Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis
(Kennel Cough)
Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, ITB, commonly called “Kennel Cough,” is a highly contagious respiratory
infection of dogs, causing a very bad cough. It is rarely fatal, but can cause a mild cough to severe
bronchopneumonia. All dogs are at risk of infection, but dogs that are at high risk of infection are dogs that frequent
kennels, groomers, pet stores, dog parks, doggie day care, and dogs under stress. The infection is passed dog-to-
dog by aerosol droplets most commonly, but can be also passed by people or objects (fomites) that are carrying the
disease on them.
Tracheobronchitis is caused by a myriad of viruses and bacteria. One of these, Bordetella bronchiseptica, can be a
part of the normal flora or can be a pathogen. As such, it may complicate a viral respiratory infection.
Causes of ITB:
Viruses:
Canine distemper virus
Canine adenovirus, type 2
Canine herpesvirus
Canine influenza
Canine parainfluenza
Canine reovirus (3 types)
Canine respiratory coronavirus
Bacteria:
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Streptococcus species
Mycoplasma species
Treatment of ITB in dogs consists mainly of antibiotics for the bacterial infection. There is no direct treatment for the
viruses involved; symptomatic treatment is all that is available (cough suppressants, for example). For prevention,
there is a vaccination available, covering canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica.