Upper respiratory tract (URT) infection in dogs involves all or part of the upper airways, which include the bronchi, trachea, throat and nasal cavities. Infections of these airways can become very serious, and can even be fatal.Infections of the upper respiratory tract are common in domestic dogs and usually are caused by a combination of primary and secondary pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and/or mycoplasma. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common primary bacterial pathogen; it causes
The upper respiratory tract (URT) includes the nasal cavities, throat (larynx and pharynx) and upper part of the bronchial tree. Infections of the URT are common in dogs and tend to be caused by a combination of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and/or mycoplasma (which are a particular type of bacteria). In rare cases, upper respiratory tract infections can be associated with canine nasal mites or lung flukes.The two most common causes of URT infection in
Canine upper respiratory tract (URT) infections are largely, but not always, preventable through use of vaccines and appropriate quarantine measures. In addition, strong immune systems that are supported by good nutrition and environmental care can help ward off, or at least lessen, the adverse effects of upper respiratory tract infections in our companion animals.The persistence of URT infections in our companion animals is no doubt caused by shedding of the causative pathogens in the respiratory
The classic signs of canine upper respiratory tract (URT) infection are very similar to the symptoms of the common cold in people. The symptoms of clinical disease in domestic dogs will depend upon the underlying cause of the condition.Dogs with URT infections typically develop one or more of the following symptoms:Dogs with an URT infection caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica (so-called “kennel cough”) generally have a deep, dry, hacking and nonproductive cough, without other signs of
Upper respiratory tract (URT) infections are provisionally diagnosed based upon the symptoms shown by the affected animal and by ruling out non-infectious causes of those signs. It is not particularly difficult to diagnose an upper respiratory tract infection. It is, however, important to accurately identify the causative organism, so that an appropriate treatment protocol can be developed.When a dog comes into a clinic with signs of an upper respiratory tract infection, the veterinarian will perform
The goals of treating uncomplicated cases of canine upper respiratory tract (URT) infection are to suppress the dog’s cough, relieve other symptoms of illness and prevent secondary bacterial infections from developing. Supportive care and antibiotics are the main treatment options in most cases. Respiratory infections that are caused by nasal or lung parasites are treated with anti-parasitic medications.Most simple cases of canine URT infection are treated on an outpatient basis. Supportive therapies include: providing excellent