Veterinary laboratories are alerting pet owners about a contagious respiratory illness that emerged among dogs a few months ago. The American Veterinary Medical Association pointed out in a news release on Friday that the cases have extended to at least five states and that experts are still investigating the cause of the diseases. Here’s an overview of the enigmatic illness, the symptoms to watch out for, and what to do if you believe your dog could be affected.
What is the mystery dog illness?
The illness is described by veterinarians as a respiratory disease that can result in coughing, sneezing, and lethargy. It can sometimes lead to pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotics, said David Needle, senior veterinary pathologist at the University of New Hampshire’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Cases of the disease were observed in several states, including New Hampshire, Colorado, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, according to The New York Times. Needle also mentioned that the illness is not typically fatal and is considered to be more of a chronic respiratory issue. For animals experiencing secondary infection, the illness could lead to death.
The symptoms of the respiratory illness in dogs include coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, wheezing, dehydration, lack of appetite, fever, nasal or eye discharge, weight loss, and lethargy.
If you notice any of the symptoms in your dog, particularly those that could relate to pneumonia, contact your vet right away, suggested the Oregon Department of Agriculture. They also encouraged state veterinarians to report cases as soon as possible.
To keep your dog safe from the respiratory illness, ensure their vaccines are up to date and practice social distancing from other dogs and animals.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
