Dr. Henry De Boer Jr. on Kennel Cough
One of the ongoing risks for our dogs is exposure to kennel cough, otherwise known as 'infectious tracheobronchitis'. This exposure is in part due to the fact that frequently when we train or trial our dogs they are exposed to a number of other dogs. This exposure greatly enhances the opportunity for transmission of this respiratory disease.
Kennel cough can be caused by a number of viruses as well as bacteria. Frequently the disease is in fact caused by a comobination of these two types of organisms. Primary among the viruses are Canine adenovirus type 1 and 2 as well as Canine parainfluenza virus. Probably the single most important organism in causing kennel cough is a bacteria called Bordatella bronchiseptica.
A dog that has contracted one or more of these organisms will develop a very significant infection and inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi. The onset of symptoms can be in as little as four to five days or as long as two weeks after exposure, however, the broad majority of dogs will become symptomatic in seven to ten days post exposure. The most common symptom is typically a deep honking type cough that develops abruptly. In many cases the cough is non-productive and it will appear that the dog is retching. These dogs will usually have paroxysms of coughing followed by intervals of minimal coughing. The coughing can be exacerbated by drinking water, activity increases, or when exposed to temperature differentials (e.g. going from warm environment into a cool or cold environment or vice versa). Most dogs with kennel cough will act normally (except for the coughing) and will have a normal appetite. Occasionally a mild to moderate temperature elevation will occur (up to 105 degrees F) and there may be a nasal discharge as well as a decrease in appetite.
Treatment in most dogs is NOT necessary as the infection will subside on its own within seven to ten days. However, some dogs continue coughing for up to two to three weeks. If symptoms are severe it is appropriate to medicate. If the cough is productive and not interfering with the dogs ability to rest the cough should be allowed to continue as it helps rid the airways of inflammatory and infective debris. If the cough is productive but so persistent that the dog cannot get comfortable, or if it is non-productive, the use of cough suppressants is indicated. The use of some honey on a piece of bread or using a human over the counter cough suppressant syrup may sometimes be enough to quiet the coughing down to an acceptable level. If further suppression is required your veterinarian should be able to provide you with an appropriate medication.
Antibiotics are appropriate if the symptoms are severe, and particularly if the temperature is elevated for more than two or three days. Bear in mind that the antibiotics will only be effective against any bacterial causative agents. The viruses will have to be taken care of by the body's normal defense mechanisms just as in you or I.
Vaccines will help prevent kennel cough. There are currently vaccines available for Adenovirus type 1 and 2 as well as Parainfluenza and Bordatella bronchiseptica. Some of these vaccines can be administered by injection and some can be given in the form of nasal drops. The nasal vaccines do appear to create a higher level of protection. While no vaccine is perfect, these vaccines do seem to be very effective at minimizing kennel cough.
