CommunityNews
Canine Infection Respiratory Disease Complex( CIRDC)
In the last several months, veterinary hospitals in different parts of the country have noticed an increase in dogs being affected with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex( CIRDC), also known as Kennel Cough Complex. CIRDC is an infection of the upper and lower airways caused by a virus or bacteria( most commonly Bordetella). As opposed to most cases of CIRDC that resolve in 7-10 days with supportive care( and sometimes the addition of antibiotics), we have seen several cases that are only partially responding to initial therapy or not responding at all. Some dogs have had issues with severe coughing, chronic or non-resolving coughing, or even progression to pneumonia( infection in the lungs, as opposed to just in the airways).
Recently, media reports have highlighted increased and worsening cases of CIRDC being diagnosed at veterinary hospitals in several US States. Although most dogs recover well from CIRDC, some dogs in this recent outbreak have gotten sick very quickly and have had to be hospitalized. There have also been reports of some dogs dying from very severe disease.
Here are some recommendations for dogs to reduce risks of CIRDC exposure and sickness:
• Monitor your dog closely for any of the following respiratory signs:
• Coughing
• Productive Coughing( i. e. mucus from the mouth after coughing)
• Sneezing
• Nasal or ocular( eye) discharge
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Lethargy or weakness
• Decreased appetite or anorexia( refusing food)
• Fever If you notice any of the above signs in your dog, please schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for further assessment. If an appointment cannot be scheduled within 2-3 days with your primary veterinary clinic, or if worsening or more severe signs are noted( such as excessive coughing, rapid or labored breathing, significant lethargy or anorexia), please seek same-day care at an urgent care or emergency hospital facility.
• Keep Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease vaccine( sometimes called Bordetella or Kennel Cough vaccine) and Caning Influenza Virus vaccine up-to-date for all eligible dogs
• Limit your dog’ s time around other dogs, if possible. This may mean:
• Reducing or temporarily suspending time at doggy daycare.
• Limiting time in boarding facilities and considering in-home pet-sitters, if possible.
• Avoiding dog parks and other public areas, when possible.
8 WWW. FIRSTCOLONY. ORG