A mysterious and potentially fatal contagious respiratory illness has been impacting dogs in at least 14 states in the United States, including California.
At least 10 cases have been detected in California since Nov. 16, according to a new release published Nov. 21 by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Veterinary Public Health Program. Though no cases have been reported in Riverside County at this time, pet owners may still be wondering how they can protect their four-legged family members.
Officials with the Riverside County Department of Animal Services spoke with The Desert Sun to share what’s known about the disease, what symptoms to look out for and ways to mitigate infection.
What is the illness?
There’s still a lot that’s unknown about the dog respiratory virus, but animal services spokesperson Kerri Mabee said it causes nasal discharge, cough, sneezing and lethargy.
Cases were initially reported in Oregon this summer, and since mid-August, more than 200 cases have been reported in the state, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“We do not know exactly where or how it began, but it has been reported in multiple states across the country,” Sara Strongin, chief veterinarian of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, said. “Affected dogs tend to have a history of being in some type of group setting for dogs — such as dog parks, boarding facilities, doggie daycare, etc.
How does it spread?
Mabee said the illness is likely spread through close contact, such as nose-to-nose touching, or by breathing in the same air of an infected animal.
Does the respiratory illness transfer to humans?
Based on what’s known at the moment, no.
According to USA Today, research by David Needle, senior veterinary pathologist at the University of New Hampshire’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and his team showed that the small genome, a bacterium, is “host adapted,” which means that it is more likely to stick to the organism that it is used to.
The veterinarian added that they have not had any reports of owners being sick.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the common symptoms of the respiratory illness in dogs include:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing or nasal whistling
- Dehydration
- Difficulty exercising
- Fever
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
Where have cases been reported?
As of Monday, the illness had been reported in the following states:
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
Can your pet be tested for the illness?
There is currently not a test available because the causative agent of the illness is unknown, Strongin said. However, the disease is suspected when a dog with compatible clinical signs and history tests negative on a respiratory PCR panel, which is commonly used to diagnose more common respiratory diseases.
Is the illness fatal?
The illness has led to some hospitalizations and the deaths of older dogs or those with health issues, according to the New York Times. Some dogs may have prolonged mild to moderate illness lasting six to eight weeks or longer, Strongin said.
What can pet owners do to keep their dogs safe?
Mabee encourages dog owners to keep their dogs at home and avoid high-risk environments, such as dog parks, doggy daycares and boarding kennels, if possible.
“Until we can learn more, if they’re planning on boarding their dogs, maybe they can look to other options,” she said, such as asking a family member or close friend to dog-sit.
Dog owners should also ensure that their pet’s vaccines are up to date, so that they do not have any underlying conditions. The Riverside County Department of Animal Services provides vaccines, and appointments can be made at https://rcdas.org/pet-services/vaccinations-microchips
Free mobile clinics also take place throughout the county. For a list of dates and locations, visit https://rcdas.org/mobile-wellness
What treatments are being implemented for this illness?
Strongin said antibiotics have not been effective in treating this disease.
“Since the causative agent remains unknown, treatment is essentially supportive in nature — fluids, nutrition, supplemental oxygen, possibly anti-inflammatories,” she added.
What should you do if you suspect your dog is affected?
If you notice any of the symptoms in your dog, especially any symptoms that could be related to pneumonia, contact your vet immediately.
USA Today reporting contributed to this story.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
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