Previously we discussed the symptoms and transmission of some of the most common airborne infections that pet care facilities encounter: Canine Cough (Bordetella) and Canine Influenza. Our responsibilities as professional pet care providers are to be proactive in preventing these diseases, as well as in detecting a pet that might have come down with a virus. It is extremely important to act fast in order to prevent the spread of the viruses and bacteria. It’s just as important to be able to understand how veterinarians make a diagnosis and then provide treatment for the pet.

Diagnosis
In many cases of an airborne disease, the specific cause cannot definitively be diagnosed. Generally, canine cough is diagnosed based on the physical examination after the pet has shown symptoms. Further diagnostic tests that may be recommended by the veterinarian include:

Complete blood count (CBC) to check the level of white blood cells (infection-fighting cells)

Chest x-rays to see if there is evidence of pneumonia.

There are also diagnostic tests that can be done to specifically identify the virus and/or bacteria involved. These tests might be run in an outbreak situation, for example: to identify the organism and to effectively target treatment protocols. The timeframe for results, depending on the test involved, can be two days to several weeks. This delay may make it difficult for the pet care facility to know specifically which illness they are dealing with and to take the appropriate next steps.

Tests will include:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. These tests, run on samples from a nasal or throat swab, identify bacteria and viruses. There can be a false negative result (no organism found despite the dog really being infected) in some illnesses. For example: since influenza is viral, shedding may have passed by the time symptoms are first obvious.

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) antibody titers. This test looks at the level of antibodies in the bloodstream. This involves taking a blood sample when the dog is first showing symptoms, and then another sample 2 to 3 weeks later. If the level of antibodies quadruples from the first sample to the second sample, it’s proof of influenza infection.

Bacterial culture and sensitivity. A sample acquired from a deep nasal swab or a tracheal wash can be sent to a lab to determine which bacteria is growing, and which antibiotics will be most effective.

Treatment
Treatment is similar regardless of the specific infectious organism found. In mild cases, it’s recommended that the dog be treated at home to minimize contagion risk to other pets. In severe cases, it’s recommended that the dog be treated in a veterinary hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids, medications, and monitoring.

Mild Cases
Mild cases will often resolve within 2-3 weeks without any treatment, but antibiotics will usually be prescribed if the dog is in any of the following situations:

Might spread infection to other pets

Has other respiratory conditions such as collapsing trachea, brachycephalic syndrome (short-snouted breeds like bulldogs), or chronic bronchitis

Lives with an immunocompromised human (HIV or chemotherapy).

Antibiotics that are usually effective against Bordetella (Canine Cough) and may be prescribed by the veterinarian are:

— Tetracyclines: tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline
— Amoxicillin with clavulanate (Clavamox®)
— Fluoroquinolones: enrofloxacin (Baytril®), marbofloxacin (Zeniquin®), orbifloxacin (Orbax®)
— Sulfa antibiotics: trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ormetoprim/sulfadimethoxine (Primor®)
— Azithromycin (Zithromax®)

However, certain strains of Bordetella and other bacteria can be resistant to various antibiotics. Cough suppressants or expectorants may be suggested to reduce coughing and break up mucus. Examples of suppressants or expectorants that might be prescribed are dextromethorphan, butorphanol, hydrocodone, and guaifenesin.

In the event you have a dog in your facility with Canine Cough or CIV, symptoms can be reduced by:

Walking the dog on a harness to reducing pulling against a collar

Avoiding excitement

Keeping the dog rested in a warm, dry environment

Discouraging barking.

Severe Cases
Severe cases will most likely require hospitalization, intravenous fluids, injectable antibiotics, and possibly oxygen supplementation or nebulization. Nebulization is a treatment designed to produce tiny droplets of antibiotic that the dog inhales into the lungs, where the antibiotic can have a direct effect at the site of infection. Cough suppressants should not be used if there is evidence of pneumonia, because they will slow healing. In cases of pneumonia, the veterinarian will want the dog to cough to expel mucus, pus, and infection.

Our focus as pet care facility owners/managers should always be on creating the healthiest environment for the pets in our care. Fortunately, most of the time the pets coming to us are healthy and happy. However, we must be proactive and prepared in case a pet becomes sick while staying with us. Being educated on the various upper respiratory diseases and how they are diagnosed and treated by the veterinarian will help you to provide the highest level of care for your pet care services.

Outstanding Pet Care Learning Center is dedicated to protecting and growing the Pet Care Industry through World-Class Pet Care Training and Education. OPC Learning Center’s curriculum:

Delivers necessary pet care training in the convenience of your facility,

Saves training, time and energy of owners and managers

Provides convenient, technically-advanced format for immediate access

Offers immediate on-line testing to give you assurance that the material was understood

Reduces potential injuries to your staff and guests

Can increase health and happiness of the pets in your care

Protects you, your staff, and your bottom line

For more about our courses, visit: www.OPCLearningCenter.com

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