Veterinarians are raising concerns as an increasing number of dogs exhibit persistent coughing symptoms. Wendy Brown shared her experience with “Good Morning America,” noting that her three golden retrievers displayed symptoms in early November. Initially, she thought it might be a typical case of kennel cough, but when the symptoms persisted, she realized it was a more serious issue.
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Brown’s dogs, Dooley, Bridge, and Lulu, experienced symptoms such as huffing, lethargy, and boisterous coughing. Despite an initial treatment cycle of doxycycline prescribed by the vet, the improvement was limited, indicating a potentially more severe condition. The unidentified illness is reported to be highly contagious and, in some cases, fatal.
Veterinarians
Common symptoms observed include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy, resembling kennel cough. Amanda Cavanagh from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital emphasized the importance of seeking veterinary attention for dogs with persistent coughing. Diagnostic measures such as lung ultrasounds can be employed to identify potential pneumonia or contagious respiratory issues.
To prevent the spread of the illness, Cavanagh advises isolating coughing dogs from others and maintaining this separation for at least two weeks after the symptoms resolve. While research is ongoing to uncover the cause of the illness, vigilance and prompt veterinary care are crucial for affected dogs.
