12/14/2023
We know you are all aware of the buzz about an increase in respiratory disease in dogs nationally and we wanted to touch base with you on a few things that we do know, and more importantly that there is a lot that we don't know at this point in time.
What we DON'T know:
It's important to know we don't even know if statistically there is an outbreak or if the hype is media driven. There is not a guideline or protocol to test and record symptomatic patients yet as there has not been a known infectious agent identified. The clusters or pockets of disease may or may not be linked. We don't know if the "outbreak" is from a new organism or if it's an increase in the same organisms we have always had. There are several universities (Cornell, Colorado, and Oregon) that are working hard to find out more. We will continue to stay informed.
What we DO know:
Respiratory infections generally are viral, bacterial or more commonly have co-infections. Also fungal and parasitic infections can cause respiratory disease.
More people adopted dogs during COVID.
More pets (dogs) are behind on their routine vaccines since the disruption of veterinary services during COVID.
People are starting to come out of their isolated homes and go to work and start to travel again.
The need for boarding, grooming, and visits to dog beaches and parks are increasing.
Most respiratory infections are aerosolized and highly contagious.
What we recommend to you:
1) Don't Panic
2) Get your dogs updated on Bordetella and Influenza vaccines as these are known respiratory co-infections that we can have control over with immunization
3) Avoid high risk situations for your dog such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and doggy day care facilities if you are unsure about the health status of other dogs in those environments.
4) Don’t share dog bowls, toys or doggy chews between dogs.
5) Be aware of respiratory symptoms:
Coughing
Sneezing
Labored breathing
Nose or eye discharge
Lethargy
Decreased appetite
6) Make appointment with your veterinarian if respiratory symptoms are identified
7) Avoid contact with other dogs if your dog has respiratory signs until you seek medical attention
Canine Respiratory Disease of Unknown Origin The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is investigating the canine respiratory syndrome through a rapid response research project funded by the Riney Canine Health Center. The project is based at the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center....