County Critters
with Dr. Hotham
It is finally summertime and some of you may
need to board your dog in a boarding kennel while you
are away from home. Dogs that are exposed to other
dogs are at increased risk of contracting infectious
tracheobronchitis, otherwise known as kennel cough.
Kennel cough is the most common respiratory
disease of dogs. Frequently, there is a history of being
in contact with other dogs such as at a kennel, dog
daycare, or obedience classes two to ten days prior to
the onset of clinical signs. This respiratory disease is
caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus,
Mycoplasma, canine adenovirus types 1 & 2, canine
herpes virus and canine distemper virus alone or in
combination.
Bordetella infections can be picked up by rabbits,
guinea pigs, pigs, young kittens and dogs. It is also closely
related to Bordetella pertussis, the cause of whooping
cough. Thus, immunocompromised individuals may
potentially get infected.
Dogs with kennel cough make a harsh, honking
cough sound that many people describe as something is
stuck in their dog’s throat. Also, the coughing is worse
with exercise or excitement. Affected animals usually
act normal and eat well with this condition and often
recover uneventfully within 1-2 weeks, however; in some
circumstances it can develop into pneumonia.
Infections spread by infected dogs shedding
the bacteria and/or viruses in
respiratory secretions. These
secretions become aerosolized
and can be inhaled by a
healthy dog. The normal
respiratory tract has
many safeguards against
invading pathogens, the
most important is the
mucociliary escalator. This
consists of tiny hair-like
structures called cilia that
protrude from the lining
of the respiratory tract.
These cilia have a rhythmic
wave or beating motion
that is covered in mucus
which traps viruses
and bacteria. The
mucocilliary
apparatus’
coordinated motion moves the mucus and debris up the
windpipe near the throat where it can be coughed up and/
or swallowed.
The aforementioned viruses damage the
mucociliary apparatus as well as dust exposure,
cigarette smoke, stress and poor ventilation. With
the protective mechanism compromised, Bordetella
bronchiseptica organisms attack the respiratory tract
unimpeded. Although most cases go away on their own,
many veterinarians feel they can hasten the recovery
with antibiotics and reduce the symptoms with cough
suppressants. If you have a young puppy with these
symptoms take it seriously, especially if they have recently
traveled, come from a shelter or from a pet store because
they frequently end up with pneumonia.
There are two kennel cough vaccinations options,
injectable and intranasal. Vaccination can reduce the risk
of acquiring the disease and/or decrease the severity of
the symptoms. Injectable vaccines give good immunity
as long as 2 doses are given 3 to 4 weeks apart. Puppies
should receive kennel cough vaccines at approximated
4 months of age, if injectable vaccine is used. Puppies
less than 4 months of age may have maternal antibodies
that interfere with the injectable vaccine and make it
ineffective. Puppies can receive the intranasal vaccine as
early as 3 weeks of age and immunity will typically last 10
-12 months. One advantage of the intranasal vaccine is
that it will give a good immune response by 4 days postvaccination. So, if you need to get your dog vaccinated
in a hurry and it has never been vaccinated before, this
vaccine is a good choice as long as you have 4 days before
kenneling. As a general rule, intransal vaccines give your
dog faster immunity than injectable vaccinations.
In summary, kennel cough is usually self-limiting
and will resolve in 1 -2 weeks. Veterinary examination
and treatment hastens the recovery and better ables
your pet to be diagnosed properly to ensure that a
more serious condition is not present. Vaccination is an
important part of preventing this disease. Dogs that are
exposed to other dogs should receive either injectable
or intranasal Bordetella bronchiseptica as well as
modified live virus vaccines for parainfluenza and canine
adenovirus type 2. As always, annual or biannual exams
are critical to maintaining healthy pets.
Dr. Hotham is an Aroostook county native and
owner of Hotham’s Veterinary Services Inc.,
which offers a wide variety of small and
large animal services.
County Critters 51