[Greenerlife]

Just got back from the vets after the shock of an £85 bill after my parsons JR been diagnosed with KC.  He's just over a year old, never been in a kennel, mixes with other dogs on walks - just how easy is this to pick up?  He now has to rest and take antibiotics for 10 days, and no playing with other dogs of course!   Anybody out there with any experience to advise me or make me feel better as well?   

[doganjo]

It's VERY infectious!  My dogs aren't inoculated against it as it's a squirt up the nose and I don't like that idea for them, but I have homeopathic pillules now so am going to use these.I hope your JR's cough isn't too bad - there are varying degrees of severity, and they can catch it anywhere from any dog.  It's called kennel cough purely because it will go right through a kennel very quickly.  Many boarding kennels ask for dogs to be vaccinated against it before being accepted but to be honest it's a bit like the flu jab - you can only jab for one strain and it mutates over time.
Blimey £85 is a lot just to say he/she has KC and give him/her a jab for it.  I doubt ABs will do much to help as it's a virus not a bacteria

[Eagledance]

What he said - except actually it is a bacteria - Bordetella bronchiseptica - related to whooping cough!

If the cough is bad sometimes steam helps - take him into the bathroom when you next have steaming hot bath!!
Also avoid dusty areas (no hope in our house!) and things like exhaust fumes which may further irritate his windpipe.

ED

[doganjo]

I've found that slightly oily food and drinks helps lubricate the tubes too - a little sunflower oil in his food for instance; and milk as well as water to drink.

The bacteria is a secondary infection - this is the full description, it is casued by a virus.  The ABs will help treat the symptoms, but not the actual virus which caused the illness..

'Kennel Cough' is the term that was commonly applied to the most prevalent upper respiratory problem in dogs in the United States. Recently, the condition has become known as tracheobronchitis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, Bordetellosis, or Bordetella. It is highly contagious in dogs. The disease is found worldwide and will infect a very high percentage of dogs in their lifetime.

Infectious agents involved

There are many different agents that can cause of tracheobronchitis. The most common are parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and mycoplasma. Canine adenovirus type 2, reovirus, and canine herpes virus are thought to possibly contribute to the disease, as well. Although any one of these organisms can cause symptoms of the disease, the majority of cases are the result of more than one organism.

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.

[Hermit]

I used to work in a kennels when a dog was being treated for kennel cough we also gave them Benelyn(sp) as it eased the cough. I think it is one of things that sounds worse than it is . It is easy cured but the trouble is with how infectious it is and if left untreated as in strays.

[Jackie 2]

Benelyn cough medicine and ice lollies. cant beat it for KC

[Teresa]

Also try some honey in warm water to soothe the throat

[Eagledance]

Doganjo - yes there can be many infective agents including a number of viruses but in the UK the main aetiological agent of KC is B bronchispetica - the other agents can contribute but the bacterium is the main cause, not secondary. Hence the nasal vaccine is B bronchiseptica - the usual annual injections of vaccinations will help as they include the parainfluenza virus.

Ed

[doganjo]

Are you a vet, Ed?  I'm just a know-it-all dog breeder, sorry 

[Eagledance]

Sussed!

[Greenerlife]

Aha!  Now that you have been sussed Eagledance, can I ask a question?  (I am going to anyway  )  My dog has only recently had his annual vaccine and I did wonder if this would have any cause or effect on his KC? 

BTW - he is looking very sorry for himself this morning after his injections - can't even be bothered to pee! 

[Eagledance]

I do charge for advice!!

The booster shouldn't have any effect on KC really (other than offering some protection)- although the fact that he is off colour today is possibly his immune system dealing with the jabs!

Make sure he has plenty to drink and offer some food - he should be better tomorrow, if not then take him back for a recheck.

It's possible that the KC and the jab have just flattened him

ED

[doganjo]

Having admitted this you will be inundated.  There are other professions on here - but they haven't owned up as yet - just wait - we will suss them out too
I have a question too.  My friend's bitch(which I bred) has just been mated, she is due around 20th July.  Benna's annual vaccination is due mid June.  Should Pamela a) wait until after the pups are born before having the vaccination done, or b) is it safe for the pups to do them when needed, or c) should she do it now?
You will receive your reward in  your chosen heaven no doubt

[jameslindsay]

I can see Dan being asked to make a section "Ask the Doc" next hee hee hee. Make sure though Eagledance you get a Paypal button added to collect your fee's.

[Roxy]

We got a pup some years ago from a dogs home. (Abby who is now a very old lady!)  Pup had been innoculated etc. at the home.  We brought her home and she was fine.  About a week later, our older dog Ben, started with kennel cough and had to go to the vets. He was really sorry for himself.  Abby who we suspect must have brought the cough in to our home, was fine, no symptoms at all.