Vaccinations

Below you will find additional background information on common pet-related vaccinations and the underlying viruses for which they provide protection.  This information is courtesy of PetEducation.com: Your Online Source for Pet Information and Animal Care Tips.

Bordetella / Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Kennel cough is also known as infectious tracheobronchitis (it has also been called Bordetellosis or Bordetella).  It is a highly contagious respiratory infection affecting the airways.  Kennel cough is commonly contracted in situations where dogs are confined in close contact, such as kennels, shelters, veterinary clinics, and dog shows.  Stress, poor ventilation, and temperature and humidity extremes are also thought to increase the susceptibility of dogs to kennel cough.

The most common viral agent is parainfluenza virus.  This common virus will cause mild symptoms lasting less than 6 days unless there is involvement of other bacteria, as is usually the case.  Most 5-way vaccines and 'kennel cough' vaccines offer some protection against this virus.   The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough sometimes followed by vomiting.  Many owners describe the cough as having a 'honking sound.' A watery nasal discharge may also be present.  With mild cases, dogs continue to eat and be alert and active.  Many times, there is a recent history of boarding or coming in contact with other dogs.  In more severe cases, the symptoms may progress and include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, pneumonia, and in very severe cases, even death.  The majority of severe cases occur in immunocompromised animals, or young unvaccinated puppies.  There are two treatment options depending on the severity of the disease.  In the most common mild (uncomplicated) form of the disease, antibiotics may or may not be used.  Treating the mild case does not shorten the length in which the animal will be a potential spreader of the disease.  In addition, bronchodilators or cough suppressants may also be used.

In more severe (complicated) cases where the animal is not eating, running a fever, or showing signs of pneumonia, antibiotics are often used.  Bronchodilators and even aerosol therapy can be used.  In moderate or severe cases, veterinary care should be instituted, as the resultant pneumonia could become life threatening if not treated properly and promptly. 

The best prevention is to not expose your dog to other dogs, especially young puppies.  If this cannot be avoided, then proper vaccination is the next best option.  Chances are that if your dog is regularly vaccinated with a standard 5-way or 7-way vaccine, he is already being protected against several of the agents causing tracheobronchitis, mainly parainfluenza and adenovirus.  However, these vaccines alone rarely provide protection against contracting the disease, although they will help reduce the severity of the disease if the animal becomes infected.  There is an injectable Bordetella vaccine, and one that is given intranasally (squirted into the nostrils).  Neither vaccine will totally prevent infection with Bordetella.