Canine Bronchitis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Bronchitis in dogs encompasses both acute infectious tracheobronchitis (commonly known as kennel cough) and chronic bronchitis. These conditions represent significant categories of canine respiratory disease frequently tested on the NAVLE. Understanding the distinction between infectious and non-infectious bronchitis, along with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, is essential for clinical practice and board examination success.

Canine chronic bronchitis (CCB) is clinically defined as a cough present on most days for a minimum duration of 2 months, without evidence of other underlying diseases that cause cough. Infectious tracheobronchitis results from inflammation of the upper airways caused by viral and bacterial pathogens, commonly occurring in dogs with exposure to other dogs in kennels, shelters, or boarding facilities.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Acute Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) involves multiple pathogens that cause upper respiratory infection. The classic combination is infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica combined with viral agents.