A fairly common dog cold has put a halt on all pet adoptions at the McKamey Animal and Adoption Center.
“There’s always one or two dogs sick with (kennel cough) … but (about three weeks ago) we noticed that some dogs were getting better and then they were giving it to other dogs and it was spreading,” said Karen Walsh, director of McKamey.
So the center decided to stop all pet adoptions on Sunday and quarantine the animals until officials get test results back to find out exactly what bacteria is causing the cough and what antibiotics are needed to get rid of it.
Ms. Walsh said she expects to get the test results Thursday.
Kennel cough is very similar to a chest cold for humans, said Dr. Sallye Gregg with the Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals. It usually goes away on its own, she said, but sometimes it can progress to pneumonia.
It is very common in places such as pet stores and animal shelters, she said.
Ms. Walsh said it’s frustrating for McKamey workers, who want to adopt the dogs, not hold them.
“It’s not a good thing to happen … when we have the brakes come on of getting them out the door to adoption because they are sick; it delays their time in here,” said Ms. Walsh.
“This obviously isn’t the best environment to be a sick dog in, but we are doing everything we can to make everybody comfortable and not have anybody suffering and hope that the treatments they are receiving helps,” she said.
WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH
* An infectious bronchitis characterized by a harsh, hacking cough.
* Like a chest cold for humans, it generally resolves on its own.
* Fairly common among dogs depending on stress level, vaccination status and exposure to minor viruses.
* Bordetella vaccinations recommended, especially for dogs that come in contact with other dogs, like in dog parks or kennels.
Source: Veterinary Information Network, Inc.
MCKAMEY ILLNESS
* 25-30 — Number of dogs sick with kennel cough
* 200 — Total number of dogs at McKamey Animal Center
Source: Karen Walsh, Director of McKamey Animal Center
FOR MORE INFORMATION
* To find out when the center will be open for adoptions, call 423-305-6500
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