Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Viral and Bacterial Mixed Infection, Kennel Cough) in Dogs
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: Chest, General/Whole body
InfectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. Tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is a contagiousContagious means infectious. Diseases that can easily be transmitted from one animal to another or from animals to humans are referred to as contagious. respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. disease in dogs caused by a combination of viruses and bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease., characterized by a cough and respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress.
The most important facts at a glance
Kennel cough is a common respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. disease in dogs that occurs especially in environments with high dog density such as animal shelters or dog boarding facilities. The disease is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease., with Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. parainfluenza virusA virus is a microscopic infectious particle that cannot reproduce on its own and must infect a host cell to produce new virus particles. Viruses can cause a variety of diseases in humans, animals, and plants. being the main culprits. These pathogens are transmitted by droplet infectionDroplet infection refers to the transmission of pathogens through small droplets of liquid that are released into the air when infected people Cough, Sneeze, or talk and are inhaled by other people., which makes contact with infected dogs risky.
Common symptoms include cough, fever, gagging, and nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by clinical examination and anamnesis, with laboratory tests to identify the pathogens being performed in severe cases. 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 infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is suspected.
The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is generally good, especially for healthy dogs, but puppies or older animals may suffer more severe courses. For preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring., regular vaccinations against the main causative agents should be carried out, and sick dogs should be separated from healthy ones. Research focuses on improving vaccines and diagnostic methods as well as on developing new treatment approaches to better control and treat the disease.
Causes
Kennel cough is a multifactorialMultifactorial refers to conditions or diseases that arise from the interplay of several causes or risk factors. In dogs and cats, these can be genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and nutritional factors that together lead to health problems. disease that commonly occurs in environments with high dog density, such as animal shelters, boarding kennels, or dog shows. The disease is caused by a number of viralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases. and bacterial pathogens, with Bordetella bronchiseptica and canineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. parainfluenza virusA virus is a microscopic infectious particle that cannot reproduce on its own and must infect a host cell to produce new virus particles. Viruses can cause a variety of diseases in humans, animals, and plants. being the main culprits.
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium closely related to the agent of whooping cough in humans. It attaches to the respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. mucous membranes and weakens the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body., making it easier for other pathogens to establish an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
The canineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. parainfluenza virusA virus is a microscopic infectious particle that cannot reproduce on its own and must infect a host cell to produce new virus particles. Viruses can cause a variety of diseases in humans, animals, and plants. infects the upper respiratory tractThe respiratory tract includes the organs and structures involved in the breathing process, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. and causes damage to the mucous membranes, increasing susceptibility to bacterial superinfections. Other viruses that are often involved in the development of kennel cough include canineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. adenovirus and canineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. herpesvirus.
The pathogens are usually transmitted by droplet infectionDroplet infection refers to the transmission of pathogens through small droplets of liquid that are released into the air when infected people Cough, Sneeze, or talk and are inhaled by other people., meaning they are transmitted from one dog to another by coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with infected saliva or nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. secretions.
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough, often described as a “honking” sound. This cough can be triggered by excitement, physical exertion, or pressure on the tracheaThe trachea, or windpipe, is a tubular organ that carries air from the upper respiratory tract to the bronchi in the lungs. It consists of ring-shaped pieces of cartilage that ensure it remains open., for example, by the collar.
Affected dogs may also show sneezing, nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge, or, in severe cases, respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress. However, the dogs are usually still active and have a normal appetite. In more severe cases, however, fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy may occur.
In rare cases, the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. can also spread to the lungs and lead to pneumonia, which is considered a complication of kennel cough.
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of kennel cough is based primarily on the clinical examination and the animal’s historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits.. The veterinarian will ask about the dog’s living conditions, especially 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 by means of swabs of the respiratory tractThe respiratory tract includes the organs and structures involved in the breathing process, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. and subsequent laboratory tests. These tests can help identify the specific viral or bacterial pathogens involved in the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
In most cases, however, a specific pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is not required, as the clinical symptoms and circumstances are often sufficient to make the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..
Therapy
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 superinfectionA superinfection occurs when an organism already infected with a pathogen contracts an additional infection with another pathogen, often because the immune system is weakened. is suspected. Antiviral drugs are generally not used because they are not effective against most viralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases. 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 respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress or fever, further symptomatic treatment may be necessary.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for dogs with kennel cough is generally good. Most dogs recover completely from the disease within one to three weeks, especially if they are otherwise healthy and have no pre-existing conditions.
In puppies, older dogs, or animals with weakened immune systems, 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.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of infection with kennel cough, dogs should be vaccinated regularly against the main causative agents. VaccinationVaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. It is one of the most effective methods of prevention of infectious diseases. against Bordetella bronchiseptica and canineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. parainfluenza virus is particularly important for dogs that regularly come into contact with other dogs or live in environments with high dog density.
