There is a new warning about a mysterious disease affecting dogs, with cases being reported across the country.
Here’s what we know and what veterinarians recommend about an unknown respiratory disease affecting hundreds of dogs across the country.
“We’ve had a lot more dogs coming into the emergency room coughing than in years past,” said Amanda Cavanagh, director of small animal emergency services at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Although research is still ongoing, veterinarians say the disease is highly contagious and can be fatal in some cases. Most of the symptoms reported are similar to typical kennel cough symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and fatigue.
“Instead of a dry cough when the dog was feeling well, it was this wet cough that made the dog feel sick,” Kavanagh said.
First reported in Oregon in August, the state Department of Agriculture has received more than 100 written reports from veterinarians about the disease. Cases eventually spread further west, and the San Diego Humane Society has suspended dog surrenders until next month to prevent further spread.
“He’s never been sick a day since he was born,” said Wendy Brown, the dog’s owner in Idaho.
Brown said her three golden retrievers, Bridge, Dooley and Lulu, each started showing symptoms earlier this month.
“Dooley started doing things that were choking and seemed to be quite tired as well. Shortly thereafter, Bridge started showing symptoms as well, but he and his voice were louder. It got louder. I thought it was because of my stomach. It sounded like I was gagging,” Brown explained.
At first, Brown thought it was typical kennel cough, but when her symptoms didn’t go away, she realized it was something more serious.
“The vet started him on doxycycline for 10 days. Today was day 10 and he wasn’t that good. So it’s pretty concerning for us,” Brown said.
Brown said the dogs are slowly starting to show signs of recovery, but they still don’t know what caused their illness in the first place.
“They usually go swimming once a week. They might be there. All three dogs participate in all of those activities. We all went to the dog park. One of them We don’t know how to determine which one could be.”In terms of infection, they were the culprit,” Brown said.
Experts say if your dog shows signs of persistent coughing, that’s a good reason to get it tested.
“Have your dog fully evaluated by your veterinarian,” Cavanagh recommends. “We can do an ultrasound of your lungs to see if you have any problems related to pneumonia or any contagious pneumonia that might be prevalent. , early veterinary attention is very important.” Take care of your dog and then track how this disease progresses. ”