Kennel Cough: Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)

Among canines, CIRDC is represented by numerous pathogenic microorganisms presenting in varying combinations; the most common of which is Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Viral pathogens:
• Canine adenovirus type 2 
• Canine coronavirus 
• Canine distemper virus
• Canine herpes virus
• Parainfluenza

Bacterial pathogens: 
• Bordetella bronchiseptica (infects dogs, cats, rabbits)
• Mycoplasma
• Other secondary bacterial pathogens.

In the case of Bordetella infection, clinical signs develop 2 to 10 days following exposure. Typical presentation includes a hacking cough while maintaining normal appetite and energy levels. Untreated dogs may shed microorganisms intermittently for months following exposure. Coughing animals should be isolated (while on premises and following discharge) to prevent transmission. Recommended antibiotics include doxycycline or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 7 to 10 days. A short course of cough suppressants may also prove beneficial. Because most patients are not systemically ill; signs of fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite suggest pneumonia and/or other causes, and may warrant hospitalization and further diagnostic exploration.

Dogs tend to be exposed to Bordetella bronchiseptica in crowded areas therefore, boarding kennels, pet stores, shelters, training classes, breeding facilities, and shows are all at greater risk for propagating infection. Bordetella can persist in the environment for at least 10 days. Caretakers should therefore be educated on the importance of hygiene and sanitation. General recommendations would include 10 to 15 air changes per hour, a relative humidity of 50% to 65%, and ambient air temperatures of 70°F to 75°F. Thorough cleaning of cages, walls, floors, and bowls with routine disinfectants is essential. Bordetella is susceptible to most commonly used disinfectants. Proper handwashing (including use of hand sanitizers), or use of disposable gloves, are also necessary for caretakers or others who move from one animal to another. It is important to note that because the Kennel Cough complex consists of various airborne pathogens, relying on disinfectants alone can be a point of breakdown in disease transmission control, as disinfectants alone do nothing to treat the air or inhibit fomite transmission through people and/or objects.

Regarding vaccination, nasal, injectable, and oral vaccines are all available. It is important to note that when given subcutaneously, the nasal form of kennel cough vaccination may cause severe hepatotoxicity (so be careful to read labels and administer vaccines properly). The nasal vaccination confers substantial immunity (83%) by 5 days post-vaccination. Many veterinarians recommend vaccinating every 6-months instead of yearly and revaccinating at least 5-days before entering a boarding facility or other hi-risk situation.

Shawn E. Seitz, D.V.M. President
Alpha Tech Pet, Inc.
25 Porter Road, Suite 210
Littleton, MA 01460
©2019 Alpha Tech Pet, Inc.

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