SAN ANTONIO — A potentially fatal respiratory illness in dogs has been spreading in several US states. So far, fourteen states have reported cases. Texas is not one of them. But according to one expert, if it were in Texas, we might not even know it.
Veterinary researchers are still trying to figure out an evasive respiratory illness in dogs more than a year since it first appeared, but they may have a new lead.
“There are lots of universities and labs that are researching this to try to figure it out. But right now, we just know that it is a respiratory illness that appears to be contagious between dogs,” said Texas A-&-M Clinical Professor of Veterinary Sciences and former American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) president Lori Teller.
But, in what may be a recent breakthrough, researchers at the University of New Hampshire believe they have discovered a potential clue to its cause. They believe a bacterium that may be a part of a dog’s microbiome may have developed the capacity to cause disease.
The illness has similar symptoms to the disease has been reported either officially or anecdotally in 14 states:
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
But Teller said that since some states, like Texas, do not have reporting requirements for pet illnesses, researchers may not know everywhere it has spread.
“So, it is possible that other states are seeing this problem as well. And it just not has just not been identified as such. But we do know that it is spreading,” Teller said. ”And I expect with the upcoming holiday travel season that we'll see even more states reporting a problem. “
She said to watch for coughing, sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes and decreased appetite. She said the disease resembles other respiratory diseases like “kennel cough,” only doesn't react to antibiotics. In severe cases, the dog can come down with a case of Pneumonia that could be fatal.
“It runs the gamut. “Some of these dogs may be coughing, but otherwise eating and playful and do great,” Teller said. “Other dogs can deteriorate pretty rapidly and develop pneumonia.”
But, Teller said the vast majority of dogs who contract this type of illnesses should be fine.
“Our bigger concerns for more serious illness are going to be dogs that have an underlying issue. So, dogs that may have congestive heart failure, have asthma, obstructive pulmonary pulmonary disease.” she said.
Teller added that certain breeds may be more susceptible to illness.
"The ones with the squished-in faces, like Frenchies and Pugs," she said. "only because by the way that they are anatomically made, they do have compromised respiratory systems.”
She said at least in Texas, the risk isn't high enough for anyone to change their holiday plans.
"Our advice to dog owners right now is to be cautious but don't freak out. so, if you can avoid going to the dog park or to doggy day care, then certainly do that," Teller said.
She said if people are nervous they can avoid dog parks or boarding facilities if they can, but if they have to: they can reach out to their facilities.
"Talk to that facility," Teller said. "Find out what they're doing to help prevent illness from getting into the facility and if there is an outbreak, how they intend to contain that."