Bordetella bronchiseptica

occur 2-14 days after exposure, and if uncomplicated with other agents, symptoms will last around 10 days. However, after

the infection has been resolved, the affected animal will continue to shed the bacteria for 6 to 14 weeks and can spread the

disease to other susceptible animals during that time.

intranasal 'kennel cough' vaccines. Parainfluenza and

tracheobronchitis, creating a disease that normally lasts from 14-20 days.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough sometimes followed by retching. Many owners describe the cough as

having a 'honking sound.' A watery nasal discharge may also be present. With mild cases, dogs continue to eat and be alert

and active. Many times, there is a recent history of boarding or coming in contact with other dogs. In more severe cases, the

symptoms may progress and include lethargy, fever, inappetence, pneumonia, and in very severe cases, even death. The

majority of severe cases occur in immunocompromised animals, or young unvaccinated puppies.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and a history of recent exposure to other dogs. Bacterial cultures, viral isolation,

and blood work can be performed to verify individual agents of the disease, but due to the characteristic nature of the

symptoms, these tests are not routinely performed.

Treatment

There are two treatment options depending on the severity of the disease. In the most common mild (uncomplicated) form of

the disease, antibiotics may or may not be used. Treating the mild case does not shorten the length in which the animal will

be a potential spreader of the disease. In addition, bronchodilators like

in treatment of mild cases.

In more severe (complicated) cases where the animal is not eating, running a fever, or showing signs of pneumonia,

antibiotics are often used. The most common ones are

also available. Steroids or cough suppressants are not usually recommended because of the risk of immunosuppression with

steroids and the need to continue to clear extra fluid or mucous in pneumonia patients. Bronchodilators and even aerosol

therapy can be used. In moderate or severe cases, veterinary care should be instituted, as the resultant pneumonia could

become life threatening if not treated properly and promptly.

Because pressure on the throat and trachea can make coughing worse, it is recommended that dogs with a cough should wear a

head collar or harness instead of a regular neck collar.

Vaccination and prevention

The best prevention is to not expose your dog to other dogs, especially young puppies. If this cannot be avoided, then proper

vaccination is the next best option. Chances are that if your dog is regularly vaccinated with a standard 5-way or 7-way

vaccine, he is already being protected against several of the agents causing tracheobronchitis, mainly parainfluenza and

adenovirus. However, these vaccines alone rarely provide protection against contracting the disease, although they will help

reduce the severity of the disease if the animal becomes infected.

There is an injectable Bordatella vaccine, and one that is given intranasally (squirted into the nostrils). Neither vaccine will

totally prevent infection with Bordatella. For the injectable vaccine, 2 doses must be given 3-4 weeks apart, and protection

does not occur until 1-2 weeks after the second injection.

More commonly, for best protection, an intranasal vaccine containing both parainfluenza