11/24/2023
Canine respiratory disease update:
There is a new form of canine respiratory disease that is being reported in the U.S. which you may have seen reports on in the news. There have been NO reported cases in Montana, however we want to share the current facts.
What we do know:
*Clinical signs include cough, inappetence, nasal discharge, lethargy, and fever
*Often these dogs have been exposed to other dogs via dog parks, boarding, grooming, etc.
*Symptoms tend to last for weeks
*Typical treatment for kennel cough is often not effective
*Some cases can progress to pneumonia
What we don't know:
*The exact cause - this is under active investigation
What we can assume:
*It is contagious and is probably spread through aerosol transmission and direct contact
*It is likely bacterial, based on current research
What we are doing:
*Taking additional precautions when handling any dogs with these clinical signs including; triage in the car, PPE, disinfection, and isolation protocols
*Working with the state veterinarians to report any potential cases and following their recommendations for testing and handling
What to do if your dog is showing clinical signs:
*Contact your primary veterinarian to determine appropriate diagnostics and treatment
*Avoid contact with other dogs until cleared by your primary veterinarian
We will continue to keep you updated as more information comes to light. As always, we are here if you need us.
Dr. Buisson
