Kennel Cough???

[trini&coco]

I recently paid for a new AKC female puppy (for my breeding program), from the same breeder I got my Trini & Coco from. I was suppossed to go and pick her up tonight but the breeder told me she has a cold and she went to the vet today and they have her on two medicines. She said it is very mild kennel cough and the puppy will be fine.

I have no experience with kennel cough.

Remember, I have my Trini's two 7 1/2 week old puppies and my Trini & Coco.

I called my vet but could not get him on the phone and the receptionist said in her opinion not to pick her up for at least two weeks. Is that too long? If the puppy is only on one weeks worth of medicine, shouldn't she be okay by the end of that week?
Does anyone know the risks of bringing this puppy home?
Should I still get her or should I be worried?
How long is she contagious for, since she is on medicine?
Help!!!!!

Oh and thank you all so much in advance...

[yorkykisses]

Kennel cough is VERY contagious. I would not pick-up your new girl until you know she is 100% over the kennel cough. Are your girls protected with the kennel cough vaccination? I have included a article concerning Kennel Cough. Hope this helps.

Infectious Tracheobronchitis: 'Kennel Cough'
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.


'Kennel Cough' is the term that was commonly applied to the most prevalent upper respiratory problem in dogs in the United States. Recently, the condition has become known as tracheobronchitis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, Bordetellosis, or Bordetella. It is highly contagious in dogs. The disease is found worldwide and will infect a very high percentage of dogs in their lifetime.
Infectious agents involved

There are many different agents that contribute to the disease process of tracheobronchitis. The most common are parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and mycoplasma. Canine adenovirus, reovirus, and canine herpes virus are thought to possibly contribute to the disease. Although any one of these organisms can cause symptoms of the disease, the majority of cases are the result of more than one organism.

The most common viral agent is parainfluenza virus. This common virus will cause mild symptoms lasting less than 6 days unless there is involvement with other bacteria, as is usually the case. Most 5-way vaccines and 'kennel cough' vaccines offer some protection against this virus.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacteria isolated from this disease. Clinical signs of infections occur three to four days after exposure, and if uncomplicated with other agents, 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. Bordetella is one of the agents protected against through the use of intranasal 'kennel cough' vaccines. Parainfluenza and Bordetella most commonly appear together in infectious 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 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 are usually not used. If the dog has a good appetite and is alert but suffers only from a recurrent cough, we will often let the disease run its course just as we would with a cold in humans. Treating the mild case does not shorten the length in which the animal will be a potential spreader of the disease. Many times, prednisone is given to help reduce the severity and frequency of the cough and to make the dog more comfortable. In addition, Bronchodilators like aminophylline or cough suppressants may also be used.

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 tetracycline or trimethoprim-sulfa. However, many other choices are also available. Steroids or cough suppressants are not usually recommended because of the risk of immunosuppressive 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.

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.

More commonly, for best protection, an intranasal vaccine containing both parainfluenza and Bordetella is used. Intranasal vaccines create localized immunity that greatly reduces the incidence of clinical signs and illness. There are several precautions and warnings that need to be observed pertaining to this vaccine. Some dogs will develop mild signs similar to tracheobronchitis when given this vaccine. Very often, the symptoms will last for several days and the dog will recover without treatment. Dogs that are vaccinated can also shed the virus and cause other dogs to become mildly infected and show mild signs. This shedding usually lasts less than 72 hours. In addition, it takes up to 4 days after vaccination for dogs to develop protection. When you combine these facts, you will see why I strongly recommend that a dog not be given intranasal vaccine within 72 hours of coming into contact with other susceptible dogs. Do not give the vaccine the day before a dog show, boarding, etc. Try to give at least four days before contact with other dogs, and preferably 7 days. This way you will protect your dog from becoming infected by other dogs, and protect those dogs from becoming infected by yours.

This vaccine is not without its problems. It is a very effective vaccine, but it must be used carefully and is generally only recommended for dogs that are at high risk. If your dog is not shown, boarded, or comes into contact with stray dogs, your dog is considered low risk.

In kennels where tracheobronchitis is a problem, strict hygiene with thorough cleaning and disinfection of cages and food and water containers is essential. In addition, kennels that are indoors should have good ventilation with an air turnover rate of at least 12 times an hour. Agents causing tracheobronchitis can be transmitted on hands and clothing as well as through the air, so infected animals must be isolated and handlers should wear gloves and use proper handwashing to help prevent spread. Vaccination of all animals, especially puppies is indicated in problem kennels. After initial vaccination as puppies, a yearly booster is recommended. However, some dogs that are at very high risk are vaccinated every six months.

Human health risk

Until recently, infectious tracheobronchitis was considered to not be a human health risk. Recently however, research indicates that Bordetella bronchiseptica may cause disease in some humans, primarily those with compromised immune systems. In normal, healthy adults there does not appear to be a risk factor, but young children and immunocompromised individuals should take precautions against coming into contact with animals that have symptoms of tracheobronchitis.

Summary

'Kennel Cough,' now more commonly referred to as 'infectious tracheobronchitis' is a widespread disease caused by several different viruses and bacteria. It is usually a self-limiting disease and most animals do not require treatment. Intranasal vaccines are effective, but due to some possible side effects, are recommended for animals that are at higher risk. Infectious tracheobronchitis is a disease of dogs and wild canids, it does not appear to be a risk to healthy humans or cats.

