What is the common term for infectious tracheobronchitis in dogs?

What is the common term for infectious tracheobronchitis in dogs?

• A. Canine distemper
• B. Rabies
• C. Kennel cough
• D. Influenza

Answer: (C)

The common term for infectious tracheobronchitis in dogs is kennel cough. This label emphasizes a contagious respiratory syndrome seen most often in dogs that are in close contact, such as at kennels, shelters, or during boarding, where coughing easily spreads from dog to dog. Kennel cough isn’t caused by a single pathogen; it’s a syndrome usually driven by Bordetella bronchiseptica, often with canine parainfluenza virus, among other agents. The hallmark signs are a dry, hacking or “goose-honk” cough, which may be accompanied by gagging, nasal discharge, or mild fever. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets and can spread quickly in crowded settings, making the routine concern in boarding facilities and doggy day care. The other options describe different diseases: canine distemper is a multisystem viral illness with respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological signs; rabies is a fatal neurologic disease with behavioral and neurologic changes, not a respiratory tracheobronchitis; canine influenza is a specific influenza illness, which can cause coughing but is not the general term for this tracheobronchitis syndrome. Kennel cough is the term that best captures the common, contagious respiratory condition described.

The common term for infectious tracheobronchitis in dogs is kennel cough. This label emphasizes a contagious respiratory syndrome seen most often in dogs that are in close contact, such as at kennels, shelters, or during boarding, where coughing easily spreads from dog to dog.

Kennel cough isn’t caused by a single pathogen; it’s a syndrome usually driven by Bordetella bronchiseptica, often with canine parainfluenza virus, among other agents. The hallmark signs are a dry, hacking or “goose-honk” cough, which may be accompanied by gagging, nasal discharge, or mild fever. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets and can spread quickly in crowded settings, making the routine concern in boarding facilities and doggy day care.

The other options describe different diseases: canine distemper is a multisystem viral illness with respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological signs; rabies is a fatal neurologic disease with behavioral and neurologic changes, not a respiratory tracheobronchitis; canine influenza is a specific influenza illness, which can cause coughing but is not the general term for this tracheobronchitis syndrome. Kennel cough is the term that best captures the common, contagious respiratory condition described.