Welcome to Ranger's Pet Outpost and Retreat®
1239 Minnesota Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789, United States
HELPFUL CONTENT -
We are aware and monitoring the situation -
Due to the recent reports of a potentially unidentified canine respiratory infection, we want to let our client know that we are closely monitoring developing news. We are watching for updates from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, general media and are in contact with a number of local veterinarians and other relevant sources.
Initial reports of illness had been coming out of Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Road Island. In recent days California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont and Washington have been added to the list with suspected reports of potential infection.
As always we are concerned about the health and safety of pets utilizing the facility. We are maintaining our standard of vaccine requirement, cleaning and disinfecting regiment and monitoring pets for any sign of illness. .
We have acknowledged the recent shortage of Canine Influenza Vaccine with local vets. Owners are aware they are exposing their dogs to other dogs and with this potentially unknown illness we are not able to require a prescribed vaccine.
We ask that any pets showing signs of respiratory illness to remain home and immediately seek veterinary care. Any pets displaying signs of respiratory illness in the facility will be isolated and we will contact the owner.
We ask if your pet is coughing, sneezing, lethargic or showing any signs of respiratory illness to seek the support of your veterinarian.
We will continue to monitor the situation and post updates. Below you will find relevant information and articles from credible source. Please revisit this page for ongoing updates.
Recent Information
December 6, 2023
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine
For pet owners: Information about mysterious respiratory illness in dogs
Published
December 6, 2023
Recent media coverage of a “mysterious” respiratory illness in dogs in the US has created concern with dog owners. While there is always a year-round baseline incidence of dogs with a respiratory infection, spikes in the number of affected dogs occur periodically during a typical year. At this time, it is unclear if the current surge in numbers is part of the expected cycle, is truly larger than expected, or if media coverage has amplified the situation. It is clear, however, that veterinarians and dog owners have increased awareness.
The cause(s) of the infections has not been determined, leading to speculation that the current infection spike is caused by a new” mysterious” pathogen. While this potential is being investigated, it is also possible that the illness is due to viruses and bacteria known to cause respiratory infections in dogs. The answers await the testing of many more samples that are being submitted to diagnostic labs by veterinarians at this time.
Regardless of the cause, we understand that everyone is concerned with protecting their dog from infection. While some dogs can develop pneumonia from respiratory infections, the vast majority of dogs with a respiratory infection recover in a week or two without any complications.
So, what should dog owners do?
1. Talk with your veterinarian for more information or if you are concerned that your dog could be affected.
2. Know the risk factors for exposure to respiratory pathogens
Many of the dogs with respiratory infections reported by veterinarians have a history of recent contact with other dogs in a social setting. These settings include exposure to unfamiliar dogs and dogs with unknown health status. Respiratory viruses and bacteria are highly contagious and spread through the air as well as by direct contact with contaminated surfaces and objects in the environment. These transmission properties result in spread between dogs co-housed in a kennel setting or in direct contact with other dogs. Such settings include:
- Boarding kennels
- Daycare centers
- Dog parks
- Groomers
- Dog shows
3. Take precautions
Limit contact with dogs in social settings to limit your dog’s risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens.
- If your dog is showing signs of respiratory illness (cough, lethargy, labored breathing), call your veterinarian for guidance and keep your dog separate from other dogs until recovered.
- Be vigilant and distance from potentially sick dogs in public settings.
- Consider using pet sitters if planning a trip.
- Continue activities such as a dog walking group or day care group if the group is small and includes the same dogs every day.
4. What if my dog gets sick
- Talk to your veterinarian. They will guide you on next steps. It is very important that you communicate with the veterinarian before coming to the clinic so they can prepare to see your dog while taking steps to reduce the risk of exposing other dogs.
- Most dogs will experience mild, short-lived disease and can stay at home with veterinarian guidance.
Dogs that stop eating, are lethargic, have intense coughing, or difficulty breathing should be seen by a veterinarian. Calling your veterinarian first helps them to prepare to see your dog while limiting exposure to other dogs.
NOVEMBER 28, 2023
OREGON VETERINARY Medical Association
CANINE INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN OREGON
Media Inquiries: Please direct interview requests to the Oregon Department of Agriculture spokesperson.
Originally published 8.7.23 | Updated 11.28.23 to add suggested precautions for dog-related businesses. No changes to medical or case information.
