Kennel cough

Pathogen

At the kennel cough complex different viruses and bacteria may be involved as pathogens. Most frequently observed here is the Canine parainfluenza virus type 2 ( CPIV -2) and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is also involved in the formation of the cat flu complex. In addition, the Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV -2), which is also involved in the development of infectious liver inflammation of the dog, and also the Canine herpesvirus ( CHV ) and the Canine reovirus possible causative agent of disease. Among the bacterial causes can also post Mycoplasmas are.

Spread of the disease

The transfer of pathogens via the air ( airborne spread ) or as a droplet infection when affected animals cough or ausniesen pathogen- containing material. This is increases the risk of infection at an intensive dog ownership with several animals in a confined space ( " kennel" ). Since the pathogens occur everywhere, there is also a risk of infection if there dogs from different attitudes in the context of events ( eg, at a dog show or a puppy group ) meet while much contact with each other. This also applies to a stay in kennels or animal shelters.

The incubation period varies, depending on the type of pathogen, 4-10 days. The infection with a single pathogen type must not trigger an alarming disease. If, however, interact several viral and bacterial pathogens, this can lead to a severe phenotype.

Symptoms

Typical of the kennel cough is a " barking " cough, which can initially often think of something Ingested. Moreover, it is not imperative that the dog is constantly coughing. It may well be that it occurs only when loaded or running, running around or playing a few times.

If several viral and bacterial pathogens are involved and usually come to stress factors, such as poor housing conditions or specific performance requirements, including the general condition of the dog may be severely disturbed. Other symptoms of serious illness are fever and then in addition to the cough still pharyngitis (sore throat ), tonsillitis ( inflammation) and tracheobronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchi and windpipe (trachea ). Even cold (rhinitis ) and a purulent conjunctivitis ignition ( conjunctivitis) can occur. Often the dry cough later changed to a productive cough, so it comes to the production of mucus. The inflammation of the respiratory tract may eventually also lead to pneumonia ( bronchopneumonia ).

Methods of investigation

The vet recognizes the kennel cough by the typical symptoms associated with a corresponding history of the disease ( for example, participating in dog events). In a complicated course a pathogen from the bronchial or nasal secretions may be necessary. For this, a sterile swab is used to study the in a particular transport medium containing activated carbon, should be stored for the detection of Bordetella bronchiseptica. The bacterial pathogen is cultured on selective culture media and thus can be demonstrated (see evidence of Bordetella bronchiseptica ).

Prevention and treatment

Against the two main causative agent of kennel cough is a possibility of vaccination. However, these should be individually administered according to the circumstances of the dog and the level of infection pressure from the vet. The success of vaccination is not guaranteed because is not vaccinated against all possible pathogens. However, then the course is significantly weakened. The guideline for the vaccination of small animals, which is issued by the Standing Committee on Vaccination Vet, there are recommendations that the conditions under which vaccination is advisable.

For dogs in Germany is a combination product available that protects simultaneously against Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus type 2 ( CPIV -2). As a vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica, there is also a single specimen. A vaccination against this pathogen may be useful if the dog has close contact with cats, rabbits or other animals that may also be infected by Bordetella bronchiseptica. The preparations mentioned are intranasally, that is administered through the nose. The vaccination against the virus CPIV -2 can still be part of other combination products that provide, for example prophylaxis against distemper or parvo. These are administered parenterally.

According to the vaccination recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination Vet the intranasal vaccines to be administered can be applied early in puppies. For older dogs vaccination should one to four weeks before the scheduled contact with potentially infected animals, such as when staying in a boarding kennel or visiting a dog show done. When using CPIV contained vaccines that are administered parenterally, the primary vaccination of puppies aged eight weeks and four weeks, the second dose will be given later. An annual refresher can be useful if in the entertainment environment of the dog kennel cough is a persistent problem. However, at the same time should the housing conditions improved and hygienic measures are carried out.

A prescribed by the veterinarian administering antibiotics in combination with antitussive drugs may be required. However, antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens. Most of kennel cough cures after 1 to 2 weeks of self again, but just in young and debilitated animals may result in complications and permanent damage or even death.