[chuey]

Sorry to hear about your baby! Hope she gets better soon!

Thank you so much for posting this article. I am learning more everyday about what my poor Chuey is going through and this describes it completely. But the dr doesn't think this is what he has. I just don't know anymore. I have a lot of information about what meds Chuey is on in my post in Sick.

Hope this info helps, and thank you for the info you posted.

Raquel--Get better soon Chuster!!

[trini&coco]

wow...thank you for the info...

I wonder if I should still pick her up next week???

[prettypuppypink]

I wouldn't. If you do a search, you'll read how long some pups take to get rid of kennel cough when treated. Your vet can advise you.

[Patti]

When I brought Cali home she had kennel cough and gave it to my older pom. It took 3 months and 3 rounds of antibiotics for both of them to clear up. I am not sure at what point they are no longer contagious but your vet should be able to help.

[trini&coco]

Originally Posted by Patti

When I brought Cali home she had kennel cough and gave it to my older pom. It took 3 months and 3 rounds of antibiotics for both of them to clear up. I am not sure at what point they are no longer contagious but your vet should be able to help.

Wow! I definately want to avoid that!!! UGH! I am so frustrated with this situation because they said she was not coughing but sneezing and she seemed okay yesterday, ugh, again!!

[Baby Blessing]

Is it possable that you can get a refund since you didn't pick the puppy up yet and it got that at the breeders? Maybe the breeder would be willing to do that since you did buy previously from her. Kennel cough and also Parvo is really bad in our area and the vet said it is all over this year. Patti

[yorkykisses]

Originally Posted by Baby Blessing

Is it possable that you can get a refund since you didn't pick the puppy up yet and it got that at the breeders? Maybe the breeder would be willing to do that since you did buy previously from her. Kennel cough and also Parvo is really bad in our area and the vet said it is all over this year. Patti

Patti,
I try to understand why Parvo is such a large concern when it only takes a few vaccinations to make sure that your dog is immune to it. I always tell people that if you cannot afford to have your vet give your puppy their vaccinations, you can always go to a farm store or feed supply store and purchase their's. You can also go online and purchase vaccinations, infact the same brand a vet would use. Rabies is the vaccination that most states will only allow a licensed vet to give. Vaccinations are alot cheaper than paying for treatment for Parvo, plus you do not take a risk of your puppy dying.

[trini&coco]

Originally Posted by Baby Blessing

Is it possable that you can get a refund since you didn't pick the puppy up yet and it got that at the breeders? Maybe the breeder would be willing to do that since you did buy previously from her. Kennel cough and also Parvo is really bad in our area and the vet said it is all over this year. Patti

ahhhh, a refund? Well, I carefully chose her for my breeding program and I have been waiting for her. She has great AKC papers, looks perfect so far and I am invested into her...

[yorkykisses]

Originally Posted by trini&coco

ahhhh, a refund? Well, I carefully chose her for my breeding program and I have been waiting for her. She has great AKC papers, looks perfect so far and I am invested into her...

I do not believe that Patti's statement was meant in a negative way. I would just have your vet speak with the vet your breeder uses and go from there. But I personally would not take your new girl home until you know she is 100% over the kennel cough. You do not want to infect your girls and the puppies you have at this time. I have known some dogs to take over a month to get over a case of kennel cough and have had many different kinds of antibotics through their treatment. Have your girls had the Bordetella vaccination? If not you might want to have your vet vaccinate them if possible. Your puppies are probably to young to receive the Bordetella vaccine yet.

[trini&coco]

Originally Posted by yorkykisses

I do not believe that Patti's statement was meant in a negative way. I would just have your vet speak with the vet your breeder uses and go from there. But I personally would not take your new girl home until you know she is 100% over the kennel cough. You do not want to infect your girls and the puppies you have at this time. I have known some dogs to take over a month to get over a case of kennel cough and have had many different kinds of antibotics through their treatment. Have your girls had the Bordetella vaccination? If not you might want to have your vet vaccinate them if possible. Your puppies are probably to young to receive the Bordetella vaccine yet.

I did not take it in a negative way at all. I actually thought about it as well. My dogs have had the Bordetella vaccine but my two pups have not. They are 7 1/2 weeks old. I read that if I get them the intra-nasal (I think that is what it is called) vaccine they should be protected after four days to a week. I am going to get them the vaccine, my vet does not do it in the nose and I read it is more effective. I am planning to wait as long as she will hold her, then I will take the pup directly to my vet and see what he says if she seems safe. This is so scary...

[yorkykisses]

Bump!

Just checking in to see how your soon to be new girl is doing with the kennel cough? I hope she has improved!

[trini&coco]

Originally Posted by yorkykisses

Bump!

Just checking in to see how your soon to be new girl is doing with the kennel cough? I hope she has improved!

She is doing just fine. She does not have kennel cough like the breeder told me but an upper respertory infection. She is on new antibiotics and eating well and I have posted about her in the nursury section. Thank you for keeping her in your thoughts!!!

[yorkykisses]

Originally Posted by trini&coco

She is doing just fine. She does not have kennel cough like the breeder told me but an upper respertory infection. She is on new antibiotics and eating well and I have posted about her in the nursury section. Thank you for keeping her in your thoughts!!!

That is wonderful news! Congratulations on your new addition!