In August 2023, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) first received reports of an atypical canine infectious respiratory illness being seen in dogs in the Portland Metro and Willamette Valley areas. To date, ODA has received over 200 reports of atypical canine infectious respiratory disease from Oregon veterinarians. Some of these reports were about illnesses that occurred earlier in the summer of 2023, prior to August.
Veterinarians in other states, such as New Hampshire, have reported similar canine illnesses as far back as summer 2022.
ODA is actively working with reporting veterinarians and specialists at OSU’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine (CCVM), the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL), and the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (USDA-NVSL) and other specialists to find the causative agent behind these cases.
What is Currently Known
Based on the cases reported as of late summer 2023, ODA provided this case report "heat map" (shown at right), accurate as of that time.
Based on the epidemiology of the cases reported to date, ODA says the cases appear to share a viral etiology, but common respiratory diagnostic testing has been largely negative, and the cause remains unknown. A handful of cases have tested positive for M. cynos, but that is not believed to be the underlying causative agent.
The cases reported to ODA appear to primarily fall within three general clinical syndromes:
- Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6-8 weeks or longer) that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.
- Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.
- Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours.
Next Steps
ODA has engaged with several emergency veterinary practices to begin widespread sampling of potential respiratory cases, which will be paired with PCR testing using generic primers, virus isolation, and rapid whole genome sequencing in hopes of diagnosing an etiologic agent.
ODA is working with pathologists and virologists at the OVDL, as well as the USDA-NVSL, to implement a diagnostic testing plan. ODA is awaiting genome sequencing results on several acute samples from the USDA, which may provide guidance moving forward.
Should Dog Owners Be Worried?
We suggest caution rather than worry. The number of cases reported to ODA represents a very small percentage of Oregon's dog population.
Periodic outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) can occur in a dog population. At least nine different known bacteria and viruses have been linked as causes of CIRDC, which is transmitted by respiratory droplets. Infection with more than one bacterial or viral agent is common.
Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy. If your dog shows these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. We encourage you to speak to your veterinarian about what vaccines are appropriate for your dog. These may include canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza. Please consult with your veterinarian for dog-specific advice before attending events where dogs are congregated.
Dr. Stephen Kochis, the chief medical officer for the Oregon Humane Society, told the New York Times he does not want people to panic because number of cases reported to ODA represents a small number of all the dogs in the state. “We are not seeing an uptick in respiratory disease outside of the ordinary expectation for pets that would get respiratory disease,” he said.
Dr. Scott Weese's Worms and Germs blog offers commentary on this illness. He states, "Being aware is good, being anxious is bad.... The vast majority of dogs that get CIRDC recover uneventfully."
Precautions You May Choose to Take
For Dog Owners
- Vaccinate your dog as recommended by your veterinarian. This may include vaccinations for canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza.
- Avoid communal water bowls and toys, and clean these items thoroughly.
- Avoid playdates with unknown dogs. Socialization is important for your dog, so you might consider creating a playgroup of known dogs that are also vaccinated.
- Avoid or limit your dog's exposure to settings with unknown dogs, such as off-leash dog parks.
- If your dog is sick, please keep them at home and seek veterinary care.
For Organizers of Dog-Related Events
- Make sure all dogs are up-to-date on vaccines, including canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza.
- Dogs should have a health check 12-24 hours before the event. Have a DVM onsite checking dogs for health issues: mild nasal discharge, cough, elevated temperature, being off food.
- Dogs showing symptoms of illness (cough, sneezing/congestion, diarrhea, decreased appetite) should not attend the event.
For Dog-Related Businesses
- Facilities should consider asking about the following before accepting dogs into their facility:
- Vaccinations: Is your dog current on its vaccinations against canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza?
- In the last 24 hours, has your dog had a cough, sneezing/congestion, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and/or low energy? If so, those dogs should visit only when feeling well again.
- Consider taking dogs' temperatures to screen for fever.
- Avoid dogs sharing water bowls and toys. Clean these items frequently.
- Improve ventilation in the kennel area.
- If possible, cohort known dogs into smaller groups that stay consistent.
- If taking dogs out on walks, avoid unknown dogs.
CIRDC Backgrounder
Periodic outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) can occur in a dog population and some cases can be serious. Transmitted by respiratory droplets, both viruses and bacteria can cause CIRDC.
CIRDC cases more commonly occur in animals housed in settings such as shelters, boarding, or training facilities rather than in animals housed in private homes, especially those with limited access to other dogs.
Veterinarians treat cases according to the dog's symptoms and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include antibiotics. Most dogs, especially those vaccinated against respiratory illness, experience a mild illness.
