Mysterious Illness Impacting Dogs in Multiple States
A mysterious illness is spreading among dogs in the US, impacting hundreds of pets in more than 10 states. The Oregon Department of Agriculture released a statement describing the illness as an “atypical canine infectious respiratory disease.”
Veterinarians in Oregon have reported over 200 cases of the disease since mid-August, with additional cases reported in Colorado, Illinois, and New Hampshire. Although the cases appear to share a viral cause, common respiratory diagnostic testing has been largely negative.
Dr. David B. Needle, a pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, stated that dogs with the mysterious illness show signs of an upper respiratory disease, but do not test positive for common respiratory diseases. Fatalities do not appear to be a major component of the syndrome, with rare animals developing an acute and sometimes fatal pneumonia after the longer chronic disease.
“If what we have identified is a pathogen, it is likely that the bacteria is host-adapted bacteria with long histories of colonizing dogs,” Dr. Needle said. An “evolutionary event” like spontaneous mutation or acquiring a gene from a different source could have led the bacteria to become virulent.
In response to the illness, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association has provided steps dog owners can take to keep their pets healthy. These include reducing contact with large numbers of unknown dogs, avoiding communal water bowls, and seeking veterinary care for sick dogs.
If your dog exhibits symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and lethargy, the association advises contacting your veterinarian.
The cause and spread of the mysterious illness are under investigation, and dog owners are encouraged to be vigilant in protecting their pets.