A Siberian Husky looks through the fencing of their kennel at Johnson County Animal Shelter in July.
Daily Journal File Photo
Several states are monitoring an unusual illness in dogs while veterinarians are trying to pin down what exactly is making them sick. Oregon, Colorado and New Hampshire were among the states where the illness was popping up last week, according to the Associated Press.
Now pet owners in Indiana are seeing the illness as well.
Indiana State Board of Health has heard from veterinarians across the state reporting and discussing the cases. Reporting is voluntary so an exact number of cases is not known, said Denise Derrer Spears, public information officer for BOAH.
BOAH has heard from veterinarians in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Bloomington and Evansville.
Holiday travel may have resulted in dogs having contact with other dogs, which could mean a spike in cases, Derrer said. Veterinarians across the country are working to identify the cause of the mysterious illness, according to AP.
Cases often start with a dry, hacking cough that is similar to Kennel Cough, a canine respiratory disease. The difference between this mysterious illness and Kennel Cough is the mysterious illness doesn’t respond to typical antibiotics and it lingers beyond the normal period of 7 to 14 days.
Affected dogs may show signs of lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, productive cough, nasal and eye discharge and respiratory distress, Derrer said.
If your dog begins showing symptoms, a trip to the vet is “warranted,” Derrer said.
The Johnson County Animal Shelter said they have been fortunate to have not seen any cases.
“Hopefully this continues and we are able to keep it at bay,” said Cari Klotzsche, director.
ADVICE FOR DOG OWNERS
- Be vigilant. Monitor dogs for signs of illness after holiday travel.
- Visit the vet if experiencing symptoms such as cough or lethargy Make sure dogs are up to date on recommended vaccines including distemper combinations, Bordetella and canine influenza.
- Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs if possible. Dogs that are commingled may be at greater risk for developing the illness.
- Keep sick dogs home.
- Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.
Source: Indiana Board of Animal Health
