Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

We have been seeing an increase amount of cases with bordetella( kennel cough).
You might think your dog has something stuck in his throat. The cough associated with acute infectious tracheobronchitis, (ITB) or kennel cough, is a high-pitched, honk-like cough, sometimes followed by retching.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tree caused by a contagious virus (adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, canine distemper virus) or bacterium (Bordetella bronchiseptica). The disease is associated most often with dogs housed in a high-density population or boarding kennel or dogs that play in dog parks.  The infectious agents can be transmitted through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Puppies and younger dogs are at greatest risk, but even old dogs can acquire kennel cough.

The incubation period from the time the dog first contracts the infection to the time that symptoms develop is typically between 3 to 10 days, and the symptoms can last for days to weeks.
Kennel cough causes a variety of symptoms that can vary in severity.

Signs of upper respiratory problems such as conjunctivitis (irritated eyes), rhinitis (runny nose) or sneezing may be observed.

Cough. The classic symptoms are bouts of a loud, honking cough that worsen with activity or excitement and can persist for minutes. The dog will often act as if something is stuck in the throat and retch or vomit up fluid after coughing. If secondary pneumonia develops, the dog often shows signs of illness such as loss of appetite, depression, or fever.

Loss of appetite

Depression

Fever

Difficult breathing

Any of these signs should prompt a visit to see your veterinarian in order to be certain pneumonia has not set in.

To prevent the spread of kennel cough, keep your dog away from other dogs for at least two weeks after recovery. In addition, do the following:

Limit exercise and enforce periods of rest; don't exercise or play with your dog. Activity often initiates periods of loud, uncomfortable coughing.

Encourage adequate fluid intake to maintain hydration. Provide soft food if dry food irritates the throat.

If your dog normally wears a restraint collar, remove it or replace it with a harness to decrease airway irritation.

Avoid environmental stresses including house dust, vapors, chemical fumes and tobacco smoke.

To mobilize secretions and reduce coughing, provide humidified air (e.g. a vaporizer in the dog's room or in a steamy bathroom for one or two hours).

PROTECT!

Advantages of Nasal Vaccination

There are several advantages to intranasal vaccination of bordetella. Some studies have shown that the nasal method of administration may result in quicker protection. The intranasal vaccine also is intended to protect the animal at the source of the infection, the upper airways.
Another advantage is that there is not an injection. This is particularly positive for those dogs that are very sensitive and find injection painful.