CARY, N.C. — Reports of a baffling respiratory illness affecting dogs are causing concern across North Carolina. Truss Vet Veterinary Urgent Care has seen a troubling surge in canine respiratory cases in recent days with eight dogs treated for respiratory symptoms in the past 24 hours, surpassing the total number of cases treated the previous week.
The cause of this enigmatic illness is still unknown. Its symptoms are similar to those of other viral infections like influenza. Additionally, there are no diagnostic tests specifically designed for this ailment, adding to the complexity.
Veterinarians at Truss Vet are carefully monitoring the situation, especially for signs of pneumonia, a serious complication of respiratory infections.
Dr. Brad Waffa of Truss Vet is urging pet owners to be vigilant for symptoms such as coughing, loss of appetite, decreased energy, and fever. “In light of what we’re seeing out west, we’re compelled to treat these cases with heightened scrutiny,” said Dr. Brad Waffa, Truss Vet Veterinary. “Out of an abundance of caution, we’re now exercising greater prudence.”
The Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital (TVRH) advises pet owners to be on high alert for any unusual behavior or symptoms in their dogs, such as coughing, ocular or nasal discharge, sneezing, loss of appetite, labored breathing, and lethargy.
They also recommend that pet owners minimize public outings with their dogs at this time due to the unknown nature of the illness, which raises the possibility of dogs contracting the virus in public settings.
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