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Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Viral and Bacterial Mixed Infection, Kennel Cough) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Chest, General/Whole body

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.

The most important facts at a glance

Kennel cough is a common respiratory 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 bacteria, with Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus being the main culprits. These pathogens are transmitted by droplet infection, which makes contact with infected dogs risky.

Common symptoms include cough, fever, gagging, and nasal discharge. The diagnosis 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 infection is suspected.

The prognosis is generally good, especially for healthy dogs, but puppies or older animals may suffer more severe courses. For prevention, 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 multifactorial 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 viral and bacterial pathogens, with Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus being the main culprits.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium closely related to the agent of whooping cough in humans. It attaches to the respiratory mucous membranes and weakens the dog’s immune system, making it easier for other pathogens to establish an infection.

The canine parainfluenza virus infects the upper respiratory tract 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 canine adenovirus and canine herpesvirus.

The pathogens are usually transmitted by droplet infection, meaning they are transmitted from one dog to another by coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with infected saliva or nasal secretions.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common 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 trachea, for example, by the collar.

Affected dogs may also show sneezing, nasal discharge, or, in severe cases, respiratory 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 infection can also spread to the lungs and lead to pneumonia, which is considered a complication of kennel cough.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of kennel cough is based primarily on the clinical examination and the animal’s history. 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 tract and subsequent laboratory tests. These tests can help identify the specific viral or bacterial pathogens involved in the infection.

In most cases, however, a specific pathogen diagnosis is not required, as the clinical symptoms and circumstances are often sufficient to make the diagnosis.

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 superinfection is suspected. Antiviral drugs are generally not used because 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.

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. Vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine 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 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 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 bacteria. However, new studies are exploring 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 efficiency and protection against various 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 the 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.

In addition, the role of environmental factors is being intensively studied. Factors such as stress, 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 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 the natural microorganisms in the airways interact with the 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 on Infectious Tracheobronchitis promises significant advances in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, 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 contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. 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 contaminated surfaces and droplet infection 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 bacteria that can cause infections in immunocompromised people.
How is Kennel Cough treated? Treatment often includes rest, hydration, and sometimes antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. In severe cases, antiviral medications or other supportive 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 infection. In addition, dog owners should avoid contact with infected animals.
How effective are the vaccinations against Kennel Cough? Vaccinations offer good protection against the most common pathogens of kennel cough. Although they do not always prevent infection, 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 contagious after infection? Dogs can be 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 respiratory diseases, but kennel cough itself is specific to dogs. However, it is important to pay attention to respiratory 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 diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment.