A mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs has been reported across North America, causing concern among pet owners and veterinarians. The illness, which presents symptoms similar to kennel cough, has led to pneumonia and death in some cases. The exact nature of the illness is still being evaluated, but veterinarians are actively monitoring cases.
The illness first came to public attention when Chikis, a 10-year-old Maltese, passed away from the disease. Chikis' owner, Mariana Chavez, created a Facebook group to gather information and support from others who have experienced similar situations. The group has since become a hub for pet owners to share their experiences and seek advice.
The Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) at Purdue University is among the institutions investigating the illness. The ADDL is asking veterinarians to submit samples from dogs suspected to have the disease as part of a national effort. Despite the ongoing investigation, no pathogen has been identified yet.
Symptoms of the illness include a cough that may last for weeks or months, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. In some cases, the illness has been fatal, causing lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia. Testing for known viruses and bacteria has so far failed to identify a culprit. Antibiotics, which are not effective against most dog respiratory diseases, have also proven ineffective in treating this illness.
While the illness is highly contagious among dogs, there is limited information on the risk to dogs in specific states or regions. The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County has not seen any dogs with the new disease variant, and dog owners in Indiana are advised not to panic but to exercise caution. It is also advised to wash hands after being around dogs as a precaution.
Without a centralized reporting agency for canine disease, complete data on the illness is difficult to obtain. However, pet owners and veterinarians are encouraged to report any suspected cases to aid in the investigation.