- An infectious respiratory disease in dogs is spreading widely across Oregon and several other states
- The Oregon Department of Agriculture lists coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy as common symptoms
- Officials recommend not flying with dogs during this holiday season
Veterinarians in multiple states are warning dog owners about a mysterious and potentially fatal respiratory disease that could result in death.
Cases of this life-threatening disease first appeared in Oregon, but quickly spread to Indiana, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada and the entire Northeast.
More than 100 cases of the distemper have been reported in Oregon since August, with the majority coming from Portland.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture lists coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy as common symptoms of this disease.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture lists coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy as common symptoms of this infectious respiratory disease in dogs.
Officials say the socially active animal is most likely to contract the infection through close contact with multiple other dogs, including daycares, dog parks, groomers and boarding houses.
Dogs are most likely to contract the infection through close contact with other dogs, including locations such as daycares, parks, groomers and boarding houses.
The ODA noted that the disease can develop in three different ways.
Either a mild to moderate cough for six to eight weeks or more that does not respond or responds only slightly to antibiotics; chronic pneumonia that does not respond to antibiotics; or severe pneumonia that “often leads to poor outcomes within 24 to 36 hours.”
Dr. Amanda Cavanagh, chief of emergency care services at James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, told TODAY.com she started seeing an increasing number of cases of dogs coughing for several weeks or even months.
More than 100 cases of this infectious respiratory disease in dogs have been reported in Oregon since August, with the majority coming from Portland
Although dogs with contagious coughs are common in veterinary practices, Cavanagh noted there was a decline during the fall as fewer dogs gather in parks, but she says “this year the peak has remained high.”
The ODA advises pet owners to ensure that all dogs are up to date with all their vaccines, including canine flu, Bordetella and parainfluenza, and to consult veterinarians for personalized advice before attending dog events.
Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO of the North Springs Veterinary Referral Center, also recommends not traveling with dogs this holiday season, especially on flights, to avoid exposure.
Officials also recommend avoiding communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs and having their pets tested with a PCR test if they suspect their dogs are infected.