Scientists across Colorado and the nation are seeking answers after the number of dogs suffering from respiratory diseases has increased this fall. However, veterinarians say what they are seeing in the area is pretty normal, though they still warn local dog owners to remain vigilant.
“The most important thing to remember is it is fall turning into winter, and it is the time where all respiratory diseases seem to increase, and that is normal every year,” said Ragan Adams, who works for Colorado State University Extension as the state veterinary extension specialist.
She said that across the state from Pueblo to the Western Slope, there has been an uptick in the number of dogs falling ill.
“The number of dogs with respiratory signs like coughing, snoring, or they’ve got phlegm in their eyes has increased,” Adams said. “Some of them have gotten very sick — sicker than normal — and we don’t know the cause.”
Scientists from Oregon State University are currently leading the investigation around the country to try to figure out if there is a single causative agent, but at this point, that cause has not been determined, according to Dr. Susan Colfer, a veterinarian at Steamboat’s Pet Kare Clinic.
“We see respiratory outbreaks fairly regularly every year or two, and what we’re seeing is not too much outside of the norm,” Colfer said. “Lately, it seems like when a dog gets a cough, they will be coughing for longer than normal even when we treat them for upper respiratory disease or what we call canine infectious cough. Normally, the dog will cough for a week or two, but this year, we have had some dogs that are coughing for more like a month or two.”
While many scientists agree there is a problem, they are not yet sure what it is. Those scientists are asking veterinaries to test animals with respiratory signs with hope those tests will pinpoint the cause. Some of the scientists are culturing for mycoplasma. However, there’s no consensus that mycoplasma is the agent of the current outbreak.
Colfer added that there is also no real consensus this outbreak is worse than some of the other outbreaks normally seen this time of year.
“We are just not quite sure if this is an old friend being gnarly or something new,” Adams said. “Dog owners should not panic, but they should just be wise. They need to realize that an older dog or very young puppy is more susceptible than a healthy, energetic middle-aged dog. Keep a good eye on your dogs, and if they show signs, be in contact with your veterinarian.”
Scientists and veterinarians also advise pet owners to be cautious and avoid placing dogs in places where they might be exposed. They said owners might consider avoiding dog parks and taking measures to limit their dog’s contact with other unfamiliar dogs.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve seen a lot of it, but I’ve seen cases and I’m suspicious of,” said Dr. Ronit Berdugo of Pampered Pet Home Vet. “I’m definitely recommending that people not socialize their pets right now, and that they stay up to date on their vaccines because there’s no specific treatment for this. It’s just supportive treatment and making sure that concurrent respiratory illnesses are prevented.”
The veterinarians also advise owners to avoid common water bowls and make sure their pets’ vaccinations are up to date including the DA2PP, which is needed every 1-3 years and protects against distemper, adenovirus, type 2 hepatitis, parvo and parainfluenza.
Owners can also get their dogs the Bordetella vaccine, which protects the dog against canine upper respiratory infections if it comes in close contact with other animals that may carry the disease. The Bordetella booster shot vaccine is recommended every 6-12 months. Owners also need to consider their dog’s age and any preexisting health concerns when exposing them to other animals.
“Basically, the vaccinations help cover them from a handful of upper respiratory conditions,” said Dr. Reese Odenwelder, a veterinarian with Ski Town Animal Hospital. “We don’t really know what we’re treating, but we want to try to protect against what we can. It is similar to a flu vaccine, and while the dog still might get a cough, hopefully it helps prevent the severity of the symptoms and maybe how long they’re sick and how long they’re contagious for.”
John F. Russell is the business reporter at the Steamboat Pilot & Today. To reach him, call 970-871-4209, email jrussell@SteamboatPilot.com or follow him on Twitter @Framp1966.
