Kennel Cough (Canine)

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Kennel cough is a term that is commonly used to describe a highly contagious respiratory disease complex in dogs caused primarily by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. It generally results in a mild, self-limiting illness characterized by coughing and sneezing in animals recently housed in a communal setting. Although most animals recover with little or no treatment, some do require intense therapy if they become secondarily infected with other organisms. Puppies have a higher potential of developing pneumonia.

Common names: Kennel cough
Scientific names: Infectious respiratory disease complex, Infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), Bordetella bronchiseptica, although other organisms may be involved in causing the disease complex.

Diagnosis

Signalment
Kennel cough affects dogs of all breeds, ages, sexes, etc.

Incidence/prevalence
Kennel cough is one of the most prevalent infectious respiratory diseases found in dogs. It is most commonly seen in dogs that have been housed together in a kennel, shelter or hospital, but not always. It infects a wide range of hosts, including cats and occasionally even humans, particularly if they are immunocompromised.

Geographic distribution
Kennel cough occurs throughout the world.

Clinical signs (primary)
Coughing that is generally loud and paroxysmal, often described as a goose honk, Clear nasal discharge, Retching, producing a white frothy fluid.

Clinical signs (secondary)
Ocular discharge, Anorexia or loss of appetite, Fever, Lethargy.

Causes
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a primary cause of kennel cough.

Parainfluenza and Adenovirus-2 can also be primary causes of kennel cough.

Mycoplasma may be secondarily involved in kennel cough. Other bacteria that may be involved in the disease complex include Streptococcus, Pasteurella, Pseudomonas, and coliforms.

Organ systems affected
Upper respiratory tract.

Diagnostic tests
Kennel cough is most commonly diagnosed based on physical examination, history of exposure, clinical signs and response to therapy. Tracheal wash and bacterial culture, Blood work, Virus isolation (the disease complex often involves parainfluenza and Adenovirus-2).

Differential Diagnosis
Canine distemper, Canine influenza.

Overview

Kennel cough, also known medically as infectious canine tracheobronchitis (ITB), is a term that is often used to describe a highly contagious respiratory disease complex in dogs that is caused by several different organisms. Bordetella bronchiseptica is believed to be the primary bacterial agent causing disease, but viral agents that may be involved in the complex most frequently include parainfluenza and adenovirus-2.

Secondary bacterial invaders include Streptococcus, Pasteurella, Pseudomonas and Mycoplasma. Bordetella bronchiseptica alone generally causes a mild, self-limiting illness characterized by coughing, a clear nasal discharge, sneezing, and retching up a white frothy fluid. It is most commonly diagnosed in animals that have recently been housed in a communal setting such as a kennel, veterinary hospital or shelter.

In most cases of uncomplicated kennel cough, no treatment is necessary, although the cough sounds very harsh and may last for several weeks. If there are other bacteria or viruses involved, the symptoms can become more severe, resulting in a mucopurulent nasal discharge, appetite loss, fever, lethargy and signs of bronchopneumonia, which may bring about the need for treatment at home or hospitalization.

Treatment

Home care
Home therapy generally consists of supportive care. Antibiotics including trimethoprim sulfonamide or amoxicillin-clavulanate may be prescribed to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections. Short courses of expectorants, cough suppressants, bronchodilators and corticosteroids have been helpful in some cases. A harness rather than a collar should be worn to avoid pressure on the trachea triggering coughing when leash walking.

Excessive excitement should be avoided as well, as this also tends to trigger coughing. Recovery is generally noneventful. Care should be taken in multipet households to wash hands and clothing after handling the affected pet, as the disease can be transmitted to other animals via contact with contaminated objects.

Professional care
If the dog becomes lethargic or feverish, or loses his appetite or develops a thick nasal discharge, veterinary care and hospitalization may be necessary. Intravenous fluids, injectable antibiotics and aerosol therapy may be required.

Action
The kennel cough vaccine is usually found as a combination of Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza and adenovirus-2. It can be given by injection or intranasally. Although it does not prevent infection, it lessens disease severity and therefore should be considered for dogs that go to shows, day care, kennels and other settings where dogs congregate.

The initial DHPP vaccine that is given to most puppies routinely (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo) offers some minor protection against kennel cough, but because it does not contain Bordetella bronchiseptica, many boarding facilities require the kennel cough vaccine separately prior to admission.

Outcome
The prognosis for complete recovery for the vast majority of animals with an uncomplicated case of simple kennel cough is usually very good.

References/Additional Readings

Ford, Richard Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis In: Greene CE, Ed. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat 3rd Ed. W.B. Saunders Elsevier 2006; 54-61.

Author

Lila Miller, BS, DVM

Editor

Steven Hansen, DVM, MS, MBA, DABVT, DABT

Please note that PetVet should only be used as a guide and in no way should be substituted for licensed veterinary care.