b'by Elizabeth Fazio, DVM, MPHPneumovirus:Is Your Dog At Risk?A seemingly new unknown respiratory disease has been sweep- to see their veterinarian as soon as possible. ing across Floridas shelter systems. Canine Pneumovirus has LikeotherCIRDCpathogens,penumovirusisspreadbeennamedastheculpritformultipleshelteroutbreaks. through nasal and respiratory secretions. This means nose toAlthough this virus is not inher- nose contact between dogs is oneently new, it is popping up more of the easiest ways to transfer dis-frequently than other canine respi- ease. Direct contact is not requiredratory illnesses. for infection. Coughs, sneezes, andCaninePneumovirusisan communal toys or brushes also aidinfectious respiratory virus of dogs in disease spread. Pneumovirus isthatiseasilyspreadthrough not zoonotic, meaning it cannot benasalandrespiratorysecretions. transferred to humans. Thankfully,Unvaccinatedandyoungdogs, mostactiveinfectionsarenotespecially those living in close con- severe,andtherearediagnostictact with many other dogs, such as tests to rule out other diseases.inshelters,aremostatrisk. Pneumovirus can present itselfOutbreaks of respiratory disease in like many other disease complexesdogsoftenconsistofmultiple making diagnostic testing vital topathogensratherthanjustone definitive diagnosis. Other respira-virus or bacterial infection. tory diseases such as asthma, pneu-CaninePneumovirus(pneu- monia, bronchitis, and even heartmovirus) is one pathogen associat- disease can cause a dog to cough. Aedwithinthecanineinfectious PCRtestisavailableinsomerespiratorydiseasecomplex veterinaryhospitalslaboratory(CIRDC),morecommonly Case Study: Bruno analysistodetectpneumovirus.known as kennel cough.A variety of pathogens comprise Treatment should begin right away to prevent worsening ofCIRDC including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine influenza illness even if laboratory tests are performed. virus (CIV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parainfluen- There is not a pneumovirus specific vaccine. However, thezavirus(CPiV),canineadenovirustype2(CAV-2),canine Bordetella and Da2pp vaccines are available to prevent some ofrespiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), canine herpesvirus (CHV), theCIRDCetiologicagentsmorecommonlyseen.TheStreptococcusequisubsp.zooepidemicus,andMycoplasma Bordetella vaccine, intranasal or injectable, prevents Bordetellaspp. Most recently, pneumovirus has been isolated from sick bronchiseptica. Da2pp is a modified live vaccine that protectsdogs in conjunction with one or more of the CIRDC agents. against canine distemper virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirusThis often makes diagnosis difficult as veterinarians are unable type 2, and parvovirus. Both Bordetella vaccine and Da2pp areto determine which pathogen is the root cause for clinical signs.considered core vaccines for all dogs. Dogsinfectedwithpneumoviruscanpresentwitha Antibiotics are the first line therapy along with supportivenumber of clinical signs ranging from flu-like to severe. Most care. Supportive therapy may include a range of therapeuticsdogs have mild symptoms that may include coughing, lethargy, rangingfromsubcutaneousfluidstocoupage.Severeillnessand decreased appetite, along with both ocular and nasal dis- requiresaggressivetreatmentwithoutdelay.Treatmentscancharge.Severeinfectionsareoftenaccompaniedbyelevated includehospitalizationwithintravenousfluidtherapy,IVtemperature(greaterthan102.5F),pneumonia,extreme antibiotics, nebulization, and oxygen therapy. Resolution of ill-lethargy, difficulty breathing, and possible death if untreated. ness can be expected within 14 to 21 days on average, depend-The classic kennel cough respiratory infection is charac- ing on severity of illness. For some pets, this may mean stayingterizedbyagoosehonktypecough. Thisiswherepneu- home from doggie daycare beyond resolution of clinical signs.movirus infections tend to differ greatly. Cough can range from In a multi pet household we would recommend quarantininga dry, occasional cough or wheeze to a frequent wet cough. If the ill pet in another area of the house.Bedding, toys, andyour dog is showing any of these clinical signs, it is imperative shared bowls must be washed. 64 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'