Kentucky veterinarians keeping a close eye on mysterious illness infecting dogs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A mysterious respiratory illness is infecting dogs in at least 14 states, including Indiana, and it could be deadly. Now, local veterinarians have some advice for pet owners.

Places that see a lot of our four-legged friends, like PG&J's Dog Park Bar on Baxter Avenue, are taking extra precautions to make sure your pets stay safe as the unknown illness spreads across the country.

"Some of the severe cases are anecdotal," said Gina Nobles, owner of PG&J's. "However that doesn't mean that we're taking it lightly."

It presents itself as kennel cough, but researchers are still trying to figure out what the mysterious respiratory illness is. The Associated Press reported the illness has caused lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia, and doesn't respond to antibiotics. Veterinarians said some cases of the pneumonia progress quickly, making dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours.

While Kentucky hasn't had any confirmed cases, Nobles is sanitizing more frequently than before at PG&J's.

"Our staff is also trained to look out for any signs of runny nose, or coughing, or any excessive lethargy, which can be symptoms of this," she said.

They also adhere to their strict policy that all dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccinations when visiting.

"While we can't ensure that we can take care of everything, but we can do our best and practice best procedures to keep everybody safe," Nobles said.

Nobles is following guidelines from the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association. The former president of the organization said veterinary clinics across the commonwealth are paying close attention to the illness.

"I don't think it's being blown out of proportion, no I don't, just because of some of the other data that we've received throughout the rest of the United States," Dr. Brigette Dean-Hines said.

According to an email from current KVMA President Ben Redmon to veterinary clinics in Kentucky, there has been "very little and consistent data reported as the definitive pathogen causing this illness" as different states report different things.

Dog owners are encouraged to make sure their pets are up-to-date on all vaccines, which can help support their immune system in combating infections.

At this time of year, when many people are taking their pets on family trips or boarding them, Dean-Hines recommends paying close attention to their breathing to see if they're having any difficulties, and looking for progressive coughing, runny nose or eye discharge, and sneezing, along with loss of appetite.

"Maybe this isn't the time to take your dog out shopping," Dean-Hines said. "We all love to go a lot of places with our dogs, and our dogs love the attention, but maybe right now is not the best time."

When in doubt, Dean-Hines said to call your vet, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

"Certainly, if there's things at home that you want to video, do it, you know. We love seeing videos because, as you know, they don't always show the symptoms when they show up for the appointment, so we like all the data that we can get," she said.

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