Recovery Time for Canine Tracheobronchitis: How Long to

Section 1: Causes of Canine Infectious Bronchitis

Canine infectious bronchitis often arises from secondary infections following a cold, particularly when accompanied by inappropriate care, exposure to physical irritants, or when the dog's immune system is weakened. Parasites such as roundworm larvae, which migrate within the body, can also cause the disease by damaging the lungs and bronchi. Other triggers include colds, adenovirus, canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, and inflammatory translocations to other organs. These conditions can lead to pneumonia, often due to a single or mixed infection by various pathogens. Environmental factors, including humidity, cold, wind, and traffic stress, can lower the body's resistance, making the dog more susceptible to the disease. Common pathogens include canine influenza virus, canine distemper, herpesvirus, reovirus, as well as common opportunistic pathogens such as mycoplasma, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Pasteurella species.

Section 2: Treatment Methods for Canine Infectious Bronchitis

Canine infectious bronchitis is generally a selflimiting condition. Dogs infected with the illness should be given rest for at least seven days, avoiding exercise and excitement to minimize the ongoing irritation of the airways caused by excessive coughing. The role of cough suppressants is to alleviate this irritation. However, if the cough is productive or if there is a suspicion of pleural effusion based on auscultation and chest Xray, cough suppressants should not be used. A variety of cough suppressants are available for dogs, with dextromethorphan being a nonprescription cough suppressant. It is advisable to avoid cold medications containing antihistamines and decongestants. Pediatric liquid formulations are often welltolerated by most dogs, offering a mild sedative effect due to their alcohol content, and can be considered. Additionally, butorphanol and tartaric acid are effective components in canine cough suppressants.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on canine bronchitis, click on "How to Treat Canine Infectious Bronchitis" to learn more.