Symptoms of Canine Infectious Bronchitis: Key Indicator

Section 1: What is Canine Infectious Bronchitis?

Canine infectious bronchitis is a respiratory disease that arises from a mixture of various pathogens. The primary mode of transmission is through contact. For dogs, it is classified as a respiratory illness, typically presenting with symptoms affecting the respiratory tract. This condition can be categorized into two types: systemic infection (affecting the entire respiratory system) and localized infection (affecting the trachea or bronchi). The most common symptom is coughing, which, combined with its prevalence in kennels, has led to the disease being colloquially known as "kennel cough."

Section 2: Causes of Canine Infectious Bronchitis

Canine infectious bronchitis can occur when the respiratory tract is damaged or infected by pathogens, which include microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Among viruses, two are particularly common: canine parainfluenza virus and canine distemper virus. It is important to note that the canine distemper virus does not cause infectious tracheobronchitis. Due to the rapid spread of kennel cough among dogs, outbreaks can occur in dog shelters, animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, and pet stores. Vaccines are available to prevent or mitigate infection symptoms.

Section 3: Clinical Symptoms of Canine Infectious Bronchitis

The most common clinical symptom is coughing, which can be either dry or wet. Dogs with the disease often experience a persistent, unrelenting cough, sometimes accompanied by sudden coughing fits that may end with the expulsion of phlegm or thick secretions. Excitement, exercise, changes in environmental temperature, and humidity can trigger this type of cough. In severe cases, dogs may exhibit intermittent fever, decreased appetite, fatigue, drowsiness, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. A veterinarian can hear crackling sounds in the lungs, indicating abnormal secretions, which are known as wheezing, using a stethoscope, but these sounds are not audible to the general public.

Section 4: Diagnosis Methods for Canine Infectious Bronchitis

The diagnosis of kennel cough involves considering the dog's history, including any exposure to other dogs with coughing, hospitalization, or living conditions. Additionally, a combination of pathological, laboratory, and radiological tests is necessary to assess respiratory function through the measurement of oxygen content in the blood. Dogs that have been vaccinated are at a lower risk of developing kennel cough.

In cases of severe bronchial infection, bronchoscopy or bronchoalveolar lavage may be performed to collect samples. Bronchoscopy involves inserting an endoscope into the trachea to observe changes, while bronchoalveolar lavage entails flushing the airways with saline and then extracting the fluid for virus and bacteria culture. This helps identify the source of infection, allowing for the selection of effective treatment.

Section 5: Treatment Methods for Canine Infectious Bronchitis

Some dogs may recover at home with proper treatment after being infected with canine infectious bronchitis. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Adequate rest and nutrition are crucial, and dogs should be kept away from other animals. After clinical symptoms are controlled, antibiotics are typically administered for about 10 days. Treatment can be oral or injectable, but in some cases, these methods may not be effective. An alternative approach is nebulization therapy, where the medication is converted into tiny particles and inhaled, leading to a more pronounced effect.

While cough suppressants may be prescribed, they should not be used if the dog has pneumonia, as suppressing coughs can be detrimental. Excessive suppression of coughing can lead to the retention of fluid and secretions in the lungs, exacerbating pneumonia. Providing plenty of water is also important, as dry secretions can become thick and difficult to expel. Ensuring the dog drinks more water or receives moisture in other ways can help expel waste, secretions, and bacteria through coughing.

Section 6: PostTreatment Considerations for Canine Infectious Bronchitis

Generally, the duration of treatment for canine infectious bronchitis ranges from 10 to 14 days, assuming the dog's activity is limited. In cases of severe infection, including pneumonia, treatment may last from 2 to 6 weeks, sometimes even longer. Special attention should be given to feeding, as severe pneumonia can be lifethreatening. This highlights the importance of preventive vaccinations.

Tip: Click "The Ins and Outs of Kennel Cough" for more information on kennel cough.