Mysterious dog illness baffles vets in 14 states
A Mysterious Dog Illness Sweeps Across 14 States, Leaving Vets Puzzled
A mysterious respiratory illness in dogs that emerged during the summer has now spread to 14 states, causing concern among pet owners.
Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, revealed in an interview with USA Today that the source of the illness remains unknown, leaving experts puzzled.
According to ABC’s “Good Morning America”, the symptoms of this mysterious illness resemble those of kennel cough, a highly contagious condition that can be fatal in severe cases.
The symptoms to watch out for, as outlined by the American Kennel Club, include fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eye or nose, and fatigue.
Dr. Carlson advised dog owners to closely monitor their pets for progressive coughing accompanied by ocular or nasal discharges and sneezing. If these clinical signs develop, particularly if the dog loses its appetite, experiences trouble breathing, continuous coughing, or extreme lethargy, immediate veterinary consultation is recommended.
As more cases of canine respiratory disease pop up throughout the U.S., we want to share a few best practices to ensure your dog stays healthy and safe this holiday season. pic.twitter.com/CZGn0Vv2uw
— AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) (@AVMAvets) November 21, 2023
The affected states as of Monday are California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
According to CBS News, dogs are staying sick for longer periods as the illness is not responding to antibiotics.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture representative stated that dogs with preexisting chronic respiratory illness may be more susceptible to developing pneumonia. Veterinarians are diligently working to identify the cause and find effective treatments.
A heartwarming story emerged about a 5-year-old golden retriever named Ike, who fell ill in September. His condition rapidly deteriorated until he was prescribed chloramphenicol, a last-resort antibiotic for veterinarians.
A Southern California family is speaking out about after their beloved pet was diagnosed with a mysterious illness affecting dogs across the country — and the “last-resort antibiotic” that “saved him.” https://t.co/f8Ge3act46 pic.twitter.com/BGfM3oMa4J
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) November 24, 2023
Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, a respected veterinarian, shared valuable advice on how pet owners can protect their dogs.
She emphasized the importance of avoiding areas with a high concentration of dogs, such as boarding facilities, doggie day cares, groomers, and dog parks.
The exact number of affected dogs is still unknown, as most treatment and testing occur in private veterinarian practices, as reported by CBS News.
The post Mysterious Dog Illness Reported in 14 States, Leaving Vets Puzzled appeared first on The Western Journal.
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What are the best practices recommended by the AVMA to keep dogs healthy during the holiday season
This mysterious illness. However, even healthy dogs have been affected.
Veterinarians have been working diligently to try and identify the cause of this illness, but so far they have been unsuccessful. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is urging pet owners to take precautions and closely monitor their dogs.
As the holiday season approaches, it is important for dog owners to be aware of the risks and take steps to keep their pets healthy. The AVMA has provided some best practices to ensure the well-being of dogs during this time.
First and foremost, if a dog shows any signs of coughing, difficulty breathing, or discharge from the eye or nose, immediate veterinary consultation is recommended. It is crucial to act quickly and seek proper treatment.
In addition, it is advised to avoid places with a high concentration of dogs, such as dog parks or boarding facilities, as these places can be breeding grounds for contagious illnesses. Social distancing for dogs is just as important as it is for humans.
Furthermore, pet owners should make sure their dogs are up to date on vaccinations, including vaccines for kennel cough. Vaccinations are an essential way to prevent the spread of diseases.
Lastly, practicing good hygiene is crucial in keeping dogs healthy. Washing hands after any contact with dogs, especially those showing signs of illness, can help prevent the transmission of any potential pathogens.
The spread of this mysterious dog illness has caused concern among pet owners and the veterinary community alike. The AVMA and other organizations will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
For now, it is important for dog owners to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and seek immediate veterinary care if their dogs show any signs of illness. Ensuring the health and well-being of our beloved pets should always be a top priority.
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