A new type of bacterial infection could be behind a mysterious respiratory illness that has been spreading among dogs in several states across the US, according to researchers.
The illness, which has been described as an "atypical canine infectious respiratory disease," has symptoms similar to canine influenza or kennel cough, such as coughing, fever, and nasal discharge.
However, it does not respond to common treatments and can lead to severe pneumonia and death in rare cases.
What is causing the illness?
PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP via Getty Images
The exact cause of the illness is still unknown, but researchers from New Hampshire and Oregon have been working together to identify the possible culprit.
They have found evidence of a novel bacterium that may be responsible for the infection.
The bacterium belongs to the genus Mycoplasma, which are known to cause respiratory diseases in animals and humans. However, the specific species of the bacterium has not been identified yet.
Dr. David B. Needle, a pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and clinical associate professor at the University of New Hampshire, said that the bacterium could have evolved from a harmless colonizer of dogs to a virulent pathogen through a mutation or a gene transfer.
He said that the bacterium is likely host-adapted, meaning that it can only infect dogs and not other animals or humans.
Dr. Kurt Williams, director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, who has been researching the illness for the past month and a half, further said that the bacterium is not easy to detect and culture, which makes it challenging to study.
He said that more samples and tests are needed to confirm the role of the bacterium in the illness and to develop a diagnostic test and a vaccine.
The illness is highly contagious and can spread through close contact with other dogs, especially in places like day care, dog parks, groomers or boarding kennels.
Therefore, dog owners are advised to take precautions to protect their pets from the infection, such as:
Avoiding scenarios with other dogs, especially if they show signs of respiratory illness.
Making sure their dogs are up-to-date on their vaccines, including those for canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza, which are common causes of respiratory diseases in dogs.
Seeking veterinary care as soon as possible if their dogs develop a cough that lasts longer than a few days or if they show signs of respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, bluish gums or loss of appetite.
Isolating their dogs from other dogs if they are diagnosed with the illness and following the instructions of their veterinarian regarding treatment and recovery.
Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, said that most of the dogs that she has seen with the illness have required hospitalization and intensive care.
She said that the treatment involves supportive care, such as oxygen therapy, fluids, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. She added that some dogs have recovered well, while others have died due to the illness.
Dr. Gina Kettig, veterinarian at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, said in a segment on TODAY that she has seen many cases of the illness and that it is concerning.
She said that she is using her isolation ward heavily to prevent the spread of the infection and that she is hopeful that a vaccine will be developed soon.
The mysterious illness affecting dogs has raised alarm among veterinarians and dog owners, who are urged to be vigilant and cautious.
The researchers are working hard to find out more about the illness and to find a way to stop it. Until then, the best way to protect the dogs is to prevent exposure and seek prompt medical attention.
