CIRDC - Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex

December 6, 2023
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WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex

As you may know, a canine kennel cough outbreak (CIRDC - Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex) is affecting dogs across the nation. Because the Parainfluenza virus appears to be associated with many affected dogs locally, we are recommending that all dogs that have not received their DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus) vaccination within the last 12 months receive a Bordetella and Parainfluenza intranasal booster vaccination. 

The booster vaccination is especially critical if your dog is or will be in a setting with an increased risk of exposure (such as boarding, grooming, training, dog shows, dog parks, family visits with other dogs, drinking from community water bowls, etc.) over the coming holidays. Reminder: some facilities regularly require bordetella vaccination every six months.

Cats, rabbits and other pocket pet patients do not appear to be affected by this outbreak.

• If your dog HAS NOT received a DHPP combination vaccine or a Bordetella vaccination within the past year, they are at increased risk for an upper respiratory infection, and should receive the intranasal Bordetella/Parainfluenza vaccination. This vaccination takes about 4 days to reach full protection. 
• If your dog HAS received a Bordetella vaccine AND the DHPP combination vaccine within 12 months, they need no booster vaccine at this time.
• Even fully vaccinated, we recommend exercising caution regarding dog-to-dog contact.

We have Booster Appointments available with expedited appointment times specifically for the Bordetella/Parainfluenza vaccination. Please email supportstaff@centreanimalhospital.com or call us at 814-238-5100 to schedule a Booster Appointment.

Medical exams, annual wellness visits, nail trims and other services should be scheduled as regular veterinary or tech appointments, and the Bordetella/Parainfluenza vaccination can be given at that time if your dog is due.

WHAT IF MY DOG GETS SICK?

• Isolate your dog from other dogs if your dog has coughing, lethargy or nasal discharge.
   
• If you have an appointment at Centre Animal Hospital for a coughing dog, please DO NOT enter the hospital. When you call from your vehicle to check in, inform the Customer Service Representative that your dog is coughing or has any signs of a respiratory infection and they will give you further instructions to avoid contact with other hospital patients.
   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CIRDC

Our doctors are closely monitoring the development of the newest form of kennel cough that has been seen around the nation. We have been in contact with our Pennsylvania State Veterinary Office and will continue to monitor this situation closely. Here is what we know and recommend at this time:

At Centre Animal Hospital, since August 2023, we have seen a marked increase in canine infectious respiratory disease complex, canine tracheobronchitis or kennel cough.  The majority of our patients have responded very well to antibiotics and supportive care. Testing at our hospital for viral and bacterial organisms has shown several known causes for tracheobronchitis - parainfluenza virus, bordetella and mycoplasma bacterial infections.

We will continue to test affected dogs to determine the causes of these infections and  treat all patients who are sick.