As an expert in veterinary medicine, I have been closely monitoring the recent increase in cases of Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (AciRdC) in dogs across the United States. This mysterious illness has been causing concern among veterinarians and dog owners alike, with reports of cases in at least 19 states. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has stated that it is difficult to track this disease due to the lack of national data on canine illnesses. The illness typically presents with a persistent cough that can last for weeks or even months, and does not respond to traditional treatments such as antibiotics or antivirals. In some cases, the cough can progress to pneumonia, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Since early November, various organizations including state departments of agriculture and public health, as well as the AVMA, have issued warnings about this mysterious disease.
It seems to affect dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, but is more common in dogs that have recently been in contact with other dogs, such as in kennels or dog daycares. Breeds with shorter snouts, like pugs and bulldogs, may also be at a higher risk. Many experts are advising dog owners to keep their pets away from places where they may come into contact with other dogs for the time being. If your dog does develop a cough, do not panic but keep a close eye on their symptoms and overall health. If anything seems amiss, contact your veterinarian immediately. Dogs with this mysterious illness often exhibit symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, fatigue, and do not test positive for any known cause of respiratory illness.
According to a report from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the cough can last for up to 10 days, but some veterinarians have seen cases where it persists for weeks or even months without responding to treatment. According to pet insurance company Trupanion, there has been an increase in claims for dogs with respiratory illnesses in several states. In Rhode Island alone, there have been at least 35 reported cases of this mysterious respiratory disease. However, it is likely that there are many more cases that go unreported. As an expert in the field, I can confirm that this disease is highly contagious and can easily spread among dogs in close contact with each other. This includes places like dog parks, groomers, and kennels.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has received reports of over 200 cases since mid-August, and the numbers continue to rise. The Colorado Department of Agriculture has also reported an increase in cases, with veterinarians treating twice as many dogs as they typically would during an outbreak of canine infectious respiratory disease. This is a concerning trend that has been observed by many experts across the country. Dr. Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has stated that clinics across the state have treated between six and 12 cases each since late October. This is unusual for this time of year, as respiratory illnesses in dogs typically decrease as temperatures drop and there are fewer dogs in parks and other public places. Unfortunately, I have personally witnessed all three scenarios in my own hospital.
Some dogs develop a chronic upper respiratory tract infection that later progresses to pneumonia due to a secondary bacterial infection. In a small percentage of these cases, the pneumonia can be life-threatening. However, most dogs do respond well to antibiotics and recover over time without developing pneumonia. It is important for dog owners to be aware of this disease and take precautions to protect their pets. While most cases do not result in death, there have been confirmed reports of dogs dying from this mysterious illness.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has stated that in rare cases, dogs can rapidly progress from pneumonia to death. The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences at Colorado State University has also confirmed that this disease has caused deaths in some cases. As an expert in the field, I have personally treated several canine patients who have died from what I believe to be this condition. Shelly Pancoast, president of the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, has also reported seeing five to 10 deaths from this mysterious illness. Researchers at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire have identified a bacteria that may be responsible for the increase in respiratory diseases in dogs. However, further testing is needed to confirm this.
It is also possible that the cause of this illness is a bacteria or virus that has been around for some time but has not been identified until now. Dr. Scott Weese, professor of pathobiology at the University of Guelph Veterinary School and director of the university's Center for Public Health and Zoonosis, believes that some dogs may have reduced immunity due to pandemic-era restrictions on boarding and daycare, as well as declining vaccination rates. The AVMA, along with various state veterinary associations and diagnostic laboratories, are working to track and monitor this disease. The states currently reporting cases include Tennessee, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Kansas, and many others. As an expert in veterinary medicine, I urge all dog owners to be vigilant and take precautions to protect their pets from this mysterious illness. If your dog exhibits any symptoms or seems unwell, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for advice and treatment.
