As the holiday season approaches, some dog parents are on edge as a potentially new canine respiratory disease has been affecting many states throughout the U.S. Since early summer, veterinarians across the country are noticing an uptick of respiratory illnesses in dogs. According to Assistant Professor of Veterinary Science at Cornell University, Patrick Carney, there have been two separate syndromes affecting dogs that may or may not be related. “The first is just a cough that lasts longer than we typically expect it to,” said Carney. “Then the second is severe pneumonia that often starts by a cough and then progresses to pneumonia. Some of the illnesses last a long time and some progress very very quickly.”
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is investigating the canine respiratory syndrome that has been spreading across the country. According to Cornell, “Veterinarians across the country are reporting an increased incidence of cases of canine respiratory disease that do not respond to the regular treatment protocols. Affected dogs experience a longer and more severe disease course than what is typical for canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) complex. The common pathogen has not yet been discovered.”
According to Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, Director of Pet Health Information at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City, “There are many known viruses and bacterium that can cause canine infectious respiratory diseases. The concern of some veterinary professionals is that no known organism was detected in fifty percent of the sick dogs that were tested. Thirty percent were detected as having more than one organism isolated, making this a very complex disease.”
Currently, there is no evidence that this respiratory disease is zoonotic or capable of spreading to other species of animals or humans. Canine respiratory diseases commonly spread through direct contact, from dog to dog, through water droplets from sneezing and coughing, or via fomites (contaminated objects and surfaces). Cornell recommends that concerned dog parents avoid high-risk situations for their dog, such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and doggy day care facilities and places when they are unsure about the health status of other dogs in those environments. As a precaution, it is also recommended that dog parents don’t share dog bowls, toys, or doggy chews between dogs outside of the household. Make sure your dog is up to date on their routine vaccinations. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns and are unsure of when your dog was last routinely vaccinated.
Through a rapid response research project funded by the Riney Canine Health Center, the project is based at the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center. This grant supports diagnostic testing on a limited number of acute cases but does not support the treatment of sick dogs. Please contact your local veterinarian when your dog is sick. Below you will find some commonly asked questions that have been provided as a courtesy from Cornell University.
Commonly Asked Questions:
(courtesy of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine)
Q: Should I get my dog tested?
A: Because there is no specific cause that has been identified except for commonly known pathogens isolated from chronic cases, more samples from acute cases are ideal for laboratories to determine the primary cause. The Cornell AHDC is working to assist veterinarians with testing options. If you are concerned for your pet, we recommend contacting your local veterinarian, or sharing this information with them.
Q: Where does the research stand,
and how much do we know?
A: The New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NHVDL) and the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies (HCGS) at the University of New Hampshire have preliminary findings in the diagnostic investigation regarding the recent atypical respiratory syndrome in dogs. Preliminary findings suggest the potential involvement of a non-culturable bacterium, tentatively named IOLA KY405, similar to a pathogen associated with respiratory disease in humans in 2021. While there is no evidence of zoonotic transmission, further studies are ongoing, emphasizing the importance of public health awareness and limiting dog-to-dog contact as a preventive measure.
Q: Was there evidence of canine respiratory disease in New York State since some
daycares were seeing symptoms of cases?
A: Regarding the presence of canine respiratory disease in New York State, no official reports have been made, although some dog daycares have observed symptoms suggestive of cases. While these symptoms may align with typical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) infections or localized outbreaks, it’s essential to note that without formal testing and a comprehensive understanding of individual cases or groups, confirming the existence of canine respiratory disease across multiple locations is challenging. It’s worth mentioning that there isn’t a centralized reporting system, and some veterinarians may not self-report, making it difficult to provide a conclusive assessment of the situation.
Q: What should pet owners do?
A: For pet owners, if your dog shows signs of a respiratory illness such as coughing, sneezing, labored breathing, or other symptoms mentioned, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian promptly. While the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is investigating canine acute respiratory syndrome, this research does not cover the treatment of sick dogs. Stay informed through reliable sources, follow precautions, and seek veterinary advice if your dog displays any concerning symptoms.
