Bordetella Bronchiseptica, or just plainly Bordetella, is a bacterium that is commonly associated with respiratory disease in dogs. Many people believe that they only need to vaccinate for Bordetella if their dog is going to be staying at a kennel. However, did you know that your dog can be exposed to the bacteria anywhere an infected dog has been? This includes veterinary clinics, grooming facilities, pet stores, bark parks, and walking in your own neighborhood.
The Bordetella vaccine prevents against a respiratory infection known as Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (aka Kennel Cough). In most healthy, adult dogs, it is typically only a mild illness that presents with a raspy cough. It can be more serious in puppies and older pets, also pets with underlying health issues. In more severe cases, it may progress to pneumonia, which can be fatal.
The Animal Hospital of Avon/Rockville Road Animal Hospital require that your dog is vaccinated for Bordetella when coming in for any routine surgery, because your dog will be spending the day with us, and in some cases overnight. Due to the number of sick pets we do see, there is always the possibility of airborne infectious bacteria and viruses in the environment.
How infection occurs - An infected dog sheds the infectious bacteria in respiratory secretions. The bacteria then floats in the air and is inhaled by another dog, where it attaches to the ciliated cells in the throat. The organisms then secrete substances that disable the immune cells normally responsible for consuming and destroying bacteria. When enough of the host defenses are disabled, an infection is established and illness ensues.
The incubation period, the time from infection until symptoms will start to show up, is 2-14 days. A dog will typically show symptoms for 1-2 weeks. Infected dogs will continue to shed the Bordetella organism into the air for about 2-3 months after first being infected.
Treatment - In mild cases, an animal may improve without treatment after the disease runs it's course. Often times, a veterinarian will prescribe a cough suppressant to lessen the severity of symptoms. In more advanced cases, an antibiotic will also be given. If there has been no improvement after one week, we recommend that the dog be brought back for further testing.
Preventative care - We highly recommend vaccinating all dogs for Bordetella. Puppies get vaccinated on their 12 week visit, and get boostered every 6-12 months, depending on lifestyle. Pets that are boarded at a kennel, or groomed, should have their Bordetella vaccine boostered every six months, due to higher exposure risk. Boosters should be given at least 5 days prior to boarding or grooming in order to be most effective.
Contraindications/Precautions - There are some cases where vaccinating may not be in the pet's best interest. For example, if a dog is currently ill or pregnant, or has vaccine reactions. One of our veterinarians will be able to help you in your decision to vaccinate in these cases.
If you have any questions regarding Bordetella, you may contact our office at any time during our regular office hours. You may also schedule an appointment with any of our veterinarians if you are suspicious of a cough your dog has developed.
Written by: Erricka Jones with Dr. Aimee Hossler
Information collected from: www.vetstreet.com & www.veterinarypartner.com
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