Kennel cough

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A scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicting a number of Gram-negative Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. Bordetella bronchiseptica.jpg
A scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicting a number of Gram-negative Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.
Transmission electron micrograph of parainfluenza virus. Two intact particles and free filamentous nucleocapsid. Parainfluenza virus TEM PHIL 271 lores.jpg
Transmission electron micrograph of parainfluenza virus. Two intact particles and free filamentous nucleocapsid.

Kennel cough (also "canine infectious respiratory disease" (CIRD), "canine infectious respiratory disease complex" (CIRDC) or "canine infectious tracheobronchitis" (CIT)) is an upper respiratory infection affecting dogs. [1] There are multiple causative agents, the most common being the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica (found in 78.7% of cases in Southern Germany), followed by canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV; 37.7% of cases), and to a lesser extent canine coronavirus (9.8% of cases). [2] It is highly contagious; [3] however, adult dogs may display immunity to reinfection even under constant exposure. [4] Kennel cough is so named because the infection can spread quickly among dogs in the close quarters of a kennel or animal shelter.

Contents

Viral and bacterial causes of canine cough are spread through airborne droplets produced by sneezing and coughing. These agents also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms begin after a several-day incubation period post-exposure, [3] and in most cases will clear up on their own. However, in young puppies or immunocompromised animals, mixed or secondary infections can progress to lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia. [5]

Symptoms

The incubation period is 5–7 days (with a range of 3–10). [5] Symptoms can include a harsh, dry cough, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting in response to light pressing of the trachea or after excitement or exercise. The presence of a fever varies from case to case.[ citation needed ]

Types

Although kennel cough is considered to be a multifactorial infection, there are two main forms. The first is more mild and is caused by B. bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza infections, without complications from canine distemper virus (CDV) or canine mastadenovirus A (formerly canine adenovirus-1). This form occurs most regularly in autumn, and can be distinguished by symptoms such as a retching cough and vomiting. The second form has a more complex combination of causative organisms, including CDV and CAV. It typically occurs in dogs that have not been vaccinated and it is not seasonal. Symptoms are more severe than the first form, and may include rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and fever, in addition to a hacking cough. [6]

Transmission

Viral infections such as canine parainfluenza or Canine respiratory coronavirus are only spread for roughly one week following recovery; [5] however, respiratory infections involving B. bronchiseptica can be transmissible for several weeks longer. [4] While there was early evidence to suggest that B. bronchiseptica could be shed for many months post-infection, [4] a more recent report places detectable nasal and pharyngeal levels of B. bronchiseptica in 45.6% of all clinically healthy dogs. [2] This has potentially expanded the vector from currently or recently infected dogs to half the dog population as carriers. To put the relative levels of shedding bacteria into perspective, a study analyzing the shedding kinetics of B. bronchiseptica presents the highest levels of bacterial shedding one week post-exposure, with an order of magnitude decrease in shedding observed every week. [7] This projection places negligible levels of shedding to be expected six weeks post-exposure (or approximately five weeks post-onset of symptoms). Dogs which had been administered intranasal vaccine four weeks prior to virulent B. bronchiseptica challenge displayed little to no bacterial shedding within three weeks of exposure to the virulent strain. [7]

Treatment and prevention

Antibiotics are given to treat any bacterial infection present. Cough suppressants are used if the cough is not productive. NSAIDs are often given to reduce fever and upper respiratory inflammation. Prevention is by vaccinating for canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella . In kennels, the best prevention is to keep all the cages disinfected. In some cases, such as "doggie daycares" or nontraditional playcare-type boarding environments, it is usually not a cleaning or disinfecting issue, but rather an airborne issue, as the dogs are in contact with each other's saliva and breath. Although most kennels require proof of vaccination, the vaccination is not a fail-safe preventative. Just like human influenza, even after receiving the vaccination, a dog can still contract mutated strains or less severe cases.[ citation needed ]

Vaccines

To increase their effectiveness, vaccines should be administered as soon as possible after a dog enters a high-risk area, such as a shelter. 10 to 14 days are required for partial immunity to develop. [8] Administration of B. bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza vaccines may then be continued routinely, especially during outbreaks of kennel cough. There are several methods of administration, including parenteral and intranasal. [9] However, the intranasal method has been recommended when exposure is imminent, due to a more rapid and localized protection. Several intranasal vaccines have been developed that contain canine adenovirus in addition to B. bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus antigens. Studies have thus far not been able to determine which formula of vaccination is the most efficient. Adverse effects of vaccinations are mild, but the most common effect observed up to 30 days after administration is nasal discharge. [8] Vaccinations are not always effective. In one study it was found that 43.3% of all dogs in the study population with respiratory disease had in fact been vaccinated. [2]

