Illinois: Mysterious Dog Respiratory Illness
A mysterious respiratory illness is spreading in several States. Here is an update on what we know so far…
We are getting inquiries from pet parents concerned about this new respiratory illness and its impact on our dogs. We haven’t had many confirmed cases in Illinois as of this writing, but we want to ensure that we give you advice on prevention, as a precautionary step. Although numerous details remain uncertain, here is a compilation of the latest information we have gathered.
What’s Causing This Illness and What are the Signs?
The sickness causes fever, lethargy, coughing, appetite decrease, labored breathing, and nasal/eye discharge. The symptoms initially resemble kennel cough but typically persist much longer, occasionally spiraling rapidly into severe pneumonia.
Genetic analysis of samples from affected dogs by laboratories in multiple States revealed a previously unknown miniature bacterium that scientists now believe could be the culpable pathogen [1]. Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire calls it “a funky bacterium in a recent NBC article. Researchers suspect this germ likely originated from or evolved to evade detection by a dog’s normal microbiome - the community of typically harmless microbes inhabiting the body [2]. ”.
Dr. Needle said, “The germ “is new as a potential cause of disease, but it is likely to be— or to have evolved from — a component of the dog microbiome,” he said. Dogs as well as humans have multiple types of harmless bacteria and other microorganisms living both inside and outside the body. In the gut, they are thought to aid in digestion.” (NBC).
Although this discovery is promising, the New Hampshire scientists need to confirm their findings with more research.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
There are a few preventative steps you can take to protect your dog. Build up your dog’s immune system naturally so the body’s immune system can kick into gear and be strong enough to fight whatever mystery illness that comes at it. Here are some key integrative therapies that can help strengthen a dog's immune system and improve the microbiome:
Probiotics & Prebiotics: Adding beneficial bacteria through supplements supports healthy gut flora. Prebiotics provide "food" for good gut microbes. Specific strains like Lactobacillus have immune-boosting effects.
Diet Modification: Some veterinary nutritionists recommend limited-ingredient, whole foods diets. These avoid fillers that disturb digestion. Omega-3s and antioxidants in fresh foods bolster immunity.
Ozone Therapy: Administering medical grade ozone activates white blood cell function and antimicrobial actions. It also enhances cellular oxygenation and circulation.
Mushroom Supplements: Compounds in medicinal mushrooms like turkey tail, reishi and cordyceps modulate immune reactions. Some have prebiotic benefits as well.
Joint Supplements: Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen from natural sources support connective tissue integrity for overall wellness.
Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics: Plant-based enzymes improve food breakdown and nutrient absorption. Specific probiotic species help rebalance gut populations after antibiotic use.
Vitamins & Antioxidants: Low-dose vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium hold antioxidant properties to combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Please always check with Dr. Bhatt before adjusting your dog’s diet, vitamins, minerals, etc to ensure it’s customized for the optimal health of your dog, and protects rather than harms body balance.
How Contagious is This Illness?
The transmission rate between dogs appears high currently. Veterinary staff enforce meticulous precautions, but crowded social settings like dog parks and daycares introduce extra risk until treatment and containment occurs. Isolate symptomatic dogs from other pets immediately. Senior, chronically ill or immune-compromised canines require extra vigilance.
As an integrative vet, I cannot overstate the importance of proactive wellness and preventative care to fortify your dog’s defenses against infection. Therapies like ozone administration, nutritional supplements, probiotics and dietary modulation can help strengthen systemic and immune function.
In addition, please:
Avoid dog parks, pet stores, canine competitions, canine athletic meets, and grooming facilities - in fact, anywhere where dogs congregate.
Avoid boarding, if it can be helped. Try hiring a dog sitter in the home, or leaving your dog with a trusted person who will take care to prevent exposure.
Avoid other dogs on walks.
Keep dogs at home. Here’s how to keep them entertained!
Traveling for the holidays, and taking your dog? Remain vigilant when staying at dog-friendly hotels, etc.
If you’ve got two or more dogs, keep them together and do not expose any of them to outside dogs. Isolate symptomatic dogs from others immediately.
Unfortunately no cures or vaccines exist presently, although boosting your dog’s immune system remains prudent. Research facilities are working as fast as they can to decode this bacterium’s genetic composition, transmission patterns, and disease features - they’re making quick progress, but more research is needed to find a cure.
Should I Rush My Dog to the Vet if Symptoms Appear?
If your dog exhibits unusual hacking or related signs, contact your regular veterinarian promptly. They can discern whether the issues stem from this undiagnosed infection or relate to separate conditions. More critical cases may necessitate swift emergency assessment and care.
Can other animals become infected?
While the illness spreads readily between dogs there is no evidence presently that humans or other species are at risk.
Remain Vigilant
This mysterious sickness has potentially affected thousands of dogs in other States, and has sadly taken some lives [4]. Its emergence highlights the gravity of protective care for our beloved dogs. Keep monitoring reputable news and veterinary outlets as fresh details unfold.
References
[1] https://hubbardcenter.unh.edu/confirmed-test-results-new-canine-bacteria