3 New England States Home To Mysterious Deadly Dog Illness
Mysterious Deadly Dog Illness Found in Three New England States
There’s a mysterious and deadly dog illness sweeping the nation and it’s affecting canines in three New England states
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
“Veterinary laboratories in several states are investigating an unusual respiratory illness in dogs, and encouraging people to take basic precautions to keep their pets healthy as veterinarians try to pin down what’s making the animals sick,” according to WMUR in Florida.
The illness has also been reported, either officially or anecdotally, in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Washington, NBC’s “Today” show reported Monday.
It starts with a cough. And that can last for several weeks.
The problem is the illness doesn’t respond to antibiotics or other treatments. And when that happens, the dog may struggle to breathe and develop severe pneumonia.
One clue is emerging as to how these dogs are getting sick: They spent time in places with lots of dogs, such as boarding facilities, doggy day care or dog parks.
Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, a veterinarian and chief executive at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. told the New York Times she “fears that veterinarians may see an increase in cases as more owners board their dogs or send them to day care during the holidays.”
“We’re really hoping just with getting the word out there that people are less inclined to do that,” she told the New York Times. “The veterinary community as a whole is kind of scared.”
For dog owners, here’s what to watch out for:
Persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, and nasal or eye discharge. It mimic sthe signs of kennel cough but has a higher rate of becoming pneumonia.
Dr. Kiko Bracker told WCVB-TV they’re seeing about a case a week at Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain.
“There are some occasional dogs who do not do well,” Bracker said. “We have seen some fatalities, but it’s quite uncommon.”
