kcough




		Kennel cough

	Kennel cough is caused by a number of different airborne bacteria such as Bordetella Bronchiseptica and a virus Para influenza or Mycoplasma an organism between a virus and a bacteria. In dogs that are affected by kennel cough the bacteria and viruses multiply and destroy the dogs lining of the trachea, irritating the upper respiratory tract and produces a high pitched honking type cough that may be mistaken for vomiting or coughing. Both trachea (windpipe) and Bronchi ( air passage to lungs) become inflammed. At the end of the coughing spells the dog retches up a white foamy discharge. A dog may suffer from concuntivitis thats eye inflamation or Rhinitis thats an inflamation of the nasal mucus membranes. Symtoms may last a few days upto several weeks in sevre cases it can develope into pneumonia. A dog thats been exposed to Kennel cough may take upto 5 days before it shows any symptoms. The lining of the trachea can get damaged in a number of ways, either from shipping and crowded stress, heavy dust especialy if there is building going on in your home, from cold and poor ventilation and from viruses such as Reovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza and distemper virus. Vacination in pups is essential and make sure that you vacinate against kennel cough before boarding and just a point to remember stay away from those kennels that dont ask if your dog has been vacinated against kennel cough! Treatment and nursing a patient with kennel cough. clear air is important and protect your dog against ciggerete smoke and even smoke from fires especialy house hold chemical fumes as these can irritate the nose and throat. Use a humidiator or vaporisor that will soothe the throat and airways. Vets will prescribe antibiotics and cough supressants and be careful that they dont contain the harmful ingredient Acetaminophen that is dangerous to dogs. Gentle walks using a halter rather than collars, chokes or prongs can help in draining the airways. And remember that Kennel cough is extremly contagious and that the dogs will need to be quaranteed and kept away from other dogs.

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