Symptoms of CIRDC include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy. If your dog shows these symptoms, please check with your veterinarian.
Dog owners can help protect their pets from respiratory illnesses in general by:
- Reducing contact with large numbers of unknown dogs. Just like with other respiratory pathogens, the more contacts your dog has, the greater the risk of encountering a dog that’s infectious.
- Reducing contact with sick dogs. This can be harder to determine but if a dog looks sick (coughing, runny nose, runny eyes), keep your dog away from it.
- Keep sick dogs at home and seek veterinary care.
- Avoid communal water bowls and toys shared by multiple dogs.
- Ask your veterinarian for advice on which vaccinations your dog should have. Common vaccinations include canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza.
- If it's sick, consider having your dog tested with a PCR test to help determine the causative agent (viral/bacterial), if possible.
Updated: November 28, 2023
Recent Information
11/27/2023
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine –
Shelter Medicine Program
https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2023/11/27/mysterious-respiratory-disease/
11/27/23 update –This is a rapidly evolving situation – come back for updates as more information develops.
Veterinarians are reporting an increased number of dogs presenting with acute respiratory infections ranging from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening pneumonia. The disease is reportedly nonresponsive to commonly prescribed antibiotics, and diagnostic testing is often negative for known canine pathogens.
It is not yet clear if this is caused by a novel emerging pathogen or one of the well-known causes of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC casually known as “kennel cough”). The lack of a centralized reporting system means it’s not even possible to confirm that there is a spike in CIRDC incidence or severity. The intense media coverage of a “mystery disease” may be raising awareness and discussion about CIRDC cases that would otherwise be managed as usual. It’s also possible that localized clusters are occurring due to one or more known pathogens due to some predisposing factor, such as an asymptomatically infected dog visiting a dog park, day care, dog show, or boarding kennel, etc.
Many of the cases suspected to have “atypical CIRDC” have not had diagnostic testing. Some were tested, but only after weeks of resolving cough. That’s too late to detect some of the most likely culprits, such as influenza virus, pneumovirus, and respiratory coronavirus. And many were tested with a respiratory panel at a large diagnostic lab that does not include pneumovirus, which could be causing the disease in some dogs. Researchers are also looking into the possibility of emerging or increasingly virulent pathogens.
H3N2 CIV is currently circulating along the eastern and western coasts as documented in show dogs and shelters. Although most cases of atypical CIRDC have been reported in privately owned dogs seen at veterinary clinics, the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida is currently working with several shelters with highly contagious pneumovirus and/or Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus across the country. While these pathogens are familiar to shelters, many private practitioners may not have diagnosed them before. Both cause pneumonia that can progress to a life-threatening situation. Co-infections with multiple pathogens can be especially debilitating.
At this time, we recommend being especially vigilant to identify and segregate dogs with respiratory signs. Respiratory PCR panels should be submitted within 4 days of the first clinical signs, especially in dogs recently exposed to other dogs. Visits with other dog populations should be minimized, and dogs should be kept current on DHPP and CIRC vaccinations (including CIV for owned pets).
While much is unknown about reported atypical CIRDC, basic disease control and treatment protocols as described below will help keep dogs safe and provide a roadmap for diagnosis and treatment.
