Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)

Question 1

What are other common names of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)?

Answer 1

AKA: Kennel cough, infectious tracheobronchitis

Question 2

What is Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)?

Answer 2

Syndrome caused by various combos of resp viruses and bacteria

(Canine parainfluenza virus + Bordetella most common)

Question 3

What pathogens are most commonly associated with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)?

Answer 3

Canine parainfluenza virus + Bordetella most common

Question 4

How is Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) transmitted?

Answer 4

• Oronasal exposure and inhalation from sneezing, discharge, etc
• Also transmitted by fomites (resp secretions on doctors coat, gloves, shoes)

Question 5

What dogs are most at risk for contracting Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)?

Answer 5

Those with exposure to a large # of dogs

• Shelter
  -Boarding
• Daycare
• Dog park
• Overcrowding, poor ventilation, stress, immunosuppressed

Question 6

What organ systems and tissues are most commonly affected with CIRDC?

Answer 6

• Initial infection confined to ciliated/goblet cells of the URT
• Mild infections confined to nasal cavity, sinuses, trachea, and bronchi (Exception: CIV, Strep equi zooepidemicus more severe)

Question 7

What clinical signs and physical exam findings can be found on a patient with CIRDC?

Answer 7

• ACUTE COUGH (<10 days) is the most common finding, and often the only CS
• Usually BAR, hydrated, no fever, eating and drinking, etc. (otherwise normal)
• Non productive cough, may or may not be elicited on tracheal palpation
• Mild serous ocular discharge
• Recent exposure to other animals can clue you in

Question 8

How is a diagnosis of CIRDC achieved?

Answer 8

• Usually can be diagnosed just from history and PE
• Respiratory PCR
• MDB, Fecal, HW testing, and thoracic rads if PE not consistent with uncomplicated CIRDC

Question 9

What pathogens associated with CIRDC are more likely to cause severe and sometimes fatal bronchitis/bronchopneumonia in dogs?

Answer 9

• Canine influenza (CIV)
• Strep equi subsp zooepidemicus

Question 10

What age in dogs commonly presents with CIRDC infection?

Answer 10

Any age, but often younger

Question 11

True or False: Dogs with CIRDC usually have a fever and lymphadenomegaly

Answer 11

False!! Usually BAR and normal, only CS is an acute cough

Question 12

What is the treatment protocol for a patient with CIRDC?

Answer 12

• Cough suppressant (Hydrocodone)
• Isolation from other dogs
• Doxycycline for 7-10 days if secondary bacterial infection is suspected

If complicated CIRDC/pneumonia:
- O2
- Fluid therapy

Question 13

What is the prognosis for dogs with uncomplicated CIRDC?

Answer 13

Usually good, cough resolves in 10 days

Question 14

True or False: Vaccination prior to exposure of CIRDC can significantly reduce the severity of clinical signs and should be given at least 7 days prior to exposure

Answer 14

True