I think we have kennel cough - Page 4

**TIFFERS** · #46 11-02-2009, 09:32 PM

Yes, exactly. Kennel Cough can take up to 6-8 weeks to get rid of...now, these cases can be the influenza cases I was talking about, but it can also be gone within a week. It's a very fine line I think...between the two, and it stinks for vets because it's really a 'guessing game' now. They are treated the same for the most part...but, are they treated the same because we think it's Kennel Cough? You see what I mean?

pugpillow · #47 11-02-2009, 10:08 PM

According to Dr. Jean Dodds, here are the differences between kennel cough and canine influenza:

With influence, dogs have a fever. It can develop very quickly into bronchial pneumonia at which time, antiobiotics should be given immediately.

With kennel cough, there is no fever and the dogs will recover without treatment (it is a "self-limiting disease" like the human cold). But you need to watch that it doesn't develop into bronchitis.

We don't get the bordetella vaccine in our house full of old dogs and have had only 2 cases of it in a few years. It was brought in by a foster newly arrived from the local shelter noted for incidences of KC. The only one of my 7 dogs that got it was my little black 12-year old pug who got a mild case and recovered in a few days.

And whoever posted about their vet not recommending the bordetella booster was wise under the circumstances. No dog should ever be vaccinated within 3 weeks on either side of surgery. Their immune systems must be strong enough for the vaccine to build the antibodies the vaccination is intended for. Similarly, any vaccinations should be split up by at least 3 weeks and never given to a dog who is not in good health.

Wiztherewoz · #48 11-03-2009, 04:45 PM

How are they doing today, Katie? Give 'em all a big fat squish from me, poor little beans. x

katiem · #49 11-03-2009, 08:18 PM

They actually aren't coughing at all today, which I know they planned on purpose so I could look like a mook when I took them in to get meds. Dr. Jason thinks they have a very mild cough, and has told me to just continue watching them and bring them back in if it gets worse.

katiem · #50 11-03-2009, 08:19 PM

Oh and Calvin does have a URI. Fun times.

special · #51 11-03-2009, 08:36 PM

Did you end up bringing them all in, Katie? And Calvin, too? So it is definitely kennel cough...no medication for the dogs? Did Calvin get antibiotics?

Wow, lotta questions, inquiring minds want details!

katiem · #52 11-03-2009, 08:41 PM

Yeah, I took all 5 plus Calvin. Cal is on Clavamox and BNP, and the dogs are without meds right now, but I'm supposed to watch to see if it gets worse and then they'll be on Cephalexin. They didn't cough once, so he didn't feel it was serious enough to warrant meds, though I'm thinking I'm going to ask for at least enough for Loeke when I go to work tomorrow, as its bothering me that he's trying to fight this with a lowered immune system.

**Macawpower58** · #53 11-03-2009, 09:04 PM

My EPI boy gets canine influenza regularly. His immune system is poor, and it's a fairly new development over the last several years.

I do notice a difference. He does not have the honking cough, but does have hoarse breathing, runny eyes and nose, and acts worn outish. At times he does cough, but it's not the kennel cough sound. It runs a little under a week, to over two, depending on the severity of it. My other 3 never catch it from him.