Dogs at Risk
- Dogs that visit with other dogs, such as boarding, day care, dog shows, dog parks
- Suspect cases have been reported in at least 12 states, including Florida
- So far, animal shelters seem to be less frequently affected by unknown pathogens, although historic levels of crowding present risks for outbreaks
- People and other species have not been reported to be at risk
Clinical Signs
- Highly contagious, rapidly spreading among dogs in contact with other dogs
- Acute cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, fever, anorexia, lethargy
- Severe form can progress to life-threatening pneumonia requiring oxygen and ventilator support
- Cough may persist for weeks to months
Diagnosis
- Swabs for PCR testing should be collected within 4 days of the first clinical signs to avoid missing pathogens with short shedding periods such as CIV, Pneumovirus, and respiratory coronavirus
- Respiratory PCR panels should include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine adenovirus type 2, Canine distemper virus, Canine herpesvirus (CHV-1), Canine parainfluenza virus, Canine pneumovirus, Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), Influenza A virus, Mycoplasma cynos, and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus
- Respiratory cultures may be indicated for suspected bacterial infection not responsive to first-line treatment
- The three major commercial diagnostic laboratories offer respiratory PCR panels for the following pathogens:
Treatment
- Download the Firstline app for Antimicrobial Use Guidelines designed for common veterinary conditions and antimicrobial stewardship
· Firstline guidelines for CIRD
- Usually viral or self-limiting bacterial infection, often antimicrobials not required; other treatment options (i.e. macrolides (e.g. azithromycin)) rarely needed
- If <10d duration with no evidence of pneumonia: No treatment
- If >10d duration and fever, lethargy or inappetence, plus mucopurulent discharge: consider doxycycline or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid as below
- Treat for 7-10 days. Note: recent human guidelines for community-associated pneumonia recommend 3-5 days, a duration that might equally apply to CIRDC
· Firstline guidelines for pneumonia without systemic disease
- Affected dogs typically have radiographic evidence of pneumonia but no signs of systemic disease (e.g. fever, lethargy, inappetence)
- Lower airway sampling for culture recommended
- Doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO q12h or 10 mg/kg PO q24h preferred over amoxicillin-clavulanic acid as broader spectrum (Mycoplasma spp.) and recent evidence most B. bronchiseptica not susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid
- Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 12.5-25 mg/kg PO q12h If doxycycline is contraindicated in the dog
- Re-evaluate in 7-14 days. Seven days is likely adequate in most cases. However, recent human guidelines for community-associated pneumonia (a close analogy to this condition in dogs) recommend 3-5 days. This shorter course is reasonable to consider in dogs. Radiographic resolution is a lagging indicator and should not be the target for stopping treatment.
· Firstline guidelines for pneumonia with systemic disease/sepsis
- Affected dogs typically have combinations of fever, lethargy, inappetence and tachycardia + radiographic evidence of pneumonia
- Lower airway sampling for culture recommended
- Enrofloxacin 10-20 mg/kg IM/IV q24h alone or in combination with ampicillin
- Ampicillin 22-30 mg/kg IV/SQ q8h or Clindamycin 10-15 mg/kg IV q12h
- Re-evaluate in 7-14 days; total therapy is often 4-6 weeks but shorter durations (e.g. 7-14 days) may be appropriate. Optimal duration is not established and might be shorter. Transition to oral therapy is appropriate based on clinical response; amoxicillin can be used in place of parenteral ampicillin.
Recent Information
Effective 11-21-2023
University of New Hampshire – College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Canine Respiratory Outbreak
https://colsa.unh.edu/new-hampshire-veterinary-diagnostic-laboratory/canine-respiratory-outbreak
Respiratory Syndrome of Unknown Etiology in Dogs 2022-3 in New England: Diagnostic Investigation
Effective 11-21-2023
This is a respiratory syndrome, which means that there is a group of animals with similar clinical signs - in this case upper respiratory disease that is resistant to standard treatments and does not result in positive tests for common respiratory pathogens. There are a variety of typical canine respiratory pathogens which veterinarians are routinely able to diagnose and treat in dogs. The cases we are investigating have already tested negative at laboratories for usual pathogens. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the possibility of any emerging pathogens not known to cause respiratory disease. Please note that there has been no official identification of what causes this syndrome. Any of these findings are preliminary, and ongoing investigation will be necessary to make any final determinations.
Clinical Signs: Clinically the cases present similarly to other canine respiratory diseases such as kennel cough. They seem to be refractory to standard medical treatment and are usually negative on syndromic canine respiratory disease PCR testing. Cases commonly have a long course of illness, with some progression to pneumonia. In NH there have been anecdotal reports of mortalities, however submissions of carcasses or excised lung tissue have been minimal.
Timeline: The initial part of our investigation began in the late summer and autumn of 2022 in NH. In response to anecdotal reports of a respiratory syndrome as described above, the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (NHVDL) and Hubbard Center for Genomic Studies (HCGS), both located at the University of New Hampshire, began analyzing respiratory specimens from these NH cases employing state-of-the-art metagenomic techniques. In 2023 samples were also tested from southeastern MA and northern RI who were also reporting increased cases of syndromic cases. In June 2023 preliminary findings were disseminated to NH Veterinarians and also shared with our fellow New England states where similar reports of infection were occuring.
We currently have more samples in hand that arrived late last week from Oregon, and anticipate more next week from Colorado, and then later from Illinois and other states, so we can ascertain if the findings we have in our region are similar to those.
Preliminary Findings:
Known canine respiratory pathogens were not identified. This early metagenomic work did not reveal any RNA or DNA virus of concern, and no typical fungal or bacterial respiratory pathogens were identified.
