Mystery Dog Illness

A mysterious and potentially fatal respiratory illness in dogs has been reported in several states across the country as veterinarians continue to search for what may be causing the condition that has killed some dogs.  The illness starts as a cough lasting for several weeks, but it may not respond to typical treatment, such as antibiotics, which can leave the dog struggling to breathe and with severe pneumonia.  It happens quickly to go from a cough that will not go away, and then suddenly, they develop pneumonia.

Mystery Dog Illness
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

​Veterinarians report that most dogs affected had recently spent time at a boarding facility or doggy daycare.  Vets say dog owners may want to consider taking precautions to prevent illness, such as avoiding scenarios with other dogs and ensuring dogs are up to date on vaccinations, especially against respiratory diseases.
 
Mystery Respiratory Dog Illness
Dogs with this mystery illness usually cough, sneeze, have eye or nose discharge, are abnormally tired, and do not test positive for any common causes of respiratory illness.  Dogs are most likely to contract the infection by close contact with other dogs in daycare, dog parks, groomers, or boarding kennels.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture noted that the illness can progress in three ways:

• a mild to moderate cough for six to eight weeks or longer that either does not respond to antibiotics or only responds a little,
• chronic pneumonia that does not respond to antibiotics or
• severe pneumonia that often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours.

While this mystery dog illness is making headlines in 2023, it has been around since last year.
 
Where in the U.S. has the illness been reported?
According to the Oregon Department of Health and the New York Times, cases that match the description of the mystery dog illness have been reported, officially or anecdotally, in:

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington

 
Symptoms of the mystery dog illness include:

• Blue or purple gums (due to not getting enough oxygen)
• Coughing that doesn't get better on its own after a week or so
• Lethargy
• Nasal or eye discharge
• Sneezing
• Trouble breathing, especially from the stomach

 
While this disease is unusual, periodic outbreaks of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) can occur in a dog population.  At least nine different bacteria and viruses have been linked as causes of CIRDC, which is transmitted by respiratory droplets.
 
It is stressed that any dog owners who notice their dog coughing, especially if they recently spent time with many other dogs, such as at a daycare, kennel, or dog park, should be taken to the vet immediately.   Do not wait to see if the cough clears up; earlier treatment dramatically improves recovery.
It is prudent to be concerned about putting dogs in scenarios where they may meet many other dogs.  Contact your vet for guidance if you need to place your dog in such a situation.  Avoid letting your dog have nose-to-nose street greetings with any dog.
To keep your dog safe and healthy overall, make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations.  Also, vaccinate your dogs against respiratory diseases beyond the bare minimum, such as Bordetella and canine influenza.  Be sure to give your dog two weeks after vaccination before interacting with other dogs so they can build up immunity.