Preventing Canine Respiratory Infections in Winter: Ess

Pathogen Introduction

Upper Respiratory Tract (URT) infections primarily involve viral infections and secondary bacterial infections that arise from these viral infections. This includes infections caused by Canine Adenovirus Type II, Parainfluenza Virus, Adenovirus Type I, Reovirus, and Canine Herpesvirus.

Lower Respiratory Tract (LRT) infections are predominantly bacterial in nature. Viral infections of the respiratory tract can significantly increase the likelihood of bacterial infections. Common bacterial pathogens isolated from the respiratory tract include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia. Additionally, heart conditions and parasitic diseases can also lead to infections in the lower respiratory system.

Symptoms

URT: Typically involves nasal infections, with symptoms such as unilateral or bilateral nasal discharge, sneezing, nosebleeds, and facial pain.

LRT: Primarily affects the bronchi, trachea, and lungs, presenting with symptoms like difficulty breathing and coughing.

Differential Diagnosis

① Hematological Tests: In cases of simple viral infections, the total white blood cell count may remain unchanged or decrease, with an increased lymphocyte ratio and the presence of atypical cells. In bacterial infections, the total white blood cell count increases significantly.

② Differentiation from Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) infection, especially in cases of viral respiratory infections.

③ Radiographic Examination: Chest Xrays are the most effective method for distinguishing the location of disease in dogs with lower respiratory symptoms.

④ Pulmonary Sample Testing: Lavage of the trachea or alveoli to collect samples for testing and antibiotic sensitivity testing can help select the appropriate antibiotics for treatment.

⑤ Differentiation from noninfectious factors, such as allergies and parasitic infections.

Treatment

1. Antiviral: Timely vaccination can effectively prevent infections from certain viruses. In cases of existing infection, treatments like monoclonal antibodies and polyvalent sera can be used.

2. Antibacterial: Given that many viral infections can lead to secondary bacterial infections, the use of antibiotics is necessary. Doxycycline hydrochloride tablets, a broadspectrum tetracycline antibiotic, has excellent antibacterial effects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, E. coli, Proteus, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia in the respiratory tract.

Enrofloxacin tablets, a broadspectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is also effective against respiratory pathogens but should be used with caution in young animals.

3. Adjunctive Therapy: For symptoms like coughing and fever, appropriate cough suppressants and NSAIDs can be prescribed to control the symptoms.