A sudden onset of a severe cough is typically seen, which is typically non-productive, but may become productive if pneumonia develops. The cough is characteristically a honking cough, which can often be elicited by massaging the throat. Gagging and retching may also be seen. The cough can also be exacerbated by exercise, excitement, or pressure on the neck from the collar. An on-going infection with kennel cough can lead to pneumonia, so if the dog shows any signs of rapid breathing, lethargy, and anorexia, they should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
Due to the fact that Kennel Cough has classic symptoms, diagnosis can typically be made simply based on presenting signs. The veterinarian will also take the dog’s history into account in making the diagnosis. If the veterinarian is concerned that this dog’s particular case of Kennel Cough is more complicated, and may potentially involve infection in the lungs (i.e. pneumonia), then chest x-rays and blood work may be recommended. PCR testing may also be recommended to differentiate the specific type of disease your dog is affected by. Even in the presence of the classic honking cough of Kennel Cough, veterinarians and pet parents should be careful to avoid jumping to the conclusion that the dog has this disease and not something more serious, such as heart disease, canine influenza, or heartworm infestation, all of which are much more serious.
In more complicated cases in which either pneumonia is suspected or the dog is not responding to treatment, a tracheal fluid analysis and culture may be recommended. The procedure can be done in several fashions, but the goal is to obtain material from inside the airways. The material is examined under a microscope, and also cultured for bacterial growth. Radiographs or PCR testing may be recommended in more severe cases to help determine cause of symptoms.
Dogs usually recover from Kennel Cough in one to three weeks, and prognosis for uncomplicated infections is excellent.
Any dog that has worsening symptoms or is not improving should be re-checked by the veterinarian, as treatment may be necessary if not started already, or other more serious conditions may be present.
Several different vaccine formulations exist against the Bordetella bacteria, however multiple strains of this bacteria exist, therefore no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing infection. It is thought that vaccination decreases the severity of the disease, and this is likely true, since more complicated cases typically arise in unvaccinated individuals. If your dog is routinely housed in boarding facilities, attends doggy day care, plays at dog parks, or is exposed to a large number of dogs in other scenarios such as competitions, you should discuss if vaccinations are recommended with your veterinarian. Dogs are typically vaccinated as puppies against Bordetella and canine adenovirus-2 and parainfluenza, and as adults Bordatella is typically recommended every 6-12 months and canine adenovirus-2 and parainfluenza is generally boostered every 3 years in adults.
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