In recent months, veterinarians and researchers have been investigating a mysterious illness has been plaguing thousands of dogs nationwide, some of whom have even died. So far, research indicates that this illness may be caused by an unknown bacterial infection that is very good at evading the canine immune system.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire’s Veterinary Diagnosis Laboratory and the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies have identified a new pathogen that could be responsible for making pets sick. After sequencing samples from 70 dogs from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, they discovered a previously unknown germ with small size and genome.
Dr. David Needle described it as “a funky bacterium” that can be tough to find and sequence. The bacteria may have evolved from components of the dog microbiome–harmless bacteria living inside or outside their bodies aiding in digestion.
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. pic.twitter.com/VSWAie1bVh
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 21, 2023
Since labs haven’t been able to grow this bug in petri dishes yet, its structure offers clues as to what medications might work best against it; doxycycline being one potential option. This may explain why some dogs are getting very ill since smaller pathogens are more likely to make it down into the lungs causing pneumonia-like symptoms such as coughing lasting weeks, runny eyes, sneezing etc.
If you suspect your dog is showing any of these signs contact your vet immediately.
Though cases have been reported all over the nation including Oregon (where over 200 case reports were received by August), North Carolina, Rhode Island and Virginia, still no exact number is known due to lack of testing capability available right now for this illness. So how do we protect our furry friends?
Experts recommend keeping them out of kennels and other areas such as crowded dog parks where infection is likely due to close contact with other pooches. You can also hire a house sitter or dog walker if going on vacation during holiday season instead leaving them in unfamiliar environments like kennels which could prove stressful and less safe than home/neighborhood environment.
Ultimately though staying vigilant about hygiene practices & regular vaccinations will help keep your dog healthy.
