Kennel Cough in Dogs (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Chest, General/Whole body
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
Infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, characterized by a cough and respiratory distress.
Das Wichtigste auf einen Blick
Kennel cough is a common respiratory disease in dogs that occurs particularly in environments with high dog density, such as animal shelters or boarding kennels. The disease is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus being the primary causes. These pathogens are transmitted via droplet infection, making contact with infected dogs risky.
Common symptoms include cough, fever, gagging, and nasal discharge. Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination and medical history, although in severe cases, laboratory tests may be performed to identify the pathogens. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and can range from rest and a stress-free environment to the administration of antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.
The prognosis is generally good, especially in dogs with a healthy immune system. Puppies or older animals may experience more severe courses. For prevention, regular vaccinations against the primary causes should be given and sick dogs should be kept separate from healthy ones. Research is focused on improving vaccines and diagnostic methods as well as developing new treatment approaches to better control and treat the disease.
Ursachen
Kennel cough is a multifactorial disease that often occurs in environments with high dog density, such as animal shelters, boarding kennels, or dog shows. The disease is caused by a range of viral and bacterial pathogens, with Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus being the primary causes.
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium closely related to the pathogen that causes whooping cough in humans. It attacks the respiratory mucous membranes and weakens the dog’s immune system, making it easier for other pathogens to establish an infection.
Canine parainfluenza virus also infects the upper respiratory tract and causes damage to the mucous membranes, which also increases susceptibility to bacterial superinfection. Other viruses frequently involved in the development of kennel cough include canine adenovirus and canine herpesvirus.
Transmission of the pathogens usually occurs via droplet infection, meaning they are passed from one dog to another through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with infected saliva or nasal secretions.
Symptoms
The most striking symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough that is often described as a “honking” sound. This cough can be triggered by excitement, physical exertion, or pressure on the trachea, such as from a collar.
Affected dogs may also sneeze, have nasal discharge, or, in severe cases, show respiratory distress. Generally, however, the dogs remain active and have a normal appetite. In more severe cases, fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy may occur.
In rare cases, the infection can also spread to the lungs and lead to pneumonia, which is considered a complication of kennel cough.
Diagnose
The diagnosis of kennel cough is primarily based on the clinical examination and the medical history of the animal. The veterinarian will ask about the dog’s living conditions, particularly whether it has recently had contact with other dogs or has been in an environment with high dog density.
A definitive diagnosis can be made by detecting the pathogens using swabs of the respiratory tract and subsequent laboratory tests. These tests can help identify specific viral or bacterial pathogens involved in the infection.
In most cases, however, specific pathogen diagnostics are not necessary, as the clinical symptoms and circumstances are often sufficient to make the diagnosis.
Therapie
The treatment of kennel cough depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, the disease can heal without specific treatment, with the dog being offered rest and a stress-free environment.
In more severe cases, antibiotics can be used against Bordetella bronchiseptica, especially if a bacterial superinfection is suspected. Antiviral medications are generally not used, as they are not effective against most viral pathogens of kennel cough.
Cough suppressants can be administered to relieve the urge to cough, but their use should be cautious as they are not suitable for all forms of cough. In cases of respiratory distress or fever, further symptomatic treatment may be necessary.
Prognose und Nachsorge
The prognosis for dogs with kennel cough is generally good. Most dogs recover completely from the illness within one to three weeks, especially if they are otherwise healthy and have no pre-existing conditions.
In puppies, older dogs, or animals with a weakened immune system, the course of the disease can be more severe, and there is an increased risk of complications such as pneumonia.
Timely and appropriate treatment contributes significantly to the avoidance of complications and significantly improves the chances of recovery.
Prävention
To reduce the risk of infection with kennel cough, dogs should be regularly vaccinated against the main causes. Vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus is particularly important for dogs that regularly come into contact with other dogs or live in high-density environments.
Special caution is advised when introducing new dogs into groups, and sick animals should be kept separate from healthy dogs to prevent the spread of disease.
