BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

Veterinarians have been reporting severe respiratory illness in dogs with higher than usual mortality rates. To date, no common cause of the illness has been identified by pathologists and much debate has occurred as to whether a new form of disease has developed or a lifestyle change has made dogs more susceptible to disease. Preliminary research at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has suggested the illnesses may be caused by an unculturable bacteria known to cause respiratory illness in humans in 2021. 

The disease is being referred to as Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC). Over 200 cases have been reported in Oregon, but there is no official count for the country. So far, potential cases have been reported in 16 states according to Louisiana State University. These states include California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. 

Symptoms have included mild to moderate tracheobronchitis lasting 6 weeks or longer that does not respond to traditional antibiotics, chronic pneumonia that does not respond to antibiotics or acute rapidly progressing pneumonia leading to poor outcomes in 24-36 hours. 

One theory is that many dogs have less protection against respiratory disease due to the unique situation of the COVID-19 emergency that led to less vaccination and socialization of dogs. In particular, vaccinations against Bordetella and Canine Influenza dropped during the past few years. 

At this time, the AVMA is recommending that pet parents keep their dogs updated on vaccines and bring their dog to the vet if showing respiratory symptoms, particularly if the dog is elderly, brachycephalic or otherwise immune compromised.