Kennel Cough In Dogs by Kirsten Hawkins
The condition commonly known as "Kennel Cough" is one of
the most prevalent infectious diseases that dogs can contract.
The disease is not serious in most cases, however, and often
resolves itself after one to two weeks. The accepted medical
term for kennel cough is tracheobronchitis, indicating a
form of bronchitis that affects the dog's trachea.
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Kennel cough can be caused by several
airborne bacteria and viruses. It is generally accepted
that most cases of kennel cough are caused by the bacteria
Bordetella bronchiseptica but it has also been associated
with the canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parainfluenza.
It is the general consensus of the veterinary medical
community that in order to cause the illness, an animal
must be virtually bombarded by multiple versions of
these pathogens at one time. For this reason it is
dogs that spend a lot of time around other dogs that
are most at risk for the disease. Dogs that participate
in dog shows or spend a lot of time in kennels are
the highest risks for kennel cough.
The primary symptom of kennel cough is a dry, spasmodic
cough which is caused by the inflammation of the
dog's trachea and bronchi. Coughing spells will often
result in the dog coughing up a white and foamy discharge.
Some dogs will also develop conjunctivitis - an inflammation
of the membrane that lines the eyelids. Nasal discharge
may also be present. In effect, the dog appears to
have a very nasty cold or flu. As stated above, the
disease is rarely serious and almost never life-threatening.
Still, if you have seen any of these symptoms or
have reason to believe that your dog has or has been
exposed to kennel cough, you should consult your
vet immediately. |
Your vet will be able to diagnose kennel cough with a physical
examination and medical history. The cough associated with
the ailment is very characteristic and a simple massage of
the dog's throat can usually cause it to cough on cue. In
some cases, such as if the dog is depressed or feverish or
expelling a yellow or green discharge, the doctor may require
additional diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count
(CBC) and laboratory testing of microorganisms in the dog's
airway. These tests will help the doctor rule out other infectious
diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, or canine distemper.
Immunization can help prevent kennel cough and is recommended.
When kenneling your dog or traveling it may be required before
your dog will be admitted. Effective immunization can be
difficult, however, because the disease can be caused by
so many different pathogens. Active prevention on your part
can be accomplished by not allowing your dog's toys or water
and food bowls to be accessed by unfamiliar dogs. If participating
in dog shows make sure that the area is well ventilated to
assist with the expulsion of airborne pathogens.
Kennel cough is treated with antibiotics in most cases.
Antibiotics will help prevent any secondary illnesses from
developing while the dog gets over its case of kennel cough.
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville,
TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for
more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog
travel.
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information on Kennel Cough.
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