11/21/2023
A mysterious respiratory disease in dogs is now in several US States. So far Texas is not one of them. It is puzzling to the vets because they can't find the bacterial or viral pathogen, and the disease seems to be resistant to antibiotics. I think we need to be cautious and aware, but there is no reason now for alarm. The symptoms of the disease are: coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and lethargy. Some cases of the pneumonia-like disease do progress quickly, making dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours. Here are the states currently that have had cases: California, Colorado, New Hampshire, Oregon, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida. So mostly the North Western area for now.
The good news is that there is a team trying to identify the disease and find common DNA segments by collecting samples from local veterinary clinics and comparing the results. The other good news is that not all dogs are dying from this disease. Obviously, puppies, older dogs, and immunocompromised dogs are at greater risk.
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs. Just like with other respiratory pathogens, the more contact your dog has, the greater the risk of encountering a dog that’s infectious. Those of you who follow me know that I've never been a proponent of doggie daycares or dog parks for this very reason.
2. Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs
3. Reducing contact with sick dogs. This can be harder to determine but if a dog looks sick (coughing, runny nose, runny eyes), obviously, keep your dog away from it. When you go to the vet's office: Leave your dog in the car...sign in...and then tell them to call you on your cell phone when it is your turn. Do not let your dog down on the floor. Take a clean towel into the vet's office to put on the exam table. Never let your dog p*e on the ground outside of the vet's office.
4. If you live in Texas, let's all keep an eye out for news of any cases in Texas. It will most likely get here, but maybe by the time that it does they will have learned what is causing it.
5. I will put a link in the comment section to the best article that I have found on it.