11/22/2023
EDIT: for now, (as far as I am aware) no evidence of spreading to other species and/or humans.
This is not from myself...
Hi!
Veterinarian here.
So first and foremost, i know this situation is scary and everyone has different experience but I would like to say that if you are not a veterinarian you should not be giving advice to other people on how to treat their dogs, or claim diagnosis. Even vets can’t do that without full history and exam. Without context you can not assume your dog was same case and you could cause harm even if you don’t mean it. Cough can be caused by infectious causes as well as allergies, cancer, heartworm, foreign bodies, heart failure, enlarged heart, collapsing airways etc.
Anyone with sick dogs should isolate them and take them to their vet.
As far as I am informed this is info I have:
We call it Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Diseases (aCIRD).
This presents as kennel cough (coughing, sneezing, eye/nose discharge, some not eating, lethargic). BUT test negative on the typical Respiratory panel for the typical pathogens that cause infectious cough (Bordetella, influenza, etc).
Presentation can be chronic with 6-8 weeks of coughing, minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.
Some dogs can get pneumonia which can also be chronic or acute with fast and fatal outcome (I think this is less common however can happen).
As for now, we do not know what causes it or how to treat it. What we know is that is infectious so minimizing exposure- no dog parks, boarding, grooming facilities etc is wise. As well as isolating your dog if they develop signs.
One last thing- not every dog that coughs has this, they still can have minor kennel cough or it could be as bad as heart failure or lung cancer. Without vet visit and diagnostic you just don’t know.
Your vet will be able to get a general idea based on exam and recommend testing to start ruling out diseases and treat as indicated.
This group may be helpful in knowing where the cases are but also there is a lot of info here that may not be relevant so again: monitor your dogs, be wise with exposure, call a vet if any respiratory symptoms.
❤️❤️❤️
Wishing everyone safe holidays!
