02/01/2025
Please read....if your dog is coughing please let us know before your appt. Thank u
🐾Fur babies has not had any cases🐾
From white hall animal clinic
Recent Upper Respiratory Outbreak in Dogs
White Hall Animal Clinic wants to keep you informed about a recent outbreak of upper respiratory illness affecting dogs in our area.
While the spread has been slower than typical outbreaks, the illness appears more persistent and severe than what we usually encounter.
Here’s what we know so far:
Key Points:
Extended Symptoms: Unlike the typical 5-10 days of self-limiting coughing, we are seeing symptoms lasting 14+ days, with some dogs coughing for 3-5 weeks after initial onset. Many require treatment with steroids and cough suppressants.
Bronchitis Cases: Dogs that remain symptomatic show mild to severe bronchitis on chest X-rays, particularly worsening with excitement or exercise. This typically presents 10-14 days after the initial presentation. Fortunately, no cases of pneumonia have been identified in our patients.
Unknown Cause: Advanced PCR testing has ruled out common pathogens like canine influenza and Bordetella (kennel cough). We suspect an airborne viral agent may be responsible. (Something we don’t test for or something that is difficult for us to collect and transport to the lab.)
Contagion Timeline: Most dogs appear non-contagious after 14 days and once bronchitis develops. However, asymptomatic carriers may be contributing to the prolonged spread of cases.
Good News: None of our patients have required hospitalization or oxygen therapy, and nearly all are continuing to eat and drink normally.
What You Can Do:
If your dog is coughing, please keep them home to help stop the spread. Avoid:
• Boarding facilities
• Daycare
• Parks (both for walks and dog play areas)
• Groomers
• Pet-friendly stores
By limiting contact between dogs, we can slow the spread and let this outbreak fizzle out. If your pet is showing symptoms, we recommend contacting your veterinarian for advice on monitoring or treatment options.
This is not to create fear, but to inform everyone to pay attention, even if your dog acts ok- the coughing could be contagious to other pets!
Our Commitment:
White Hall Animal Clinic will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide any needed updates. Your pet’s health is our top priority, and we are here to support you.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our community’s pets healthy!
