2023-11-22 21:18:00
A respiratory disease affecting dogs affects an unknown number of dogs in the United States. Widespread infection in at least 4 states results in hospitalizations and deaths in sick or elderly animals.
Fever, cough, loss of appetite… An unknown respiratory disease is spreading among dogs in the United States. As explained by New York Times, at least four states have been facing this epidemic for several months. This disease can lead to hospitalization or death in older dogs or dogs already in poor health.
The exact number of cases is not known, but at least 200 infections have been recorded in a single center in Oregon since mid-August.
At this stage, the commonality between the infected dogs might be identified. It seems that they all frequented places where many dogs are present, such as kennels or parks. These places would be hotbeds of contamination, as veterinarian Lindsey Ganzer explains to the American media.
“The veterinary community as a whole is a little worried,” warns the specialist.
“If your dog shows signs of respiratory illness, isolate him”
In Lindsey Ganzer’s clinic, located in the state of Colorado, around thirty cases were recorded in the space of a month. Four of these animals had to be euthanized, or died as a result of the infection.
This alarmist version is, however, called into question by veterinarian and researcher Kurt Williams. His center has not noted an increase in respiratory diseases, he adds that these pathologies as a whole “can be treated”.
The expert’s message to American animal lovers is one of proactivity, rather than concern:
“If your dog shows signs of respiratory illness, isolate him at home, call your veterinarian and have him examined.”
Kurt Williams points out that dogs can recover from respiratory illnesses thanks to their immune defenses, or even with the help of antibiotics. But this disease seems to be resistant to these products. So, it is speculated that it may be a virus and not a bacteria. These are only hypotheses at the moment.
The study of this mysterious disease has already begun. As indicated by the American press, a laboratory at the University of New Hampshire has been looking into this infection for regarding a year. Dr. Needle has samples from all over the country at his disposal.
While awaiting the results of this study – and a potential treatment or vaccine – owners of furry companions are invited to reduce contact with their peers as much as possible.
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