08/08/2023
Please see attached article from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association regarding the canine respiratory illness. Were recommending that all canines that are around other canines are fully vaccinated for canine distemper/parvo. Please call the clinic to schedule an vaccine appointment, if your pet isn't current. Thank you
A recent report of a suspected outbreak of canine respiratory illness at an animal sanctuary in the Willamette Valley has caused concern among Oregon dog owners.
The OVMA has inquired with several veterinarians, veterinary emergency clinics and humane organizations in the Portland Metro area and the Willamette Valley. Those we spoke to on 8.7.23 did not report a widespread increase in severe canine respiratory cases or illness at this time.
In a message to veterinarians on 8/9/23, the State Veterinarian said, "At this point in time, while there does appear to be an over-representation of these cases beyond what would be expected, the information to date does not indicate a widespread outbreak." The State Veterinarian is seeking reports from veterinarians about cases they may have seen.
Periodic outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) can occur in a dog population, such as in localized pockets, and some infections can be serious. Transmitted by respiratory droplets, both viruses and bacteria can cause CIRDC.
CIRDC cases more commonly occur in animals in group settings such as shelters, boarding, day care, or training facilities rather than in animals housed in private homes, especially those with limited access to other dogs.
Veterinarians treat cases according to the dog's symptoms and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include antibiotics. Most dogs, especially those vaccinated against respiratory illness, experience a mild illness.
Symptoms of CIRDC include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy. If your dog shows these symptoms, please check with your veterinarian.
Dog owners can protect their pets from respiratory illness by:
* Reducing contact with large numbers of unknown dogs. Just as with other respiratory pathogens, the more contacts your dog has, the greater the risk of encountering a dog that’s infectious.
* Reducing contact with sick dogs. This can be harder to determine but if a dog looks sick (coughing, runny nose, runny eyes), keep your dog away from it.
* Keep sick dogs at home and seek veterinary care.
* Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.
* Ask your veterinarian for advice on which vaccinations your dog should have. If appropriate for your dog, have it vaccinated against the canine respiratory diseases Bordetella (kennel cough), parainfluenza and canine influenza.
* If it's sick, consider having your dog tested with a PCR test to help determine the causative agent (viral/bacterial), if possible.
We will update this information as events warrant.