Complications

Dogs will typically recover from kennel cough within a few weeks. However, secondary infections could lead to complications that could do more harm than the disease itself. [2] Several opportunistic invaders have been recovered from the respiratory tracts of dogs with kennel cough, including Streptococcus , Pasteurella , Pseudomonas , and various coliform bacteria. These bacteria have the potential to cause pneumonia or sepsis, which drastically increase the severity of the disease. These complications are evident in thoracic radiographic examinations. Findings will be mild in animals affected only by kennel cough, while those with complications may have evidence of segmental atelectasis (collapsed lung) and other severe side effects. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canine distemper</span> Viral disease affecting some mammals

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a viral disease that affects a wide variety of mammal families, including domestic and wild species of dogs, coyotes, foxes, pandas, wolves, ferrets, skunks, raccoons, and felines, as well as pinnipeds, some primates, and a variety of other species. CDV does not affect humans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whooping cough</span> Human disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis or the 100-day cough, is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable bacterial disease. Initial symptoms are usually similar to those of the common cold with a runny nose, fever, and mild cough, but these are followed by two or three months of severe coughing fits. Following a fit of coughing, a high-pitched whoop sound or gasp may occur as the person breathes in. The violent coughing may last for 10 or more weeks, hence the phrase "100-day cough". The cough may be so hard that it causes vomiting, rib fractures, and fatigue. Children less than one year old may have little or no cough and instead have periods where they cannot breathe. The incubation period is usually seven to ten days. Disease may occur in those who have been vaccinated, but symptoms are typically milder.

<i>Bordetella bronchiseptica</i> Species of bacterium

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a small, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Bordetella. It can cause infectious bronchitis in dogs and other animals, but rarely infects humans. Closely related to B. pertussis—the obligate human pathogen that causes pertussis ; B. bronchiseptica can persist in the environment for extended periods.

<i>Bordetella</i> Genus of bacteria

Bordetella is a genus of small, Gram-negative, coccobacilli bacteria of the phylum Pseudomonadota. Bordetella species, with the exception of B. petrii, are obligate aerobes, as well as highly fastidious, or difficult to culture. All species can infect humans. The first three species to be described ; are sometimes referred to as the 'classical species'. Two of these are also motile.

<i>Carnivore protoparvovirus 1</i> Species of parvovirus

Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 is a species of parvovirus that infects carnivorans. It causes a highly contagious disease in both dogs and cats separately. The disease is generally divided into two major genogroups: FPV containing the classical feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV), and CPV-2 containing the canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) which appeared in the 1970s.

Viral pneumonia is a pneumonia caused by a virus. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both of the lungs. The pulmonary alveoli fill with fluid or pus making it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children, while in adults bacteria are a more common cause.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dog health</span> Health of dogs

The health of dogs is a well studied area in veterinary medicine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canine influenza</span>

Canine influenza is influenza occurring in canine animals. Canine influenza is caused by varieties of influenzavirus A, such as equine influenza virus H3N8, which was discovered to cause disease in canines in 2004. Because of the lack of previous exposure to this virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it. Therefore, the disease is rapidly transmitted between individual dogs. Canine influenza may be endemic in some regional dog populations of the United States. It is a disease with a high morbidity but a low incidence of death.

Pneumonia is an irritation of the lungs caused by different sources. It is characterized by an inflammation of the deep lung tissues and the bronchi. Pneumonia can be acute or chronic. This life-threatening illness is more common in cats than in dogs and the complication “Kennel Cough” can occur in young pets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adenovirus infection</span> Medical condition

Adenovirus infection is a contagious viral disease, caused by adenoviruses, commonly resulting in a respiratory tract infection. Typical symptoms range from those of a common cold, such as nasal congestion, coryza and cough, to difficulty breathing as in pneumonia. Other general symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, abdominal pain and swollen neck glands. Onset is usually two to fourteen days after exposure to the virus. A mild eye infection may occur on its own, combined with a sore throat and fever, or as a more severe adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis with a painful red eye, intolerance to light and discharge. Very young children may just have an earache. Adenovirus infection can present as a gastroenteritis with vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, with or without respiratory symptoms. However, some people have no symptoms.

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is an acute liver infection in dogs caused by Canine mastadenovirus A, formerly called Canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1). Canine mastadenovirus A also causes disease in wolves, coyotes, and bears, and encephalitis in foxes. The virus is spread in the feces, urine, blood, saliva, and nasal discharge of infected dogs. It is contracted through the mouth or nose, where it replicates in the tonsils. The virus then infects the liver and kidneys. The incubation period is 4 to 9 days.

Canid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CaHV-1), formerly Canine herpesvirus (CHV), is a virus of the family Herpesviridae which most importantly causes a fatal hemorrhagic disease in puppies less than two to three weeks old. It is known to exist in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, England and Germany. CHV was first recognized in the mid-1960s from a fatal disease in puppies.

