Bordetella bronchiseptica

Disease Overview

Bordetella (also referred to as tracheobronchitis, canine cough [in dogs], and feline bordetellosis [in cats] ) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in cats and dogs caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. It causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.

Merck Animal Health Solutions

Transmission

Italicize Bordetella spreads through direct contact (licking, nuzzling), through the air (coughing or sneezing), or via contaminated fomites.³ Transmission can occur between dogs and cats.¹⁵

Clinical Signs³

Dry, hacking cough (dogs)
Retching
Sneezing
Watery nasal discharge
Pneumonia, inappetence, fever, and lethargy in severe cases

Risk Factors

Pets that come from shelters, rescue centers, breeding kennels, or pet stores
Boarding at a kennel
Pets that participate in events/competitions
Multiple pet homes

References

Ford R. Canine infectious tracheobronchitis. In: Greene CE, ed. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier; 2006:55.
Gaskell R, Dawson S, Radford A. Feline respiratory disease. In: Greene CE, ed. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier; 2006:147.