Mystery illness affects dogs across US, veterinarians warn
A growing number of dogs in the US are showing symptoms of a mysterious illness, prompting concern among veterinarians and pet owners.
Wendy Brown, a resident of Idaho, noticed that her three golden retrievers – Bridge, Dooley, and Lulu – began coughing and showing signs of lethargy earlier this November. Initially, Brown thought it was just a typical kennel cough, but when their symptoms didn’t subside, she knew it was something more serious.
“The vet started him on a 10-day cycle of doxycycline. Today was day 10 and he is not a lot better,” Brown said. The mystery illness, which veterinarians say is highly contagious and can be fatal, has been reported to cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy.
Amanda Cavanagh, the section head of the urgent care service at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, explained that instead of the typical dry cough associated with kennel cough, dogs with this mystery illness exhibit a wet cough and a generally sick demeanor.
Experts like Cavanagh are urging pet owners to bring coughing dogs to the vet for examination. “We can ultrasound the lungs to see if there is a problem that is related to pneumonia or the contagious pneumonia that seems to be going around,” Cavanagh said. She also recommends keeping coughing dogs away from other dogs for two weeks after the cough goes away.
Research is currently underway to identify the cause of this mystery illness, but for now, veterinarians are asking pet owners to be vigilant and to seek medical attention for their dogs if they exhibit any of the symptoms associated with this illness.