​​​​​​​In the month of November, a new form of respiratory illness in dogs is popping up in cases around the country. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory is working diligently to find what is causing this new illness. They are performing widespread sampling of respiratory cases that have the potential to be a part of this new illness, in an effort to be able to diagnose the cause of the disease.

These cases appear to have a viral cause, but common respiratory diagnostics have been largely negative. The clinical signs to watch for in your pet include decreased appetite, lethargy, coughing, increased breathing rate, and breathing distress.

This new respiratory illness can cause:

1. Chronic mild to moderate inflammation of the trachea lasting six to eight weeks (or longer), which is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.

2. Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.

3. Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours.
   
   

This disease seems to be occurring in most pets that are vaccinated and have not been in contact with other dogs. The NVSL are still recommending following those guidelines - keeping your pet up to date on vaccines, reducing contact with other dogs, and keeping your pet at home while they continue to find out more about this disease, and how it can be treated.

If you have questions or concerns, please email us. If you feel your dog may have the clinical signs listed above, please call us to schedule an appointment. We will update you as further information becomes available.