The news is reporting on the new respiratory infection in dogs. It seems to show up as a bronchitis that may lead to pneumonia, as do several other respiratory infections we’re used to dealing with. Unfortunately, nobody actually knows anything about this one. As of Tuesday night, November 21, there is no statement from the American Veterinary Medical Association, Ohio Board of Animal Health, Ohio State University Veterinary School, Purdue, nor the state diagnostic laboratories from Ohio or surrounding states, except Michigan Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. They have a statement dated November 21, but they just recommend testing sick dogs for the known diseases, and provide basic medical advice similar to my own below.  

Internet news stories are alternately claiming a bacterium or a virus is responsible. None are quoting a reliable source; most seem to quote each other. Take these reports as mere theories until the culprit is identified and confirmed by university or state labs.  

Since we don’t know the cause yet, there is no test for it. There is no treatment except standard treatments for respiratory infection. We know it isn’t Covid. It doesn’t appear to infect people or other animals. Since we don’t know what it is, theories about where it came from are just guesses. We also don’t know where it is for sure, since there is no diagnostic test. All we have are reports of sick dogs testing negative for other diseases. Urbana Veterinary Clinic has NOT seen an increase of severe respiratory infections in dogs at this time.  

What can you do?

1. Make sure your pet is vaccinated against the ‘old’ infections that have good vaccines. We still see them and don’t want to complicate the clinical picture with a double infection. This is worse than a single bug. Some of these are covered by core vaccines (Parinfluenza and Canine Distemper). Bordatella Kennel Cough requires a separate vaccine by mouth or nose. Finally, there is a vaccine against the two strains of influenza that can infect dogs.
2. Minimize social exposure. Avoid taking your pet to public buildings. There is risk when attending doggy daycare or boarding kennels. We don’t know how great that risk is. You may have vacation plans or work requirements that don’t allow choice. It's too early to give much advice, except avoid what you can. Outdoor activities are less dangerous. Since the dog social greeting is to thoroughly sniff each other, they won’t maintain a 6-foot distance. Therefore, the dog park has risk as well.  
3. If your dog gets to travel with you this holiday, don’t let him make friends at travel stops. Keep him away from sick dogs.   Coordinate with family and minimize exposure to dogs not in his social bubble.
4. Coming soon, Urbana Veterinary Clinic will invent N-95 masks sized for the dog nose… Or probably not. Don’t wait on us, keep your pets safe.
5. Let us know if your dog is sick. A cough lasting longer than a week, shortness of breath, lack of interest in activity or play, or loss of appetite are cause for concern.

Alex Cole                                                                                 

Urbana Veterinary Clinic