Usually referred to as “kennel cough,” infectious tracheobronchitis is a very contagious upper respiratory disease that is easily spread among dogs, especially when they are in close contact with one another. The common name most probably arose from the frequent incidence of a distinctive hacking cough among dogs in a kennel. It usually is a mild, self-limiting disease and can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection, or both. Most commonly, a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract allows for the bacteria to more easily infect the dog.
Causes: The most common bacteria associated with infectious tracheobronchitis is Bordetella bronchiseptica. The disease is sometimes referred to as bordetellosis or bordetella. Other bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Escheria coli, and Klebsiella may cause secondary infections. The most common viral cause is the canine parainfluenza virus, although other viruses such as canine reovirus, canine distemper, canine adenovirus type 2 and canine herpesvirus may also be involved. The bacteria or viruses can easily travel from dog to dog via airborne transmission, making it highly contagious. Also stress, changes in airflow, temperature and humidity can increase susceptibility to the disease.
Symptoms and diagnosis: As the common name suggests, a dry, hacking cough sometimes followed by retching or gagging is the key symptom. The cough will sometimes appear or worsen after exercise or when the dog is excited. Since the bordetella bacteria and parainfluenza virus are often seen together in cases of infectious tracheobronchitis, nasal discharge, fever, and sneezing also accompany this disease. The symptoms usually appear a few days to two weeks after infection. Dogs with a recent history of being in group housing or being exposed to a group of dogs together with the distinctive cough will usually lead to a positive diagnosis for infectious tracheobronchitis. Symptoms generally last from seven to 10 days. If a virus accompanies the bordetella infection, symptoms can last two to three weeks or more.
Treatment: Infectious tracheobronchitis is usually a self-limiting disease; in other words, dogs will improve on their own without treatment. However, there is sometimes cause for concern that a virus such as the pneumonia virus or distemper (which sometimes are present with this condition) can cause more serious symptoms. Antibiotics are prescribed to clear the bordetella bacteria. Supportive care such as giving cough suppressants may be prescribed as well to make the dog more comfortable when its cough is severe.
Prevention: Because infectious tracheobronchitis is so contagious, prevention is the best policy. This is the main reason why kennels and boarding facilities usually require dogs to be vaccinated against bordetella. Keeping infected or possibly infected dogs away from group situations is the best preventive. Clean living environments go a long way in preventing infection or the spread of infection among dogs. Hand washing, wearing gloves when handling possibly infected dogs, keeping all clothing and toys, bowls, etc. clean will help prevent this contagious disease from taking hold or spreading. Having properly ventilated areas and good airflow also helps combat infection. With respect to humans, it is recommended that the very young or immunocompromised take extra precautions when coming into contact with dogs showing symptoms of infectious tracheobronchitis, due to possible infection by the bordetella bacteria.
Vaccination: Though a specific vaccine isn’t part of the core vaccination schedule for dogs, “canine cough” vaccines that include protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus and perhaps adenovirus are available. These vaccines come in both injectable and intranasal forms. Either form of vaccine needs to be regularly boosted. Because vaccines take time to take effect, the recommendation is that dogs receive the vaccine at least four or five days before possible exposure to a group situation with other dogs. It is important to note that dogs that have been given the vaccine may shed bordetella for a few days. Some kennels require that this type of vaccination be given at least five days before the dog is boarded, especially if it has been more than six months since the last booster. The careful timing of the vaccinations and boosters underlies the highly contagious nature of this infection. You should seek the advice of your veterinarian in determining if and when you should vaccinate your dog.
Daniela Sharma, Ph.D. - Rutgers University
