Dog enthusiasts and veterinarians in Long Island are on high alert for a perplexing respiratory ailment that has afflicted and even led to the demise of some canines in other regions of the nation.
While the illness has not surfaced in New York, occurrences have been identified in states like Colorado, Oregon, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. From August onwards, over 200 cases have been reported by veterinarians to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
“It’s truly a conundrum at the moment; we’re in the dark about the cause,” mentioned veterinarian Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “There is a range of viruses and bacteria known to trigger respiratory diseases in dogs, and this doesn’t seem to be any of those.”
She explained that this respiratory disease produces varying levels of ailment. While some dogs endure mild to moderate bronchitis lasting six to eight weeks, others develop antibiotic-resistant pneumonia. In the most severe and occasionally fatal cases, dogs swiftly develop acute pneumonia within 24 to 36 hours.
Eric Johnson, a veterinarian at the Dix Hills Animal Hospital, advised dog owners to be alert for symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, lethargy, and decreased appetite. He urged them to reach out to a veterinarian upon noticing such signs.
These are the same symptoms exhibited by other respiratory viruses like canine influenza, canine adenovirus, and canine parainfluenza.
“We are still largely in the dark,” Johnson stated. “At present, we believe it’s viral even though we haven’t pinpointed the specific organism yet, so we are uncertain.”
Researchers at veterinary labs in Oregon and New Hampshire are actively studying the ailment.
Colin Parrish, professor of virology at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s department of microbiology and immunology, noted that outbreaks of respiratory disease are common, particularly in animal shelters or boarding facilities.
“They call it kennel cough, which is a broad term for various respiratory illnesses,” he explained. “Most dogs experience a mild illness and recover without complications. This is why people are concerned. This is something unprecedented.”
Parrish also mentioned that reports indicate the illness is widespread, even though respiratory viruses typically have limited spread capabilities.
Experts advised dog owners to safeguard their pets by ensuring they are updated on their vaccines, avoiding sick dogs, and refraining from sharing water bowls with other canines.
David Ceely, executive director of the Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Huntington, reassured that all their dogs are fully vaccinated. He also mentioned that rescued dogs from other states are quarantined for two weeks and closely monitored before being allowed to mingle with other dogs at the shelter.
At a dog park in Nesconset, owners expressed minimal concern about the enigmatic illness, particularly since no reports have emerged in the state.
Barbara Hansen of Smithtown, accompanied by her dog Mollie, stated, “I’m not worried because the people here at the dog park are highly responsible. If their dogs are unwell, they wouldn’t bring them here.”
Natalie Ramirez of Lake Grove stated that she will continue bringing her dog, Winston, to the park daily. “I think it’s something to keep an eye on,” she noted.
With Shari Einhorn