Good hygiene practices and a clean environment can also help minimize the spread of pathogens. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting areas where dogs are housed, as well as avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung
Research into infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough, is a dynamic field focused on improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this widespread respiratory disease in dogs. Scientists worldwide are investigating various aspects of this condition to better understand how the disease spreads and how the dogs’ immune system responds to it.
A significant part of current research focuses on the development and improvement of vaccines. Traditionally, kennel cough vaccines are based on inactivated or attenuated viruses and bacteria. However, new studies are investigating the possibility of using recombinant vaccines that contain specific proteins of the pathogen. These could elicit a more targeted immune response and potentially provide longer immunity. Research in this area promises exciting advances that could improve vaccine efficacy and protection against different pathogen strains.
Another important area of research is the investigation of genetic factors that could influence a dog’s susceptibility to kennel cough. By identifying specific genes associated with an increased risk of disease, researchers hope to develop personalized prevention strategies. These could be particularly helpful for breeders who want to minimize the risk of respiratory diseases in their breeding programs.
Additionally, the role of environmental factors is being intensively studied. Factors such as stress, air quality, and housing conditions can influence a dog’s susceptibility to infections. Researchers are working to develop better management strategies to minimize the risk of the disease spreading in dog populations, especially in animal shelters and kennels.
Diagnostic advances are also an active area of research. The development of faster and more accurate tests that can differentiate between the various pathogens of kennel cough is crucial. These advances could help veterinarians prescribe more targeted treatments and better control the spread of the disease.
The treatment of kennel cough is also being intensively researched. While antibiotics are frequently used to treat bacterial infections, there is growing interest in antiviral medications as well as alternative therapies such as plant extracts and probiotic supplements. These could help relieve symptoms and shorten recovery time while also reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Research on the role of the respiratory microbiome in the development and course of kennel cough could open up new therapeutic approaches. Understanding how natural microorganisms in the respiratory tract interact with pathogens could help develop new prevention and treatment strategies.
Finally, international collaboration is crucial as the disease has spread to many regions of the world. Researchers from different countries are exchanging data and insights to gain a more comprehensive picture of the disease and develop global solutions. This collaboration could lead to standardized vaccination and treatment guidelines that can be applied worldwide.
Overall, research into infectious tracheobronchitis promises significant advances in prevention, diagnosis, and therapy that could improve the health and well-being of dogs worldwide. The results of this research could help slow the spread of the disease and treat affected animals more quickly and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is kennel cough?
2. How is kennel cough transmitted?
3. Can humans get kennel cough?
4. How is kennel cough treated?
5. Can kennel cough be prevented?
6. How effective are vaccinations against kennel cough?
7. Is kennel cough life-threatening?
8. How long is a dog contagious after infection?
9. Can cats get kennel cough?
10. What should I do if my dog has kennel cough?
Literatur
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- Ellis, J. A. (2015). How well do vaccines for Bordetella bronchiseptica work in dogs? A critical review of the literature 1977–2014. The Veterinary Journal, 204(1), 5–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.02.006
- Ellis, J., Marziani, E., Aziz, C., Brown, C. M., Cohn, L. A., Lea, C., Moore, G. E., & Taneja, N. (2024). 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2024 update). Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 60(6), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7468
- Squires, R. A., Crawford, C., Marcondes, M., & Whitley, N. (2024). 2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats—Compiled by the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Journal of Small Animal Practice, 65(5), 277–316. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13718
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- Edinboro, C. H., Ward, M. P., & Glickman, L. T. (2004). A placebo-controlled trial of two intranasal vaccines to prevent tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) in dogs entering a humane shelter. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 62(2), 89–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2003.10.001
- Ouyang, Z., Joffe, D., & Weese, J. S. (2024). Risk factors for canine infectious respiratory disease complex and the pathogens associated with the disease. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 65(11), 1172–1179. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39494180/