Mysterious Canine Respiratory Illness Spreads Across U.S. States
Veterinarians across various U.S. states, including Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada, and the Northeast, are reporting cases of a mysterious and fatal respiratory condition in dogs. The illness, characterized by a persistent cough resistant to traditional antibiotics, has left experts scrambling to identify the cause.
Dr. Lindsay Ganzer, a veterinarian at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, noted to TODAY that the illness progresses rapidly. "Dogs exhibit a persistent cough that suddenly escalates to pneumonia," she explained.
Kevin Snekvik, Executive Director of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, further detailed the symptoms in an interview with KIRO7: "Affected dogs exhibit fever, lethargy, a productive wet cough, and in severe cases, blue or purple gums due to oxygen deprivation."
The Oregon Department of Agriculture, which has received over 200 reports of the condition since mid-August, lists additional symptoms including sneezing, eye or nose discharge, fatigue, and trouble breathing.
The complexity of the illness is highlighted by Dr. Ganzer's revelation that her hospital has been forwarding samples from affected dogs to a New Hampshire lab specializing in the study of this illness since 2022.
While the American Veterinary Medical Association is monitoring the situation, the total number of affected pets nationwide remains unknown. Dr. Amanda Cavanaugh from Colorado State University pointed out an unusual trend: "Unlike other contagious canine cough conditions that usually decline in the fall, this year we're seeing a sustained spike in cases."
Kurt Williams, director of the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, suspects a viral origin given the infectious nature of the cases. "We're actively researching to pinpoint the cause or causes," Williams stated.
As a preventive measure, the Oregon Department of Agriculture advises dog owners to keep their pets' vaccines up-to-date, including for canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza. They recommend health checks for dogs 12 to 24 hours before attending events with other canines and consulting veterinarians for specific advice.
Snekvik urges dog owners to reconsider boarding their pets during the holidays and to avoid interaction with unfamiliar dogs, given the potential for rapid spread.
This alarming rise in cases of the unknown respiratory illness in dogs underscores the need for vigilance and preventive measures among pet owners. As research continues, the veterinary community is working diligently to understand and combat this emerging threat to canine health.