Mystery Of Illness That Might Be Sickening NJ Dogs Unlocked By New Study

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey veterinarians are watching for a mysterious and potentially-fatal canine respiratory disease that has now been reported in more than a dozen states, as new research sheds light on its cause.

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.

In The Garden State

There are no reported or confirmed outbreaks of the illness in New Jersey, but Department of Health spokesperson Nancy Kearney said on Friday that veterinarians have reported dogs with symptoms that could match this unknown illness.

“...the department has received several inquiries from veterinarians about the reported respiratory illnesses and about potential canine respiratory cases that may match the described cases in other states,” said Kearney, the deputy director for the department of communications.

She added that a number of different pathogens can cause dogs to show respiratory symptoms, some of which do respond to antibiotics.

The Department of Health issued guidance to local health departments and animal health professionals last week. In the meantime, dog owners are being advised to limit their pup’s exposure to dogs from other households - including at boarding kennels and dog parks.

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

“Not all cases of respiratory illness in canines would be reported to the department, and at this time, a definitive pathogen has not been identified as the cause of the reported increase in canine respiratory cases in other states,” Kearny said. “It is also important to note that many different pathogens can cause respiratory illnesses in dogs, some of which have effective vaccinations.”

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.

“It’s important to keep an open mind,” Williams told “Today,” noting that it takes time to rule out known causes.

The AVMA also recommends the following best practices 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