The outbreak has been affecting dogs over the past year, with a surge in cases serious enough to lead to pneumonia. Experts suggest various factors, including decreased exposure to viruses and bacteria due to pandemic-era restrictions and lower vaccination rates, may be contributing to the increase in severe respiratory infections.
Key Points:
- Veterinarians are seeing a rising number of dogs with severe respiratory illness, characterized by symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, red, runny eyes, and difficulty breathing.
- Unlike common respiratory infections, the current outbreak is notable for the high number of cases leading to pneumonia in dogs.
- In Colorado, canine pneumonia cases increased by 50% from September through November of this year compared to the same months in 2022.
- Multiple pathogens, including canine influenza, kennel cough (Bordetella), and mycoplasma pneumonia, may be infecting dogs simultaneously, contributing to more severe illness.
- Several factors could explain the uptick in cases, including reduced exposure to viruses and bacteria due to pandemic-related restrictions and decreased canine vaccination rates.
- Researchers are working to identify the specific cause of the outbreak, with some studies suggesting a novel bacterium may be responsible.
- The lack of a centralized system for tracking pet illnesses in the United States is a challenge for researchers studying the outbreak.
- Owners are often unable to afford diagnostic testing and treatment for severely ill dogs, with treatment costs ranging from $15,000 to $20,000.
- While certain breeds, senior dogs, and those with underlying lung disease are generally more susceptible to pneumonia from respiratory infections, the current outbreak has affected young, healthy dogs as well.
- Owners are advised to be vigilant and seek veterinary care if their dogs show symptoms of respiratory infection, especially if they have difficulty breathing or stop eating.
- Veterinarians on the front lines have reported that some dogs are not responding as well to standard care for respiratory infections.
- Despite media attention and social media discussions about the unidentified illness, veterinarians caution against unnecessary panic, as the number of cases remains relatively low.
In summary, veterinarians are grappling with an increase in severe canine respiratory illness cases, with experts exploring potential factors such as decreased exposure to viruses, lower vaccination rates, and multiple pathogens contributing to the severity of cases. Research is ongoing to identify the specific cause of the outbreak, while veterinarians advise dog owners to seek prompt care if their pets display symptoms of respiratory infection.