Kennel cough in dogs

                 

    Kennel cough is an highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is also known as Canine infectious traecheobronchitis. it is caused by number of bacterial and viral diseases. puppies and elder dogs are more prone to this disease.

etiological factor :

                     one of the most common cause for kennel cough in dogs are Bordetella bronchiseptica and so kennel cough is often called as bordetella. most of the dogs affected with this bacterial disease are immunodeficient due to some viral infections like CANINE ADENO VIRUS, CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS,CANINE HERPES VIRUS, REO VIRUS , PARA INFLUENZA.

Route of transmission :

                   Infection spread from one dog to other through airborne droplets, direct contact (touching nose ) ,contaminated surfaces also include water and food bowls. It results in inflammation of larynx and trachea.

factors making dog susceptible to kennel cough infections :

                  Viral infections

                   Exposure to crowded or poorly ventilated conditions

                   Cold temperatures

                   Exposure to dust 

                   Travel induced stresses.

Clinical symptoms :

               The most common symptom associated with kennel cough is a forceful, honking cough which will often sound like your dog has something struck in his throat. The cough can be dry and hoarse or productive. Other signs include 

                   Running nose

                   Sneezing

                   Lethargy 

                   Loss of appetite 

                   Low fever

Diagnosis :

                Based on the clinical signs of cough, exposure of dog to crowd of other canines can be used for diagnosis. 

                In some of the cases swabs can be taken to determine the exact virus or bacteria causing kennel cough. 

Treatment :

            In most of the cases dog will recover from kennel cough without treatment within 3 weeks,  usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics to target bordetella bacteria, usage of cough suppressants and anti - inflammatories can makes the dog a bit more comfortable and helps the dog in natural recovery.

Prevention :

             Some of the infections (adeno, herpes, canine distemper) that makes dog more susceptible to kennel cough are already part of regular vaccination of dogs but the main Causative for kennel cough (bordetella) needs separate vaccination through nasal drops but there are many strains which causes infection, so we cannot guarantee the immunity against disease but lessens the disease symptoms.

            The nasal route of vaccination can be given at the earliest age of 3 weeks with a booster dose annually.

Do kennel cough transmit from animal to human? 

                  Though it is very uncommon of kennel cough transmission from animal to human but in rare condition it transmit from pet to owners in immuno compromised persons like cancer patients, tuberculosis persons. As kennel is mostly caused by bordetella bronchiseptica in dogs which is similar to bacteria that cause whooping cough in humans. 

Note :

          Incase of any quires regarding your pet please feel free to contact me on 

       Youcanmaildoctor@gmail.com

                      Thank you.