If you notice your Golden Retriever lying around like a flokati rug, look into his eyes. If they have a glassy appearance, or if there is abnormal tearing, Rocky may be ill. And if Rocky sounds like a Canadian goose when he coughs, you might need to worry about any other pets you have, because Bordetella or kennel cough is highly contagious. Fortunately, it is much like the common cold and usually runs its course. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of many bacteria known to cause kennel cough or tracheobronchitis. Tracheobronchitis is a common upper respiratory problem in dogs. The condition, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, Bordetellosis, or Bordetella is a worldwide bacteria that can also affect cats and pigs. In cats, it is called Feline Bordetella. Another common cause of Bordetella or kennel cough is the parainfluenza virus and the bacteria mycoplasma. Other viruses like canine adenovirus (type 2), canine herpes virus, and the reovirus are also thought to be contributors to kennel cough or Bordetella. Most cases of the disease are probably the result of more than one bacteria or virus. And they don’t call it “kennel cough” for no reason. The most salient symptom of Bordetella is a dry hacking cough that can also produce a “honking” sound. Some animals may wretch or vomit after coughing. The coughing may worsen after activity or excitement, or you may just think your pet has something caught in its throat. Just in case the coughing doesn’t get your attention, look for difficulties breathing, fever, nasal discharge, watery eyes and sneezing. Dogs will usually maintain their appetite and normal activities, but some animals will become lethargic and stop eating. In severe cases, your veterinarian may need to look beyond Bordetella, because secondary infections like bacterial pneumonia may have developed. Bordetella symptoms normally last about 10 days, but Rocky will be contagious for 6-14 weeks while he sheds the bacteria. If Rocky has Bordetella and the parainfluenza virus for an “infectious tracheobronchitis” cocktail, he may be ill for up to 20 days. Kittens are very susceptible to Bordetella. It can be a dangerous illness, developing into pneumonia very quickly and possibly killing an entire litter within hours. Keep your afflicted pets separate from any others during the course of the disease. Bordetella in cats is usually treated more aggressively than in dogs. The only way to be certain if your pet has Bordetella is through bacterial cultures like a tracheal wash or blood tests. If Rocky his holding his own, your vet will probably just let the illness run its course. But if your pet is young or having more severe symptoms, your vet may prescribe cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and occasionally antibiotics. Rocky may also benefit from steam. You can take him in the bathroom while the shower is running or use a vaporizer while he sleeps. Some veterinarians recommend removing your pet’s collar or using a chest harness while they are having Bordetella symptoms. Keeping your pet’s immune system healthy is one way to avoid kennel cough. Echinacea is an ingredient proven in clinical trials to support immune system function. Making sure both you and Rocky are sleeping well is important also. Keep him hydrated by providing fresh water, and if he is having trouble eating, you may need to switch to canned food until he feels better. Cats that stop eating may need to have their food diluted and administered to them or “force-fed.” Plantago lanceolata is an herb, also known as English plantain, that has been shown in clinical trials to soothe throats and mucus membranes and is safe for children and pets. It can be found in a granulated form for animals. If your pet is around other animals at boarding facilities, dog parks, groomers, etc., he will probably need to get the Bordetella vaccine, which is usually recommended every six months. There is also an intranasal vaccine containing both parainfluenza and Bordetella that will give your pet localized immunity.
researcher, and all around pet lover Sheli Ellsworth Natural Treatment for Kennel Cough |
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