Dog • Respiratory disease

 
The map shows where mysterious dog respiratory illness has spread in the U.S

According to information released earlier this month by the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, a mystery disease that affects dogs and causes fever, coughing, and lethargy has now spread to at least 16 states. 

Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, or a CIRDC, is the illness that more dogs have been contracting over the past year, according to veterinarians.

The disease's origins are unknown, but dogs that are thought to have contracted it exhibit severe symptoms that, in rare circumstances, can be fatal. 

What is known about the enigmatic ailment is as follows:

Where have proven cases of respiratory disease in dogs been found?

The disease has spread to 16 states in total, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, according to the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

In Oregon alone there have been more than 200 cases reported, officials said.

There is no official case count nationwide.

What signs of the enigmatic dog sickness are present?

Clinical signs of the illness include chronic tracheobronchitis, which is inflammation of the trachea and bronchi and can last six to eight weeks or longer, according to officials. Symptoms of tracheobronchitis include coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

Additionally, owners of pets should be on the lookout for persistent pneumonia that is resistant to antibiotics. Although those instances are uncommon, some pneumonia patients experience fast progression that results in mortality within 24 to 36 hours, according to officials. 

A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Shannon Powers, told CBS Philadelphia in a statement, "Some states have reported dogs staying ill for long periods, not responding to treatment, and rarely, dogs with rapid onset of severe respiratory signs that have progressed to death." Canines who already have a chronic respiratory condition may be at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Veterinarians are attempting to determine the underlying cause and efficacious remedies."

Given their propensity for respiratory ailments, dog breeds with flat cheeks or short snouts, such as French bulldogs or pugs, appear to be more vulnerable to the mystery illness, according to CBS Boston. 

Does the mystery ailment in dogs have any treatment?

Dr. Graham Brayshaw, the head of veterinary care at the Animal Humane Society, told CBS Minnesota that experts are still unsure about the exact source of the ailment and how to cure it. 

Most vets only tell pet owners to try their best to keep their dogs healthy, to keep them away from other potentially sick dogs, and to make sure they have all of their scheduled vaccinations. 

"Assure them to drink enough water. Antibiotics may occasionally be required because they are susceptible to subsequent bacterial infections. Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned that your dog may be exhibiting these symptoms; we can treat your dog to help it cope with the infection "explained the veterinarian.

According to CBS Minnesota, the US Department of Agriculture is collaborating with several states and labs to determine the illness's cause. 

 

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