Kennel Cough
February, 1998
Infectious Tracheobronchitis, more commonly known as “Kennel
Cough”, is an acute respiratory disease of dogs which leads
to inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (main lower
airways). It has a worldwide distribution and is recognized as
one of the most prevalent infectious diseases of dogs. It is
contagious only to other dogs and occurs most commonly in pet
shops, dog shelters, research facilities and in boarding or
training kennells. However, it can be contracted without ever
visiting any of the facilities.
There is no single agent responsible for the disease. Instead,
any of a number of viruses, bacteria, and other micro-organizsms
are involved. The most common viral agents incriminated are those
we routinely vaccinate against - canine parainfluenza virus and
canine adenoviruses. Other, less common ones include canine
herpesvirus and a number of canine reoviruses. By far, the most
common bacteria involved is Bordatella Bronchiseptica, for which
vaccines are also available. Other bacteria can also be cultured
from affected dogs, such as E. coli, streptococcus, pasteurella
and pseudomonas. Another type of microorganism, mycoplasma, is
frequently encountered in dogs with Kennel Cough, while fungi are
infrequently involved.
The hallmark sign of the disease is a fairly sudden onset of a
dry, hacking cough, sometimes described as “hanking”.
Many dogs will retch or gag after a coughing bout, and may or may
not bring up phlegm or mucus. The coughing usually starts 4-8
days after exposure. In most dogs, no other signs are seen and
the temperature is normal. Occasionally, more serious signs
occur, especially in unvaccinated puppies, immunosuppressed dogs
or those with an underlying problem such as a collapsing trachea.
Rarely, a bacterial pneumonia will develop in these complicated
cases. Uncomplicated cases usually resolve in about 2 weeks.
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, with or without recent
exposure to a group of other dogs. A harsh cough easily induced
by pressure on the dog’s throat is very common and very
suggestive of kennel cough. Bacterial cultures are usually not
necessary and not recommended.
Treatment involves rest and antibiotic treatment for several
weeks to help with any bacterial component of the infection.
Cough suppressants can be beneficial in reducing the dog’s
or owner’s distress over persistent coughing, but are
contraindicated if pneumonia is a possibility. The most effective
cough suppressants used with kennel cough include prednesone or
other corticosteroids, mild opiate derivatives such as codeine,
hydrocodone, butorphanol or the over-the-counter cough syrup
ingredient, dextromethorphan.
As previously mentioned, vaccinations are readily available for
several common agents known to cause kennel cough. They are very
safe and can prevent infection or alleviate the signs when
infection does occur.