The Institute of Veterinary Medicine is warning pet owners about an infectious respiratory disease that was first detected in dogs several months ago.
The American Veterinary Medical Association said cases have spread to at least five states even as experts continue to try to figure out the cause of the illness. news release on friday.
Here’s everything you need to know about this mysterious disease, the symptoms to look out for, and what to do if you suspect your dog may be infected.
What is a mysterious disease in dogs?
Veterinarians describe the disease as a respiratory disease that causes coughing, sneezing, and fatigue. It can sometimes cause pneumonia, and antibiotics are not effective.
David Needle, senior veterinary pathologist at the University of New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, says experts still don’t fully understand the disease and the causes behind it. Needle said he and colleagues at the university’s Hubbard Genome Research Center have been studying the virus for more than a year.
Since mid-August, Oregon veterinarians have reported more than 200 cases, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Figures for other states have not yet been released.
In which states is the dog disease occurring?
Cases of the disease have been reported in several states, including New Hampshire, Colorado, Oregon, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. According to the New York Times. However, experts say the situation is not a cause for concern, but advise pet owners to take basic precautions to ensure their pets’ health.
How do respiratory diseases spread?
Given the respiratory nature of the disease, Needle said, it is most likely transmitted through close contact with or breathing the same air as an infected animal, similar to how COVID-19 is transmitted. Stated.
Is the dog disease fatal?
Needle said the disease is not particularly deadly, but rather a chronic respiratory disease.
“I think some animals can develop more or less pneumonia, like upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, rhinitis, tracheitis,” Needle said.
Needle explained that animals that experience secondary infections can die.
Needle and his team said they haven’t seen a spike in deaths from the disease, but are still encouraging pet owners to reduce contact with other dogs.
What are the symptoms of the disease in dogs?
Common symptoms of respiratory disease in dogs include:
- cough/sneeze
- difficulty breathing
- breathing quickly
- wheezing or whistling
- dehydration
- difficult to exercise
- heat
- nasal discharge and eye discharge
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- lethargy
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What should I do if I suspect that my dog is affected?
The Oregon Department of Agriculture says if you notice any symptoms in your dog, especially those that may be related to pneumonia, contact your veterinarian immediately.
They also directed state veterinarians to report cases as soon as possible.
How can I protect my dog from respiratory diseases?
Needle advises dog owners to make sure their pets’ vaccines are up to date to avoid underlying health conditions. He also suggests social distancing from other dogs and animals to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
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Contribution: Associated Press
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on platform SheX, formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
