Humanimal

Unidentified Canine Respiratory Illness

Joy Pape, FNP-C, CDCES, CFCN and Nicole Cerniello, DVM

WHILE THE AGENT CAUSING THE NEW RESPIRATORY ILLNESS is a mystery, the clinical signs exhibited by dogs are classic respiratory signs.

Late November, when I was alerted to the “Mystery Dog Illness,” I reached out to Dr. Cerniello for guidance. As always, she was there to help. Of course she had heard of it, calling it the “new respiratory virus.” As if it may not really be new.

She told me this has been going around much longer than the media has been sensationalizing it. She said as of December 22, 2023, there have been no reports of it in NY and shared this from New York City’s AMC Swarzman Animal Center’s website:

What Dog Owners Should Know about Respiratory Illnesses

The epicenter of this respiratory illness seems to be Portland, Oregon. While the agent causing the illness is a mystery, the clinical signs exhibited by dogs are classic respiratory signs. Dogs with the mystery illness cough, have runny noses and goopy eyes. Some may have a fever. If the infection progresses to pneumonia, dogs may be extremely ill and have an increased respiratory rate. Some dogs succumb to this illness. Since administration of antibiotics doesn’t seem to resolve the illness, veterinarians suspect that it’s a viral disease. So far, none of the typical viruses, like influenza or parainfluenza, have been identified in sick dogs.

Dr. Cerniello also said, “There is always an unavoidable risk of your pet getting respiratory illnesses at this time of the year. Just like for people and flu shots, I emphasize the importance of being up to date with your pet’s vaccinations. I also recommend being extra cautious about the safety practices where you board your pet. A good boarding kennel should require all dogs to have vaccinations done before checking in. Do check the policies before signing your dog up.”

For the latest developments on this evolving situation, sign-up for our pet health newsletter. Learn more at amcny.org. 

Joy Pape, FNP-C, CDCES, CFCN, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, Certified Diabetes Educator and Specialist in Weight Management & Obesity at Weill Cornell’s Comprehensive Weight Control Center and has a private practice in the West Village. Dr. Nicole Cerniello, DVM, is Medical Director for the Greenwich Village Animal Hospital.