Veterinarians in Colorado Springs express their concern as a respiratory illness, deemed "unusual," continues to spread among dogs.

The number of cases of a highly contagious and potentially fatal dog illness is on the rise in Colorado Springs, prompting veterinary clinics to issue warnings to dog owners.

The Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital has reported encountering five instances in the previous month that exhibit symptoms consistent with the newly identified illness. However, they have also been in communication with nearby emergency hospitals, which have documented a total of nine cases within the span of a single week. Regrettably, a few of these cases resulted in fatalities.

According to Cristy Fisher, co-owner of Pine Creek Vet Hospital, there is currently no known treatment for the new illness affecting dogs. While respiratory issues in dogs are often attributed to kennel cough or canine influenza, Fisher notes that this illness is different from those typical diagnoses. Unlike kennel cough, which usually resolves on its own, patients with this new illness do not seem to recover or experience recurring symptoms, which is unusual.

According to Fisher, in case a dog contracts the virus, it will exhibit symptoms such as an intense cough that will result in the production of excessive mucus and phlegm.

Fisher advises pet owners to take necessary precautions to keep their dogs away from crowded places, particularly during the festive period. As per Fisher's recommendation, it is best to refrain from taking your furry friend to boarding facilities, dog parks, doggie daycare, and grooming facilities.

Katherine Lull, an avid visitor of the Bear Creek Dog Park in Colorado Springs alongside her four-year-old canine companion, expressed her proactive approach upon learning about the illness. Lull promptly scheduled a veterinary appointment to ensure her dog's well-being, ensuring a comprehensive examination and necessary vaccinations were administered. Despite the awareness of the illness, Lull remains resolute in her decision to not curtail her outdoor activities with her beloved companion.

Fisher emphasized that the available treatment options are quite limited, and all medical facilities are diligently collecting data to better understand the new virus and determine the most effective approach to combat it. He expressed hope that the situation would not persist for an extended period, but acknowledged that it appears to be a long-term challenge. In case your dog exhibits signs such as excessive mucus or unusual coughing, it is strongly advised to seek professional assistance from a veterinarian or an animal care provider.

Fisher highlighted the scarcity of treatment alternatives and the concerted efforts of clinics to gather comprehensive data as more dogs undergo testing, aiming to identify an optimal strategy to combat the novel virus. He expressed optimism that the duration of this predicament would be brief, although it seems to be a persistent issue. If your dog displays symptoms like excessive mucus or abnormal coughing, it is highly recommended to promptly consult a veterinarian or an animal care provider.

Fisher underscored the limited treatment options available and the diligent data collection efforts of all clinics, as they strive to uncover an effective approach to tackle the new virus through extensive testing of dogs. While he expressed hope for a short-lived situation, he acknowledged the likelihood of its enduring presence. If your dog manifests symptoms such as excessive mucus or abnormal coughing, it is strongly advised to seek professional assistance from a veterinarian or an animal care provider.

3. Fisher emphasized the scarcity of treatment options and the comprehensive data collection efforts undertaken by all clinics, as they strive to identify an effective course of action against the new virus by conducting tests on an increasing number of dogs. Although he expressed optimism for a swift resolution, he acknowledged the likelihood of its long-term existence. If your dog exhibits symptoms such as excessive mucus or abnormal coughing, it is highly recommended to promptly seek the expertise of a veterinarian or an animal care provider.