I read this online today:
TRACHEOBRONCHITIS (INFECTIOUS)
KENNEL COUGH
A mild, self-limiting disease, involving the trachea and bronchi of dogs of any age. It spreads rapidly among animals that are closely confined as in hospitals or in kennels. Environmental factors such as cold, drafts and high humidity apparently increase susceptibility to the disease.
The incubation period is 5 to 10 days. The outstanding sign is a harsh, dry cough, which is aggravated by activity or excitement. The coughing occurs followed by retching or gagging in attempts to clear small amounts of mucous from the throat. Reverse sneezing is noted in some cases. Gentle pressure over the larynx or trachea will induce a cough. Body temperature is normal in the early stages but may be elevated as secondary bacterial invasion takes place. The most severe signs are noted during the first five days, but continue in some degree for 10 to 20 days.
Treatment - Keep warm (not hot) and quiet. An expectorant like Benadryl Children's Antihista-mine/Nasal Decongentant (dosage 1 to 1 1/2 ml-two times a day) and though antibiotics have no effect on the primary disease and it will have to run its' course, they may be used to good effect in controlling secondary bacterial infection, which could lead to pneumonia if unchecked. Amoxicillin is my Veterinarian's choice as a primary antibiotic. 50 mg two times day for ten days.
Whether or not to vaccinate your dogs against Bordatella (another respiratory disease) probably depends on your exposure. If they are to be kennelled or shown at indoor shows during the cold winter months, then it is probably a very good idea to have your veterinarian give this vaccination which is very effective. It may give your dog a mild case of the disease, but can be beneficial if the exposure is a threat. |