What is
Infectious Bronchitis ?
Infectious Bronchitis
is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract. Infected dogs
have may have a harsh, dry cough or a sneeze that can last for for
several days. As well as being annoying for your dog, the persistent
coughing mostly can be upsetting to you. Usually dogs do not run a fever
or show any effects other than a cough followed by a gagging noise
sometimes discharge from the nose. IF your dog should display lethargy,
loss of appetite or just that "not himself" behavior. A trip to the vet
may be necessary, as the disease can develop into a secondary
infection. The secondary infection is most common in pets with
debilitated health, weak immune systems the very old or very young.
How does it spread?
The infection is
spread from dog to dog through the air by the cough or sneeze, just like
we catch a cold, this means it is airborne. Should your dog come in
contact with the disease, it is not a reflection on the environment. It
is not unlike the common cold or flu in humans. Exposure is all that is
necessary for your pet to become vulnerable. Treatment usually consists
of antibiotics to prevent secondary infections and a cough suppressant,
such as Robitussin*. Some veterinarians say let it run its course.
Bordetella bronchiseptica
There are many
organisms that make dogs cough, some being more serious that others.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica, the major cause of infectious bronchitis is a
bacterium which not only causes disease in its own right but can further
complicate viral infections. Bordetella produces a typically
persistent, harsh, hacking cough which usually lasts for 4-10 days.
There is a vaccine which provides protection against Bordetella
Bronchiseptica. However, like all virus's this one can and does mutate.
No vaccine is 100% effective. I compare it to the flu shots we humans
get, even they will not protect us against that disease. I recommend
that pet's be vaccinated rather than not. Every little bit helps.
The
Vaccinations
One vaccine is
called Intratrac* and is given as droplets into your dogs nose. This
provides a quicker immune response, however, the vaccine is implicated
in the CAUSE of many cases of the Canine Cough. If your Veterinarian
chooses the Intratrac, ask your vet to vaccinate your dog with Intratrac*
at least 21 days, but preferably 30 days before your dog could possibly
be exposed or is at risk.
The injectable
version, preferred by us and some veterinarians is not likely to cause
the disease but takes longer to become effective and is commonly given
in two doses 10 days apart. Planning ahead is advisable or routine
vaccination.
If you do not have the
appropriate lead time, we ask you do not vaccinate. Or get the first in
the series of 2 of the injectable version.
Addendum:
Should your dog
develop symptoms while he/she is in our care we immediately take
measures to isolate that individual and start them on antibiotics and
cough suppressant, your pet will not go untreated.
