Title: Mysterious respiratory disease affecting dogs raises concerns among researchers
Researchers from New Hampshire to Oregon are working to identify the cause of a mysterious infectious respiratory disease that has affected dogs, with rare cases turning deadly.
Described as an “atypical canine infectious respiratory disease,” the mysterious illness has been reported in several states, including Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, and New Hampshire. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, and lethargy.
According to Dr. Ryan Scholz, the Oregon State Veterinarian, the cases appear to share a viral etiology, but common respiratory diagnostic testing has been largely negative, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause.
While fatalities from the disease are rare, the illness is generally resistant to standard treatments, posing a significant challenge for veterinarians.
Dr. David B. Needle, a pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, is part of a team trying to identify the disease and find common DNA segments by collecting samples from local veterinary clinics and comparing the results.
The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has also reported cases of the mysterious canine disease, with an uptick in the number of dogs showing signs of respiratory disease. The lab’s director, Kevin Snekvik, emphasized the importance of caution and advised dog owners to seek veterinary care if their pets exhibit symptoms.
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association have also issued recommendations to keep dogs healthy, including staying up-to-date on all vaccines and reducing contact with sick and unknown dogs.
The cause of the disease remains unknown, but researchers are working diligently to identify the underlying pathogen and develop effective treatments.