C O L D R I V E R V E T E R I N A R Y C E N T E R
Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) in dogs
CASE REPORTS
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Kennel cough
Infectious tracheobronchitis or "kennel cough" is a common respiratory infection of dogs. Usually the dog has a history of contact with other dogs in the past 2 to 10 days. Animals in confined environments such as veterinary hospitals, kennels, pet stores and shelters are at risk of exposure to many respiratory pathogens. Kennel cough is typically an acute infection (sudden onset) characterized by a deep or raspy cough. This report describes nutritional therapy for a puppy with kennel cough.
Coughed from day one
'Coco Joy' is a roan-colored Cocker Spaniel purchased from a pet store at 9 weeks of age. She started coughing the day she was acquired, and had been ill for 2 weeks before being seen at Cold River Veterinary Center. Coco weighed 5.2 pounds at 11 weeks of age. She had been treated with numerous vaccines and medications:
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Strongid-T (dewormer, 3 treatments)
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Intra-trac II (kennel cough vaccine)
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Vanguard-5 (multi-strain vaccine, 2 treatments)
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Albon (coccidiostat, antibacterial)
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Cocciguard (coccidiostat)
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DA2P, Neopar (distemper, flu, parvovirus vaccines)
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Tobramycin (antibacterial eye ointment)
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Polyflex (antibiotic injection)
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Clavamox (antibiotic suspension)
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Cefa-Drops (antibiotic liquid)
'Coco Joy' at 12 weeks of age, 5.4 lbs.
Despite being vaccinated and medicated against respiratory infections, Coco had the typical signs of infectious tracheobronchitis. On physical exam December 12, 2003 Coco was coughing, depressed, had a subnormal temperature (99.9 degrees F), pale mucous membranes, elevated heart rate with occasional 'escape' beats, and increased respiratory effort. On auscultation she had moist rales, and pleural friction rubs-- abnormal sounds of fluid in her airways and chest. Her history and signs pointed to a diagnosis of kennel cough, anemia, and vaccinosis (the malaise and flu-like symptoms associated with vaccination).
Self-limiting disease
Most cases of kennel cough are self-limiting, but are frequently treated with antibiotics and cough-suppressant medications anyway. Coco had been treated with the usual drugs, but was not improving. Fortunately most dogs with kennel cough continue to have an appetite, and this allows plenty of options for supportive care.
Coco was eating a variety of foods: oatmeal, carrots, oranges, chicken soup, and canned dog food. Dr. Kruesi discussed how to prepare a balanced homemade diet, and support Coco's immune system. Coco really had 3 health problems to overcome: a respiratory infection, the adverse affects of multiple antibiotics, and the immune-disruptive effects of multiple vaccines. For a 5 pound puppy, the vaccine load was oppressive. Dr. Kruesi prepared a home-care plan for Coco:
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Provide a variety of fresh foods, including fruits and vegetables
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Avoid vaccinations while the puppy is ill
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Offer plenty of fresh water
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Avoid contact with other dogs until the infection has resolved
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Get plenty of fresh air, but don't overdo exercise; puppies need their rest
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Make a sweater to keep her warm outdoors (appropriate garb for winter in Vermont)
The first step was easy; feed real food to sick dogs and don’t restrict them to a life of dry pet food! Still, Coco needed immune-boosting therapy and more nutrition than ordinary foods provide. Dr. Kruesi administered an injection of gentamicin antibiotic to treat bacteria that would be resistant to the cephalosporin-type antibiotic Coco was on, and a homeopathic remedy for viral infections (Galium-Heel). Coco was sent home with 3 complementary therapies for lung congestion (Quantum Lung Complex), weakness (a palatable liquid multivitamin), and bacterial infection (bovine colostrum capsules).
Colostrum
Bovine colostrum is the first secretion from the mammary gland after a cow gives birth. This first milk is rich in albumin and globulins, proteins that help fight bacteria, virus, parasites, and facilitate tissue repair. Colostrum contains approximately 14 percent total protein, 6 percent fat, 1 percent minerals. Whole cow's milk contains about 3 percent protein, 3.5 percent fat, and 0.7 percent mineral or ash content. Colostrum contains a higher proportion of vitamins and iron but lower amounts of lactose (milk sugar) than whole milk. For example, colostrum contains approximately 6 times more vitamin A, and 3 times more riboflavin than whole milk. These qualities make colostrum a superb nutritional supplement for weak puppies (or kittens), and provides natural antibodies (globulins) against common pathogens. An important benefit is the good taste-- puppies and kittens readily accept colostrum powder mixed in baby food or moist pet foods.
Natural medicine
Coco made a complete recovery just 1 week after she was treated at Cold River Veterinary Center. At 12 weeks of age her cough had resolved, she had clear lung sounds, a normal temperature of 101 degrees F., and healthy pink mucus membranes. Her heart rate was normal at 120 beats per minute with a regular rhythm. She was active, playful and trotted around the rooms in our clinic as if she had never had a sick day in her life! We attribute her rapid recovery to the homemade chicken soup (with garlic, parsley, carrots...), yogurt, and 3 nutritional supplements to recharge her weakened immune system.
Harriet and 'Coco Joy', December 2003
For more information on keeping your pet healthy, see the other case studies. For a list of topics, click on: Concepts of Nutritional Medicine.
References
Ford, RB. Infectious tracheobronchitis, In: Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy, XII. WB Saunders Company, Philadelphia. JD Bonagura, Editor. c 1995; pp. 905-908.
William K. Kruesi, D.V.M., C.V.A. 12/27/03