The sequence data has revealed a non-culturable, bacterial-like organism, similar to Mycoplasma in a subset of the respiratory samples. With any investigation of this nature it is difficult to differentiate correlation and causation with the detection of DNA sequences and agents. Canine respiratory tissues from the NHVDL necropsy biobank archive from 2018 (presumably prior to current outbreak) were tested as negative and temporal controls. These older negative control samples have tested negative thus far for this organism.
These findings are only preliminary. More testing and analysis is needed before this syndrome is connected to a specific cause. For additional information please see the FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my dog is sick with respiratory signs?
We encourage you to continue working with your veterinarian for management of your pet's health care, as they have an established patient client relationship and are best suited to care for your pet.
Has the lab tested the K-9 samples for COVID-19/Coronavirus?
Yes, samples from this investigation were tested for COVID-19 and were NEGATIVE.
Can other animals including people be affected by this K-9 Respiratory Syndrome?
Evidence at this point suggests that this infection has been limited to dogs
Are particular breeds more susceptible?
There does not seem to be a breed predilection, but we are still analyzing the epidemiological data to see if this can be determined
How can I find out current information on this syndrome?
We will do our best to keep the NHVDL website updated with the most current information we have available.
https://colsa.unh.edu/new-hampshire-veterinary-diagnostic-laboratory/
What is the timeline for the study?
We began sample collection 10/22 from NH alone. Work at the genomics center started at the end of 2022 and continues. In June 2023 we released a preliminary letter to the regional veterinary community with some findings to date. In late summer 2023 we received samples from RI and MA. We anticipate findings from Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, and other sites over the next month or so.
I am a veterinarian and would like to donate samples to the K-9 Respiratory Study, what do I do?
If a clinic is in an area of increased respiratory disease in dogs and would like to contribute samples, they should contact David Needle directly at david.needle@unh.edu.
I am a dog owner and would like to donate my dog’s records. What do I do?
We are not collecting medical histories from owners. We work directly with veterinary clinics who would forward any appropriate records.
What can I do to protect my dog?
It is early in our investigation, and it is not yet certain that what we have identified is a pathogen in these cases. If it is this bacterium or something else, the preventative measures are the same for any respiratory infection.
- Avoid contact with other dogs
- Ensure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian
- Contact your veterinarian if your dog has clinical signs.
No specific preventative measures or treatments are known now, and the likely timeline of development / understanding of these is long, so the above measures are the best choice.
How can I donate to support the K-9 Investigative study?
To help defray the high costs of DNA sequencing and bioinformatics for this level of investigation, tax deductable donations can be made to our Disease Investigation Fund. This fund helps support investigation and diagnostics for cases and events that may otherwise not have adequate funding.
To donate online:
Giving | New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory | New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (unh.edu)
Please find the specific area for “disease investigation fund”
To donate by mail:
Checks should be made payable to the UNH (University of New Hampshire) Foundation and write “disease investigations fund” in the memo. Checks can be mailed to:
UNH Foundation
15 Strafford Avenue
Durham, NH 03824 11/27/2023 University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine –
Shelter Medicine Program
https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2023/11/27/mysterious-respiratory-disease/
11/27/23 update –This is a rapidly evolving situation – come back for updates as more information develops.
Veterinarians are reporting an increased number of dogs presenting with acute respiratory infections ranging from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening pneumonia. The disease is reportedly nonresponsive to commonly prescribed antibiotics, and diagnostic testing is often negative for known canine pathogens.
It is not yet clear if this is caused by a novel emerging pathogen or one of the well-known causes of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC casually known as “kennel cough”). The lack of a centralized reporting system means it’s not even possible to confirm that there is a spike in CIRDC incidence or severity. The intense media coverage of a “mystery disease” may be raising awareness and discussion about CIRDC cases that would otherwise be managed as usual. It’s also possible that localized clusters are occurring due to one or more known pathogens due to some predisposing factor, such as an asymptomatically infected dog visiting a dog park, day care, dog show, or boarding kennel, etc.
Many of the cases suspected to have “atypical CIRDC” have not had diagnostic testing. Some were tested, but only after weeks of resolving cough. That’s too late to detect some of the most likely culprits, such as influenza virus, pneumovirus, and respiratory coronavirus. And many were tested with a respiratory panel at a large diagnostic lab that does not include pneumovirus, which could be causing the disease in some dogs. Researchers are also looking into the possibility of emerging or increasingly virulent pathogens.
