​East-West Animal Hospital wants to keep our clients informed:
 
11/27/23 update –This is a rapidly evolving situation –
come back for updates as more information develops.
 
Distributed by FVMA with information from UF College of Veterinary Medicine.
https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2023/11/27/mysterious-respiratory-disease/
​Veterinarians are reporting an increased number of dogs presenting with acute respiratory infections ranging from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening pneumonia.  The disease is reportedly nonresponsive to commonly prescribed antibiotics, and diagnostic testing is often negative for known canine pathogens.
 
It is not yet clear if this is caused by a novel emerging pathogen or one of the well-known causes of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC casually known as “kennel cough”).  The lack of a centralized reporting system means it’s not even possible to confirm that there is a spike in CIRDC incidence or severity.  The intense media coverage of a “mystery disease” may be raising awareness and discussion about CIRDC cases that would otherwise be managed as usual.  It’s also possible that localized clusters are occurring due to one or more known pathogens due to some predisposing factor, such as an asymptomatically infected dog visiting a dog park, day care, dog show, or boarding kennel, etc.     
 
While much is unknown about reported atypical CIRDC, basic disease control and treatment protocols as described below will help keep dogs safe and provide a roadmap for diagnosis and treatment.   
Dogs at Risk
  • Dogs that visit with other dogs, such as boarding, day care, dog shows, dog parks, groomers
  • Suspect cases have been reported in at least 12 states, including Florida, as of 11/27/23.
  • So far, animal shelters seem to be less frequently affected by unknown pathogens, although historic levels of crowding present risks for outbreaks
  • People and other species have not been reported to be at risk.   
 
Prevention
  • Use disinfectants effective against nonenveloped viruses and hardy pathogens such as accelerated hydrogen peroxide (Clorox Healthcare Cleaner).
  • Sanitize animal areas, fomites, and potentially contaminated items such as doorknobs, phones, and desk spaces.
  • Avoid venues where groups gather with unfamiliar dogs, such as dog parks, day care, boarding, dog shows, groomers unless limited to a stable group of healthy dogs.
  • Keep DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations up to date.
  • Vaccination against canine influenza virus is appropriate for pet dogs or dogs expected to be in high-risk situation for prolonged periods; however, two doses are required, and protection requires at least 4 weeks to develop.    
  
Clinical Signs
  • Highly contagious, rapidly spreading among dogs in contact with other dogs.
  • Acute cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, fever, anorexia, lethargy.
  • Severe form can progress to life-threatening pneumonia requiring oxygen and ventilator support.
  • Cough may persist for weeks to months.
If your dog has any of these signs and needs to be seen by the veterinarian
  • Your pet will need to be seen in Isolation to prevent any spread of the disease to other patients.
  • Testing can only be performed within the first 4 days of symptoms.  
                                                                                    Prevention Plans                                                                                                                    East-West Animal Hospital offers affordable Preventative Plans
                                           to help you provide the best care for your pet! 
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​                              Preventative plans are not pet insurance.  See below for Pet Insurance recommendations.  
  • These plans are available for both dogs and cats of ALL ages.
  • The plans are designed to provide your pet with all the healthcare recommendations for their age because different ages have different needs.  
  • The plans include vaccinations/titers, if applicable.
  • Laboratory screening for transmitted diseases such as heartworms (for both dogs and cats), tick diseases in dogs, leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats.
  • Blood chemistry testing and screening for liver, kidney, and heart changes as your pet ages.
  • Unlimited nail trims (dogs and cats)
  • Unlimited anal gland expression (dogs)
  • An examination co-pay (greatly discounted from the regular or comprehensive exam fee).
  • A 10% discount on items not covered by the Wellness Plan.  Some exclusions apply.
  • Monthly payments available with auto-draft or pay in full.
Nutrition Resources
Hills To Home  
Diets shipped directly from the manufacturer to your door!  ​
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Royal Canin
​Therapeutic diets  
The Honest Kitchen
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Balance IT
Order your Standard Process supplements and have them delivered to your door.  Contact us for patient code!
Pet Education Resources
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        Fear Free
 "Taking the pet out of petrified"​
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​Pet Health Network  

​Educational resource
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Links for information to keep your family and pets healthy!
Companion Animal Parasite Council -
​Links to Parasite Prevalence Map (Heartworm, Tick)
Pet Insurance Recommendations
Trupanion Pet Insurance  ​
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Nationwide Pet Insurance
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​Embrace Pet Insurance
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​ASPCA Pet Insurance