Veterinarians in the US warned: a mysterious lung disease has broken out in dogs

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Suddenly dogs start coughing and veterinarians in the US are left with a conundrum. Hundreds of cases have already been recorded in at least fourteen states. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is alarmed and calls for any case to be reported immediately, Reuters reports. Because it is still unclear what this mysterious respiratory disease is about.

Researchers don’t even know whether it is a virus or bacteria that causes the disease. Several laboratories in the country carry out the analysis. Only this much is clear: antibiotics have not helped so far.

Within 36 hours, dogs developed pneumonia

It could also be a variant of kennel cough, the association explains. This is a well-known disease in dogs. The symptoms so far speak to this.

Sick animals would suffer from a dry cough for four to six weeks. This can develop into bronchitis, but also pneumonia. According to the AVMA, there are acute cases where it took less than 36 hours for the animals to develop pneumonia.

“We are monitoring this closely”

So far, there is little evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans. Nevertheless, dog owners in the US should exercise caution. Because there are more and more cases. “We don’t know if the disease can spread to other species, such as humans or cats. “We are watching this closely,” AVMA President Rena Carlson told Reuters.

Carlson recommends dog owners keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date and seek veterinary care as soon as dogs show symptoms. (ymh)

Source: Blick