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Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) experts are urging caution as a mysterious canine respiratory illness continues to make headlines in the United States. As cases of this mysterious virus are increasingly reported across the country, it is becoming increasingly discussed among veterinary professionals and their clients.
The pathogen or virus that causes this canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) is unknown. Investigators in Oregon and New Hampshire are among those studying the disease.1
In Oregon, more than 200 CIRD case reports have been received by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) since August 2023.2 ODA would work to identify the cause of these cases in collaboration with local veterinary professionals from Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Oregon State Veterinary Services Laboratory. USDA.1
The University of New Hampshire’s New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and its Hubbard Center for Genomic Studies began studying this respiratory disease in mid-2022. Preliminary results released in June 2023 showed that investigators were unable to identify any pathogens causing CIDA.2
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) reported calls received during a recent 2-month period from veterinarians experiencing double the typical number of canine infectious respiratory disease patients in the state compared to this which is normally observed during an epidemic of this type.3
Silene St. Bernard, regional medical director for VCA Veterinary Hospitals in Southern California, DVM, DACVPM, said they are also seeing an increase in respiratory cases in different locations, in an interview with dvm360It is The Vet Blast Podcast. “Some of these cases are clearly diagnosed with an assortment of viruses and bacteria that we already know about and can test for. But we seem to have cases in some areas that are progressing to more serious illness, potentially to pneumonia, and we don’t have a diagnosis for all of them.
According to the ADC, more than 10 states, including Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, have similar patterns of CIRD incidence.3.4 With increasing attention to this disease in the national media and concerned clients calling clinics to inquire about the risks and health of their pet, it is important to understand what is known about this disease.
Presentation and diagnosis
Dogs at risk have interactions with other dogs at boarding facilities, daycares, parks and groomers. Although shelters are typically at risk for outbreaks due to singing, shelter animals appear to be less affected by unknown pathogens like this.5
Dogs who present with this disease in clinics typically present with a sharp cough, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, fever, anorexia, and lethargy. Carl Osborne, DVM, Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic in Ohio, also advises clients whose dogs are coughing to remove their pet’s collar. This way it won’t further irritate their windpipe or interfere with their breathing.6
Teams who suspect that a patient has this disease can proceed with testing by performing a PCR test on the dog within 4 days of the appearance of the first clinical signs. When dogs are tested earlier, veterinary teams can prevent the absence of pathogens within a short period of shedding, including CIV, pneumovirus and respiratory coronavirus.5
Respiratory PCR panels should include Bordetella bonchiseptic, canine adenovirus type 2, distemper virus, influenza A virus, mycoplasma cynos, Streptococcus Equi subspecies, zooepidemicand more.5 Cultures may be indicated in cases of suspected bacterial infection not responding to first-line treatment from 3 companies with commercial diagnostic laboratories for respiratory PCR panels: IDEXX Respiratory Disease (CRD) RealPCE Panel Comprehensive Canine (2524) , Antech Canine Respiratory PCR Panel Code T995, and Cornell Canine Respiratory PCR Panel (CRPNL).5
If the case is mild enough, it may resolve spontaneously without treatment. However, cough suppressants can be used to make the pet more comfortable. Pets may need to be hospitalized for nebulization, intravenous antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and rehydration, and in severe cases, ventilatory support may be necessary.
Prevention and protection
Emphasizing the importance of keeping up with clients’ vaccinations, especially against dog flu, Bordetella and parainfluenza, can help protect dogs from illness. Because this disease is highly contagious, keeping dogs away from unfamiliar dogs, when possible, can keep them safe. If clinics have infected animals, they must implement a standard isolation and quarantine procedure for dogs and promptly isolate them using personal protective equipment.
Veterinary clinics must notify their clients if they are bringing in a dog with respiratory problems, they must call ahead to notify staff. This gives teams the opportunity to evaluate them outside before bringing them to the clinic to minimize risks to animals in the waiting room or other exam rooms. Teams should also disinfect all animal housing areas, fomites, and any other potentially contaminated areas, including but not limited to office spaces, door handles, and telephones.5
St. Bernard also said that if they come into contact with this disease within their clinic and then go home with their own pets, changing clothes at the door and making sure everything is wiped down is one way not to introduce this disease. their own house.
As more information emerges about this emerging CIRD, dvm360 will continue to report important updates.
The references
- Canine infectious respiratory disease in Oregon. Press release. Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. Updated November 28, 2023. Accessed November 28, 2023. https://www.oregonvma.org/news/reports-of-severe-canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-in-oregon
- New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Canine respiratory epidemic. University of New Hampshire College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. November 21, 2023. Accessed November 28, 2023. https://colsa.unh.edu/new-hampshire-veterinary-diagnostic-laboratory/canine-respiratory-outbreak
- Canine respiratory disease. Colorado Department of Agriculture. Updated November 22, 2023. Accessed November 28, 2023. https://ag.colorado.gov/canine-respiratory-disease
- Canine respiratory epidemic. University of New Hampshire College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. November 21, 2023. Accessed November 28, 2023. https://colsa.unh.edu/new-hampshire-veterinary-diagnostic-laboratory/canine-respiratory-outbreak
- A mysterious respiratory illness is said to be spreading among dogs across the country. Press release. University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. November 27, 2023. Accessed November 30, 2023. https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2023/11/27/mysterious-respiratory-disease/
- A mysterious canine disease is sweeping the nation. Press release. Chargen Falls Veterinary Center and Animal Clinic. November 28, 2023. Accessed December 1, 2023.