H3N2 CIV is currently circulating along the eastern and western coasts as documented in show dogs and shelters. Although most cases of atypical CIRDC have been reported in privately owned dogs seen at veterinary clinics, the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida is currently working with several shelters with highly contagious pneumovirus and/or Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus across the country. While these pathogens are familiar to shelters, many private practitioners may not have diagnosed them before. Both cause pneumonia that can progress to a life-threatening situation. Co-infections with multiple pathogens can be especially debilitating.
At this time, we recommend being especially vigilant to identify and segregate dogs with respiratory signs. Respiratory PCR panels should be submitted within 4 days of the first clinical signs, especially in dogs recently exposed to other dogs. Visits with other dog populations should be minimized, and dogs should be kept current on DHPP and CIRC vaccinations (including CIV for owned pets).
While much is unknown about reported atypical CIRDC, basic disease control and treatment protocols as described below will help keep dogs safe and provide a roadmap for diagnosis and treatment.
Dogs at Risk
- Dogs that visit with other dogs, such as boarding, day care, dog shows, dog parks
- Suspect cases have been reported in at least 12 states, including Florida
- So far, animal shelters seem to be less frequently affected by unknown pathogens, although historic levels of crowding present risks for outbreaks
- People and other species have not been reported to be at risk
Clinical Signs
- Highly contagious, rapidly spreading among dogs in contact with other dogs
- Acute cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, fever, anorexia, lethargy
- Severe form can progress to life-threatening pneumonia requiring oxygen and ventilator support
- Cough may persist for weeks to months
Diagnosis
- Swabs for PCR testing should be collected within 4 days of the first clinical signs to avoid missing pathogens with short shedding periods such as CIV, Pneumovirus, and respiratory coronavirus
- Respiratory PCR panels should include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine adenovirus type 2, Canine distemper virus, Canine herpesvirus (CHV-1), Canine parainfluenza virus, Canine pneumovirus, Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), Influenza A virus, Mycoplasma cynos, and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus
- Respiratory cultures may be indicated for suspected bacterial infection not responsive to first-line treatment
- The three major commercial diagnostic laboratories offer respiratory PCR panels for the following pathogens:
Treatment
- Download the Firstline app for Antimicrobial Use Guidelines designed for common veterinary conditions and antimicrobial stewardship
· Firstline guidelines for CIRD
- Usually viral or self-limiting bacterial infection, often antimicrobials not required; other treatment options (i.e. macrolides (e.g. azithromycin)) rarely needed
- If <10d duration with no evidence of pneumonia: No treatment
- If >10d duration and fever, lethargy or inappetence, plus mucopurulent discharge: consider doxycycline or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid as below
- Treat for 7-10 days. Note: recent human guidelines for community-associated pneumonia recommend 3-5 days, a duration that might equally apply to CIRDC
· Firstline guidelines for pneumonia without systemic disease
- Affected dogs typically have radiographic evidence of pneumonia but no signs of systemic disease (e.g. fever, lethargy, inappetence)
- Lower airway sampling for culture recommended
- Doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO q12h or 10 mg/kg PO q24h preferred over amoxicillin-clavulanic acid as broader spectrum (Mycoplasma spp.) and recent evidence most B. bronchiseptica not susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid
- Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 12.5-25 mg/kg PO q12h If doxycycline is contraindicated in the dog
- Re-evaluate in 7-14 days. Seven days is likely adequate in most cases. However, recent human guidelines for community-associated pneumonia (a close analogy to this condition in dogs) recommend 3-5 days. This shorter course is reasonable to consider in dogs. Radiographic resolution is a lagging indicator and should not be the target for stopping treatment.
· Firstline guidelines for pneumonia with systemic disease/sepsis
- Affected dogs typically have combinations of fever, lethargy, inappetence and tachycardia + radiographic evidence of pneumonia
- Lower airway sampling for culture recommended
- Enrofloxacin 10-20 mg/kg IM/IV q24h alone or in combination with ampicillin
- Ampicillin 22-30 mg/kg IV/SQ q8h or Clindamycin 10-15 mg/kg IV q12h
- Re-evaluate in 7-14 days; total therapy is often 4-6 weeks but shorter durations (e.g. 7-14 days) may be appropriate. Optimal duration is not established and might be shorter. Transition to oral therapy is appropriate based on clinical response; amoxicillin can be used in place of parenteral ampicillin.