Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Tiggs Exposed to Kennel Cough

Hi everyone, I am feeling extraordinary guilt right now. We took in a temporary foster dog that needed a placement and it turns out that the foster pup has kennel cough (has been treated with doxy, and almost no outward symptoms), nonetheless, the dogs played yesterday together and apperently I've learned they can shed the virus for a long time afterward. Normally, in a healthy dog, kennel cough is just like a cold in humans, and doesn't usually pose too much of a threat. However, naturally, in a dog with a wacky immune system, who knows what could happen. We brought the foster back in first thing this morning, and my husband and I have been disinfecting EVERYTHING in the house, surfaces, all linens, toys, all the dogs were bathed, etc. I'm not worried at all about my other two dogs, they have the bordatella vaccine, and are healthy, but of course I'm sooooo worried now about Tiggs. The afterhours vet said that we wouldn't know anything for a week or two, that's the incubation period, and they won't put him on antibiotics unless he shows symptoms, lest he build up a tolerance to antibiotics in the future. Plus, kennel cough is viral and bacterial, so they can't really do anything to treat the virus, only the bacterial stuff. Tiggs is doing so well, he's off all meds since May, he is happy and as healthy as he can be (just on thyroid and omegas). Anyone have any experiences or thoughts on this? We won't unfortunately take in any more foster dogs now that we have learned more about this, which is a bummer, but definitely not worth the risk to my special boy. Thanks so much for any advice, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Melissa, First of all, don't beat yourself up over this. Tiggs could pick something up everywhere he goes. I assume that he had a bordatella shot before, so he might still be immune. Also he was a rescue, so maybe he even had kennel cough before he got to you. That would also make him immune. Granted it was the same strain he has been exposed to. I have also heard from somebody that goes to a holistic vet, that dogs that are in close quarters with immunized dogs get some of their immunity. I don't know if that is possible or if it is an urban myth though. You did what you could after you found out, so put the guilt away. Tiggs is probably stronger now than you think. Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC Canada

First off.....you're a great person to take in dogs in need. What you do is great. I'm sure that Tiggs will get over this obstacle. I know how you could get paranoid and worried though....especially with what you already had to go through. I'll be hoping and praying that it turns into nothing serious. Hopefully the virus was gone from the dog before they played together. Keep us posted. Sending positive vibes to Tiggs. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Hi Melissa Sorry to hear Tiggs was exposed to kennel cough, but I don't think there is much you can do now, so try not to worry about it, I know that is easier said then done. We hope Tiggs does not come down with it. We also hope the foster pup gets a wonderful home too. Keeping our paws crossed for Tiggs and hope lady luck is on his side again. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Calypso had kennel cough when she came home from the shelter. The day we picked her out at the shelter, we had no idea she was even sick. I was waiting at the front desk for them to being her to me and they show up and start explaining the meds she will need to continue on due to her kennel cough. I was a tad freaked out because we do not vaccinate my other dogs for kennel cough, but I could not face leaving her at the shelter for another minute! Needless to say, one of my dogs developed a slight cough for a day, but the other experienced no symptoms. They all lived together, played together, slept together, and drank out of the same water dish for 2 weeks and nothing really happened....so I hope that makes you feel a tiny bit better.

Wendi Ohio

Melissa, If Tiggs is off meds now, is his immune system still supressed? Hopefully the antibiotics kicked in before tiggs was exposed... think positive, im sure he will be ok doodle hugs carol and charlie

Carol

Melissa, I know the waiting will be the hardest part but try to think positive. Tiggs has won the toughest battle and hopefully nothing will come from his exposure. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Melissa Hope Tiggs comes through this unscathed,I'm sure he will. Honestly,until you've been through a disease like AIHA/IMHA, I don't think other dog owners would understand the paranoia and worry we have!! Take care Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Thank you guys all soooo much for the kind words, support, and reassurance. We cleaned for hours yesterday, then I got paranoid about the disenfectants, you are so right Kathleen, so much worry and paranoia that no one else understands. Tiggs is just looking at me like, what's the deal mom? He's totally acting normal, fine, and happy go lucky. I guess we'll just try to think positive and not dwell on it, and if we see any symptoms in a week or two, we'll just have to address that when we come to it. I am hoping that maybe he has had it in the past when he was a shelter pup and might have some natural immunity, but as far as the bordatella vaccine, I can't remember if we even ever gave him that one or not, since he's never been boarded. Carol, good question on his immune system and meds...I don't know or not. That's one question I really don't understand. Of course, we want to prevent undue exposure, but because he's off of meds, can he fight basic diseases reasonably? Who knows, but we can't keep him in a bubble, and I volunteer so frequently with dogs, plus have a petsitting company, who knows how much I bring home. I've been very careful about hand sanitizer, hand washing, and immediate laundering, but it's so hard to keep them totally protected. Oy, thanks IMHA for forever making us all worry eternally. Thank you guys again so much, your responses mean a lot to us. We promise to keep you posted if we notice any setbacks. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

This thread was discussed between 06/09/2009 and 07/09/2009

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