Mysterious Disease Attacks Dogs in America

More than 100 dogs in the United States are suffering from an undiagnosed respiratory illness. However, according to the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA), no cases have been reported in the province.

The mysterious disease is in the early stages of investigation and its causes are yet to be determined. Nevertheless, local veterinarians and canine pathologists continue to pay attention to what is happening in the United States and urge dog owners to remain vigilant.

Daniel Joffe, a Calgary veterinarian and vice-president of clinical operations for the VCA Canada Veterinary Hospital Network, emphasizes that being aware of animal diseases and ensuring the safety of other animals is part of a good dog owner’s responsibilities.

If pets have a cough and runny nose or eyes, they should not go to the dog park or dog daycare. You should keep them at home.

Common diseases

l’ABVMA Indicates that respiratory diseases are common in dogs.

Daniel Joffe asserts that the Canine Respiratory Infectious Diseases Complex (CIRDC), is well known under exposure. Cough in the kennel, is always present and subject to constant monitoring by experts. Most of these infections occur in the fall or winter, he says.

Dogs and cats get upper respiratory infections just like humans.

However, the mystery illness reported in several US states is different from what veterinarians usually see this time of year, reports Daniel Joffe.

He adds that experts don’t believe this is a common case of dog flu.

However, Dana Goldsmith, a veterinary pathologist who studies emerging animal diseases at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, believes many of the cases people assume may not be related to the disease.

He points out that respiratory diseases are very common in dogs, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are paying more attention to infectious diseases.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which is responsible for accepting or denying animals entry into the country, confirmed in a press release that all animals showing signs of illness may be denied entry into Canada.

Before traveling with your pet,CFIA Pet owners are advised to discuss the risks of the trip with their veterinarian and confirm with them whether their dog is fit to undertake the trip.

What are the symptoms?

The VCA Veterinary Clinic Network urges dog owners to look out for these symptoms in their dog:

• Cough
• sneeze
• Runny nose or eyes
• Fast or labored breathing
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite or loss of appetite
• fever

What can be done to face this mysterious disease?

The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association shares some tips:

• Limit your dog’s contact with other dogs, especially those who are sick or unfamiliar to your pet.
• If your dog is sick, contact the vet and do not let him mix with other dogs.
• Consult your veterinarian to learn more about vaccinations for respiratory diseases.
• Don’t panic

With information by Lily Dupuis and Acton Clarkin