pathogen can’t be ruled out, it is also possible that increased respiratory illness is the result of these circumstances, and that disease may be more severe or prolonged because of co-infections with multiple organisms. Because respiratory illness in dogs is not tracked through reporting, it is not clear whether this represents a true epidemic or whether social media activity has contributed to what is known as an “infodemic.”
Owners of dogs that contact other dogs in the community should be aware of the existence of CIRDC and be proactive to reduce the chance that their dog develops illness.
Ensure your dog(s) are vaccinated against the pathogens for which vaccines are available (Bordetella, parainfluenza, influenza H3N2, canine adenovirus, and distemper), as well as other infectious diseases for which vaccination is recommended.
Use reputable facilities when boarding is needed that practice good hygiene, do not board large numbers of dogs simultaneously, and that require proof of vaccination for Bordetella, parainfluenza, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, H3N2 influenza virus, and Leptospira.
If you adopt a dog from a breeder or shelter, keep it away from other dogs for 2 weeks to make sure it does not break with respiratory illness, which could then be transmitted to other dogs in the community (or other illness such as diarrhea). Choose to purchase dogs from North America rather than importing a dog from another country where different pathogens may be circulating. The stress of importation can also contribute to increased severity of illness.
If your dog develops signs of respiratory illness, keep it away from other dogs for at least 2 weeks, and ideally until signs have ceased. If your dog has respiratory signs and is lethargic or eating less, contact your veterinarian and let them know if there is a possibility your dog has a contagious respiratory disease. They will then take appropriate precautions to minimize transmission upon entering the clinic or should hospitalization be required.
Remember there are other causes of respiratory signs that are not contagious, like fungal disease, heart failure, migrating plant awns, and cancer, so do not assume that your dog has CIRDC if your dog develops illness. Your dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian if signs persist more than a few days or are getting worse, and as soon as possible if your dog is lethargic or not eating.