8/17/18 Update

Fortunately, the number of cases does seem to be decreasing, although we are continuing to see patients with these symptoms. This week we have treated three new patients. Two of these dogs had not had access to other dogs – they were both limited to being in their own yards and going on walks – so the concern for all dogs in our community is still valid.

We continue to work with the diagnostic labs at Colorado State University Veterinary School and University of California Davis Veterinary School, but no definitive causative agent has been isolated so far.

Our current recommendation is that all dogs receive a 3-Way upper respiratory vaccine. If you notice your dog coughing please call us as soon as possible to set up an appointment.

8/9/18 Update

Results on one of the patients affected by the outbreak have come back and was negative for both parainfluenza and two types of Canine Influenza A. We are still waiting for results on other tests to narrow down the cause of the illness. We do feel confident that this outbreak is due to Canine Upper Respiratory Disease Complex, which can be a mixture of Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Adenovirus Type 2 and Mycoplasma.

Results as of 8/10: 2 patients have now tested NEGATIVE for canine parainfluenza. We will be continuing to send in samples on any new cases if/when they develop. Due to the nature of respiratory diseases, it may be difficult to pinpoint a specific agent as the cause of the outbreak, but rather it may be attributed to a combination of viruses and bacterial agents.

To combat the current outbreak we have an Instranasal Vaccine “Intra-Trac 3” that will protect your pet against 3 of the most common agents associated with Canine Upper Respiratory Disease Complex: Bordetella, Canine Adenovirus type 2, and Parainfluenza.

This vaccine is the best option to protect your pet during this outbreak even if your pet is already vaccinated against Bordetella (Kennel Cough).

Intra-Trac 3 is available NOW and there is no appointment needed. We recommend all dogs be vaccinated. Call us if you have any questions.

If your pet has any of the following symptoms:

-a cough
-difficulty breathing
-discharge from eyes or nose
-lethargy
-fever

Please call us at 307-682-1507

At this time, we recommend avoiding dog parks, boarding facilities and any other areas where large numbers of dogs are in contact with each other as this disease can be spread by close contact with other dogs, even airborne.

8/8/18 Alert

Canine Upper Respiratory Disease Outbreak in Gillette

Over the last week and a half we have treated several VACCINATED dogs from boarding kennels all around town.

We are currently waiting on lab results to confirm the cause of the outbreak – whether it’s viral or bacterial. At this time, what we know is that the bordetella vaccine is not protective for this outbreak. And the active cases are not responding to typical treatments.

At this time, we recommend avoiding dog parks, boarding facilities and any other areas where large numbers of dogs are in contact with each other.

If your pet has any of the following symptoms: a cough, difficulty breathing, discharge from eyes or nose, lethargy or fever.

PLEASE CONTACT US RIGHT AWAY at Animal Medical Center 307-682-1507