Like many ailments Bronchitis seems to be on the up and up. Whether this is due to the warmer winters, central heating or whatever, what used to be a condition which 'did the rounds' every year or two seems to be appearing in the area more frequently. Like winter ailments in humans it moves through an area affecting some, not others, and some worse than others.

Below is the 'science bit' but  Infectious Bronchitis is not (generally) something to be worried about any more than you would worry about your kid coming back from school with a cough and a cold. Yes, it can develop into a nasty condition, as a cold can develop into flu, or even pneumonia. However in most cases the treatment (if any) is simple and effective.

As it runs through the area the chances are that we may be infected (as you will read a dog can be infected and pass it about for up to about 5 days before showing any signs). We have a policy and procedure to deal with Bordetella, but even when we clear the bug out we can be re-infected by an incoming dog the next day. 

Whilst in our care your dog is covered by our Veterinary Insurance Policy, and we will start treatment immediately we are aware of it. Because of the incubation period, it's possible that your dog starts coughing a day or two days after leaving. Please can you let us know. As long as you have an appointment with your vet within 72 hours of leaving you can submit your bill to us for reimbursement consideration. However we will not consider repayment  of treatments started more than 72 hours from departure.   After all there is nothing to stop your dog being vaccinated when you get your annual shots!

INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS  can be caused by a number of different airborne bacteria (such as Bordetella bronchiseptica) and viruses. Typically, more than one of these agents must bombard the dog at once to trigger illness. Such a multifaceted attack is more likely to occur when a dog spends time in close quarters with an infected dog (it can also be brought on by stress). Dogs that attend dog shows, travel frequently, meet other dogs in the park,  stay at kennels, or even visit the vet, have a higher risk of developing Bordetella than dogs that stay at home most of the time.

The condition manifests itself up to about 5 days after contraction. The primary sign being a dry-sounding, spasmodic cough caused by pathogens that induce inflammation of the windpipe and air passages into the lungs. At the end of a coughing spell the dog may retch and cough up a white foamy discharge. Some dogs also develop conjunctivitis, rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane), and a nasal discharge.

Fortunately, the majority of cases are not serious, resolving on their own in a week or two. Affected dogs usually remain active and alert and continue to eat well. Generally vet treatment is a jab and a short course of antibiotics and sometimes a cough suppressant. However for some dogs, breeds with restricted nasal passages and the very young, old or infirm, there can be serious complications.  Immunization may help control Infectious Bronchitis. But since the illness is caused by multiple organisms, making effective immunization difficult,  your dog may still contract the condition. Vaccination is administered by a spray into the nasal passage. 

Here at Brumley Brae we do not insist on dogs having this Vaccine. However, if you are at all concerned you should have treatment at least two weeks before boarding.