My Dog’s Whooping Cough Nightmare, Part 2
Here is the rest of the story about Bailey’s whooping cough and my nightmare with the other dogs. I was telling you previously about my vet visit with Abbie and Bailey, when the vet told me that not only my three dogs, Madi, Abbie and Benjie were sick, but also my adopted dog, Bailey was infected.
I was in shock when I heard what the vet have just said to me. What do you mean Bailey is also sick? His answer was: “Bailey is not sick, she is infected with the whooping cough virus, and she passed the virus to all your other dogs”.
Wow! That was all I could say. To make the story short, let me tell you that I have to treat all the dogs with antibiotics and bring them all back for a follow up visit with the vet. It was very costly, and definitively a learning experience.
To learn more about whooping cough and how to avoid the same thing that happened to my dogs to happen to yours, read below.
Here is your article:
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Title: My Dog’s Whooping Cough Nightmare, Part 2
Author: Dr. Mayra Alfonso
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The condition commonly known as “Kennel Cough”or whooping cough is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases that dogs can contract. In most cases, the disease is not serious, and often resolves itself after one to two weeks. But, the treatment could be expensive, especially if you are treating more than one dog. The accepted medical term for kennel cough is tracheobronchitis, indicating a form of bronchitis that affects the dog’s trachea.
Kennel cough can be caused by several airborne bacteria and viruses. It is generally accepted that most cases of kennel cough are caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica but it has also been associated with the canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parainfluenza. It is the general consensus of the veterinary medical community that in order to cause the illness, an animal must be virtually bombarded by multiple versions of these pathogens at one time. For this reason it is dogs that spend a lot of time around other dogs that are most at risk for the disease. Dogs that participate in dog shows or spend a lot of time in kennels are the highest risks for kennel cough.
The primary symptom of kennel cough is a dry, spasmodic cough which is caused by the inflammation of the dog’s trachea and bronchi. Coughing spells will often result in the dog coughing up a white and foamy discharge. Some dogs will also develop conjunctivitis – an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids. Nasal discharge may also be present. In effect, the dog appears to have a very nasty cold or flu. As stated above, the disease is rarely serious and almost never life-threatening. Still, if you have seen any of these symptoms or have reason to believe that your dog has or has been exposed to kennel cough, you should consult your vet immediately.
Your vet will be able to diagnose kennel cough with a physical examination and medical history. The cough associated with the ailment is very characteristic and a simple massage of the dog’s throat can usually cause it to cough on cue. In some cases, such as if the dog is depressed or feverish or expelling a yellow or green discharge, the doctor may require additional diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and laboratory testing of microorganisms in the dog’s airway. These tests will help the doctor rule out other infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, or canine distemper.
Immunization can help prevent kennel cough and is recommended. When kenneling your dog or traveling it may be required before your dog will be admitted. Effective immunization can be difficult, however, because the disease can be caused by so many different pathogens. Active prevention on your part can be accomplished by not allowing your dog’s toys or water and food bowls to be accessed by unfamiliar dogs. If participating in dog shows make sure that the area is well ventilated to assist with the expulsion of airborne pathogens.
Kennel cough is treated with antibiotics in most cases. Antibiotics will help prevent any secondary illnesses from developing while the dog gets over its case of kennel cough.
Wishing you a great cool dog day!
Dr. Mayra Alfonso
