Disease Overview

CIRDC is a highly contagious multifactorial disease characterized by acute or chronic inflammation of the trachea and bronchial airways.

The disease can spread rapidly among susceptible dogs housed in close confinement and signs can persist for many weeks.

CIRDC FAST FACTS

• Concurrent infections with several viral and bacterial agents is common.
• Canine respiratory coronavirus and canine pneumovirus have also been implicated in CIRDC.

CLINICAL SIGNS

• Harsh, dry coughing fits
• Retching and gagging
• Possible partial anorexia

DOGS AT RISK

More commonly seen with dogs in close proximity:

• Boarding kennels
• Doggie daycares
• Rescue centers
• Dog parks
• Dog events
• Groomers

Exposure to the following produces increases susceptibility and severity:

• Stress
• Extremes in temperature and humidity, and poor ventilation

MORBIDITY THREATS

During the acute and subacute inflammatory stages, the air passages are filled with frothy, serous, or mucopurulent exudate.

Development of more severe signs indicates bronchopneumonia or a complicating systemic infection:

• Fever
• Nasal discharge
• Depression
• Anorexia
• A productive cough

Severe cases may progress to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies or dogs infected with canine influenza virus.

SPREADING DISEASE

• Direct contact (licking, nuzzling)
• Indirect (coughing or sneezing)
• Contaminated surfaces such as food and water bowls, cages, or human contact

DIAGNOSIS

CIRDC should be suspected whenever the characteristic cough suddenly develops 5–10 days after exposure to other susceptible or affected dogs.

Severity usually diminishes during the first 5 days, but the disease can persist for several weeks. The presumptive diagnosis of CIRDC is usually made from the history and clinical signs and by elimination of other causes of coughing.