Special care should be taken when introducing new dogs into groups, and sick animals should be kept separate from healthy dogs to prevent the spread of the 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 crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
Outlook on current research
Research on InfectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. Tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough, is a dynamic field focused on improving the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring., diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., and treatment of this widespread respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. disease in dogs. Scientists worldwide are investigating various aspects of this disease to better understand how the disease spreads and how the dogs’ immune systems respond to it.
A significant portion of current research focuses on the development and improvement of vaccines. Traditionally, kennel cough vaccines are based on inactivated or attenuated viruses and bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease.. However, new studies are exploring the possibility of using recombinant vaccines that contain specific proteins of the pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.. These could elicit a more targeted immune responseAn immune response is the immune system's reaction to foreign substances (antigens), such as microorganisms or proteins. It involves a series of processes aimed at recognizing, fighting, and eliminating these antigens. and potentially provide longer immunityImmunity is the body's ability to protect itself against infections, diseases, or foreign substances. It can be natural, as with innate immunity, or acquired, as with adaptive immunity, which develops after an infection or vaccination.. Research in this area promises exciting advances that could improve vaccineA vaccine is a substance that stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against specific pathogens without causing the disease itself. Vaccines may contain weakened or inactivated pathogens, toxoids, or recombinant antigens. efficiency and protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. against various pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. 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 the disease, researchers hope to develop personalized preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. strategies. These could be particularly helpful for breeders who want to minimize the risk of respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. diseases in their breeding programs.
In addition, the role of environmental factors is being intensively studied. Factors such as stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being., air quality, and housing conditions can affect a dog’s susceptibility to infections. Researchers are working to develop better management strategies to minimize the risk of the spread of the disease 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 often used to treat bacterial infections, there is a growing interest in antiviral drugs and alternative therapies such as plant extracts and probiotic supplements. These could help alleviate symptoms and shorten recovery time while reducing the risk of antibiotic resistanceResistance refers to the ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics, antifungals, or other antimicrobial drugs. Resistance can also refer to the body's ability to be insensitive to diseases or toxins..
Research on the role of the respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. microbiome in the development and course of kennel cough could open up new therapeutic approaches. Understanding how the natural microorganisms in the airways interact with the pathogens could help develop new preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. 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 vaccinationVaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. It is one of the most effective methods of prevention of infectious diseases. and treatment guidelines that can be applied worldwide.
Overall, research on InfectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. Tracheobronchitis promises significant advances in the areas of preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring., diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., and treatment 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)
- What is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is a contagiousContagious means infectious. Diseases that can easily be transmitted from one animal to another or from animals to humans are referred to as contagious. respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. disease in dogs caused by a combination of viruses and bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease.. It manifests mainly as a cough, but also as sneezing and, in severe cases, as fever and lethargy.
- How is Kennel Cough transmitted? The disease is transmitted through direct dog-to-dog contact, as well as through contaminatedContaminated describes something that has been polluted by harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. In veterinary medicine, this can affect food, water, toys, or the environment. surfaces and droplet infectionDroplet infection refers to the transmission of pathogens through small droplets of liquid that are released into the air when infected people Cough, Sneeze, or talk and are inhaled by other people. in the air. Common transmission sites include kennels, dog boarding facilities, and animal shelters.
- Can humans get Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is a specific disease of dogs and does not normally affect humans. However, there are some bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. that can cause infections in immunocompromised people.
- How is Kennel Cough treated? Treatment often includes rest, hydration, and sometimes antibiotics if a bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is suspected. In severe cases, antiviral medications or other supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. therapies may be necessary.
- Can Kennel Cough be prevented? Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent kennel cough. Regular vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. In addition, dog owners should avoid contact with infected animals.
- How effective are the vaccinations against Kennel Cough? Vaccinations offer good protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. against the most common pathogens of kennel cough. Although they do not always prevent infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., they mitigate the severity of the symptoms in most cases.
- Is Kennel Cough life-threatening? In most cases, kennel cough is not life-threatening, and the symptoms subside within one to two weeks. However, in puppies, older or immunocompromised dogs, the disease can be more severe and may require more intensive treatment.
- How long is a dog contagiousContagious means infectious. Diseases that can easily be transmitted from one animal to another or from animals to humans are referred to as contagious. after infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.? Dogs can be contagiousContagious means infectious. Diseases that can easily be transmitted from one animal to another or from animals to humans are referred to as contagious. for up to two weeks after the onset of symptoms. Therefore, it is important to keep infected dogs away from others to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Can cats get Kennel Cough? Cats can get similar respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. diseases, but kennel cough itself is specific to dogs. However, it is important to pay attention to respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. symptoms in cats as well and treat them if necessary.
- What should I do if my dog has Kennel Cough? If you suspect that your dog has kennel cough, you should keep it away from other dogs and see a veterinarian. The veterinarian can confirm the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and suggest appropriate treatment.
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.