Mystery Of Illness Sickening MD Dogs Unlocked By New Study

MARYLAND — Veterinarians in Maryland say a mysterious and potentially-fatal canine respiratory disease that has been reported in more than a dozen states has surfaced in the state.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Maryland is one of 14 states where the illness has been reported either officially or anecdotally, WJZ reported.

The mystery ailment, which has killed some dogs, starts with a cough that can last for several weeks and may not respond to antibiotics or other treatments. Affected dogs may also struggle to breathe and develop severe pneumonia.

In a recent study, University of New Hampshire researchers used genetic sequencing of samples from 70 dogs in New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts that have gotten sick with the illness over the past two years.

They said the bacterium may be “host adapted,” possibly part of the dog microbiome that has developed the capacity to cause disease. Identifying the bacterium can lead to the development of effective treatments for the illness, which is resistant to antibiotics and other therapies, according to the study.

“If it is decided definitively that this unknown bacterium is causing some proportion of the noted respiratory syndrome, in-depth research can begin to find the proper medicine to combat it, which would be a significant breakthrough for veterinarians throughout the country,” the study said.

There are no confirmed outbreaks of the illness in Maryland, but veterinarians have reported dogs with symptoms that could match this unknown illness.

Dr. Marianne Bailey of Western Shore Veterinary Hospital in Annapolis warns pet owners to look out for symptoms including a chronic cough, lingering pneumonia, or a sudden severe illness.

"Pets may pass away within one or two days of showing signs," Bailey told WJZ.

Since doctors do not yet know what to attribute the illness to current medications aren't helpful.

"That seems to be resistant to antibiotics or the antibiotics," Bailey said. "We're not clearing it up as quickly."

The illness has perplexed animal health experts nationwide, as NBC’s “Today” show reported last week. Veterinarians have not yet identified a cause or source, and are still working to find effective treatments.

Until treatments are found, dog owners are urged to limit their pup’s exposure to dogs from other households, including at boarding kennels and dog parks.

Cases have also been reported in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Oregon and Washington.

While there’s no need for dog owners to become “paralyzed with fear,” they may want to take precautions, such as limiting exposure to other dogs and making sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations, Dr. Kurt Williams, director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, told “Today.”

Some symptoms to watch for in dogs that do not test positive for other respiratory illnesses are coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge or abnormal fatigue, according to a news release from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. More than 200 cases have been reported in Oregon since mid-August.

The illness can progress in three ways: a mild to moderate cough that lasts six to eight weeks and doesn’t respond to antibiotics or shows little response; chronic pneumonia that doesn’t respond to antibiotics; or severe pneumonia that “often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours,” according to the news release.

The American Veterinary Medical Association is monitoring the cases of canine respiratory illness in Oregon. Experts aren’t sure if the illness is the result of an infectious virus or some other cause.

The AVMA also recommends these measures to keep your dog safe against this disease and other respiratory illnesses:

• Keep vaccines up to date, including: Parainfluenza, Adenovirus 2, Bordatella, and canine influenza
• Watch your dog closely for any progressive coughing that may be accompanied by eye and/or nasal discharge
• Consult your veterinarian immediately if the above signs develop
• Avoid voluntary gatherings of dogs, such as in dog parks