Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD)

You may have heard reports of a respiratory disease making dogs sick, and in some cases dying, starting this summer. It is being called Atypical canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRDC) and seems to be circulating around the country in varying locales. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) began receiving reports of this atypical CIRDC in August of 2023. The appropriate authorities are continuing to monitor reports and are working diligently to try to identify the etiology. It does not appear typical of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). It is not yet known if it is viral or bacterial in nature. Affected dogs have not tested positive for COVID-19. Some cases start out looking like bacterial kennel cough (Bordetella Bronchiseptica) but are not responding to antibiotics. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

This statement was put out on November 9, 2023 by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and is the latest update on this situation. The OVMA is a trusted source of information and works with the state veterinarian and other experts. 

The take-home message is to practice caution instead of worry. This is especially important if your dog regularly interacts with other dogs (daycare, play groups, etc.) or is boarded.

The cases reported to the ODA appear to primarily fall within three general clinical syndromes:

  • Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6-8 weeks or longer) that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics. 

  • Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.

  • Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours.

We are following the recommendations of the state veterinarian and are recommending that those dogs at higher risk (social dogs) keep current with BOTH the Bivalent Canine Influenza Vaccination (CIV) and Bordetella vaccinations. If a dog has never received the CIV vaccination, it is a two-part booster series given 3-4 weeks apart. Currently, we have CIV in stock, but in the past few months, it has been on limited allocation. At this time, the supply seems to have stabilized.

If your dog starts coughing, it would be best to have them checked out by a veterinarian. It is also important that dog guardians stay especially vigilant about no contact with any other dogs if there is concern about any sort of respiratory infection. 

If folks are traveling this holiday season and their dog is traveling with them or going into a boarding situation, this would be the time to be extra diligent about watching for any respiratory symptoms. This is a good site that keeps track of outbreaks on a local and national level (especially in cases where folks are traveling with their dogs): Pet Disease Alerts

Please let us know if you have any further questions! If you are interested in updating or starting your dog’s Canine Influenza Vaccination, please give us a call or schedule online through our website.

Urgent Care Appointments Available 503-821-7070.

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Fern Hill Veterinary Care

Pet Dentistry

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, by the age of three, 70 percent of adult cats and 80 percent of adult dogs show signs of dental disease. Excessive drooling, sore or bleeding gums when eating or chewing, and a diminished appetite are all symptoms that a pet’s teeth need to be cleaned.

How often should I brush my pet’s teeth?

Dental illness can be avoided if you pay attention to your pet’s dental health. Every pet’s mouth is unique, just like humans’. Dental exams and cleanings are required on a yearly and semi-annual basis (in older pets) to maintain good oral health. Home care is essential in addition to wellness checks and routine dental cleanings at Fern Hill Veterinary Care.

It’s critical to attend your pet’s annual health checks so that we can assess whether or not a comprehensive dental cleaning is required. Brushing/wiping, dental treats/food, and water additives are all excellent at-home preventatives for keeping your pet’s mouth and teeth healthy.

At Fern Hill Veterinary Care, we recommend the following:

We recommend semi-annual oral evaluations and routine cleanings to maintain your pet’s dental health and prevent serious disease. A thorough oral and dental evaluation can only be done under general anesthesia.
Full mouth dental radiographs (x-rays) allow us to assess your pet’s mouth for hidden disease and sources of oral pain.

We have a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry at Fern Hill Veterinary Care, as well as extensive experience with advanced anesthesia. This allows us to minimize risk while providing this incredibly important service.