<i>Bordetella pertussis</i> Species of bacterium causing pertussis or whooping cough

Bordetella pertussis is a Gram-negative, aerobic, pathogenic, encapsulated coccobacillus bacterium of the genus Bordetella, and the causative agent of pertussis or whooping cough. Its virulence factors include pertussis toxin, adenylate cyclase toxin, filamentous hæmagglutinin, pertactin, fimbria, and tracheal cytotoxin.

Aujeszky's disease, usually called pseudorabies in the United States, is a viral disease in swine that is endemic in most parts of the world. It is caused by Suid herpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1). Aujeszky's disease is considered to be the most economically important viral disease of swine in areas where classical swine fever has been eradicated. Other mammals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, and raccoons, are also susceptible. The disease is usually fatal in these animal species.

Cat flu is the common name for a feline upper respiratory disease, which can be caused by one or more possible pathogens:

  1. Feline herpes virus, causing feline viral rhinotracheitis,
  2. Feline calicivirus,
  3. Bordetella bronchiseptica, or
  4. Chlamydia felis (chlamydia).
<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaccination of dogs</span>

Vaccination of dogs is the practice of animal vaccination applied to dogs. Programs in this field have contributed both to the health of dogs and to the public health. In countries where routine rabies vaccination of dogs is practiced, for example, rabies in humans is reduced to a very rare event.

Feline vaccination is animal vaccination applied to cats. Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting cats from infectious diseases, some of which are potentially fatal. They can be exposed to these diseases from their environment, other pets, or even humans.

DA2PP is a multivalent vaccine for dogs that protects against the viruses indicated by the alphanumeric characters forming the abbreviation: D for canine distemper, A2 for canine adenovirus type 2, which offers cross-protection to canine adenovirus type 1, the first P for canine parvovirus, and the second P for parainfluenza. Because infectious canine hepatitis is another name for canine adenovirus type 1, an H is sometimes used instead of A. In DA2PPC, the C indicates canine coronavirus. This is not considered a core vaccination and is therefore often excluded from the abbreviation.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common and costly infectious disease affecting beef cattle in the world. It is a complex, bacterial or viral infection that causes pneumonia in calves which can be fatal. The infection is usually a sum of three codependent factors: stress, an underlying viral infection, and a new bacterial infection. The diagnosis of the disease is complex since there are multiple possible causes.

Atypical canine infectious respiratory disease complex (aCIRDC) is a proposed novel respiratory disease in dogs of unknown cause. It has been recorded in 19 US states, with more cases on the West Coast.

References

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  2. 1 2 3 4 Schulz, B; Kurz, S; Balzer, H; Hartmann, K (September 2014). "Detection of Respiratory Viruses and Bordetella Bronchiseptica in Dogs with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections". The Veterinary Journal. 201 (3): 365–369. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.04.019. PMC   7110455 . PMID   24980809.
  3. 1 2 Ettinger, Stephen J.; Feldman, Edward C. (1995). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (4th ed.). W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN   0-7216-6795-3.
  4. 1 2 3 Bemis, DA; Carmichael, LE; Appel, MJ (April 1977). "Naturally occurring respiratory disease in a kennel caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica". The Cornell Veterinarian. 67 (2): 282–293. PMID   870289.
  5. 1 2 3 Sherding G., Robert (2006). Saunders Manual of Small Animal Practice (Third ed.). Saint Louis: W.B. Saunders. pp. 151–153. doi:10.1016/B0-72-160422-6/50014-0. ISBN   9780721604220.
  6. Thrusfield, M; Aitken, C; Muirhead, R (1991). "A Field Investigation of Kennel Cough: Incubation Period and Clinical Signs". Journal of Small Animal Practice. 32 (5): 215–220. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.1991.tb00550.x.
  7. 1 2 Iemura, R; Tsukatani, R; Micallef, MJ; Taneno, A (26 December 2009). "Simultaneous analysis of the nasal shedding kinetics of field and vaccine strains of Bordetella bronchiseptica". The Veterinary Record. 165 (25): 747–751. PMID   20023279.
  8. 1 2 Edinboro, C; Ward, M; Glickman, L (February 2004). "A Placebo-controlled Trial of Two Intranasal Vaccines to Prevent Tracheobronchitis (kennel Cough) in Dogs Entering a Humane Shelter". Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 62 (2): 89–99. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2003.10.001. PMC   7126306 . PMID   15156996.
  9. Thrusfield, M; Aitken, C; Muirhead, R (1989). "A Field Investigation of Kennel Cough: Efficacy of Vaccination". Journal of Small Animal Practice. 30 (10): 550–560. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.1989.tb01471.x.
  10. Greene, Craig E (2006). "6". Infectious Diseases in Dogs and Cats (third ed.). St Louis.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)