Respiratory Syndrome of Unknown Etiology in Dogs

Respiratory disease in dogs currently identified as Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC) has been reported in many states. Affected dogs have histories of shared doggie daycares or boarding kennels. Clinical signs are similar to kennel cough but may last longer and can progress to severe pneumonia. Cases are currently defined as having a negative canine respiratory PCR test panel, which tests for common viruses and bacteria identified in dogs with similar symptoms. Practitioners are encouraged to perform diagnostic testing immediately to rule out common viral and bacterial pathogens associated with CIRDC during the acute phase of the disease and prior to initiating treatment.

LSU Diagnostics offers a real-time PCR panel for CIRDC to detect twelve pathogens (canine adenovirus-2, canine distemper virus, canine herpesvirus-1, canine influenza A virus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine pneumovirus, canine respiratory coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Mycoplasma cynos and M. canis), as well as the identification of three main CIV subtypes (H3N2, H3N8 and H1N1). LSU Diagnostics offers sequencing for unknown (atypical agents) on PCR-negative specimens.

LSU Diagnostics can arrange to have appropriate transport media or specimen collection swabs overnighted when necessary. It is recommended to test dogs with respiratory signs immediately, during the acute phase of the disease, and before initiating treatment. Delaying diagnostics may result in negative test results, as the detection of some viruses may be inhibited by a rapid immune response and antibiotic treatment may impede bacterial growth and detection.

Early collection of swab samples, generally within three days of clinical onset, will provide a better chance to identify the presence of respiratory pathogens. The turnaround time for the PCR panel is 24-48 hours, and sequencing is 3-5 days. For the canine panel, please submit both a nasopharyngeal and a nasal swab in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added (swabs from the same animal will be pooled).

Test Details

Canine Repiratory Multiplex qPCR Panel (twelve viral and bacterial pathogens): Canine influenza (CIV; Influenza A specific - identifes H3N8, H3N2, and H1N1 subtypes), Canine distemper virus (CDV), Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), Canine adinovirus-2 (CAV-2), Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), Canine pneumovirus (CPnV), Canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1), SARS-CoV-2, Bordetella bronchiseptoica, Streptoccus equi subssp. zooepidemicus, Mycoplasma cynos and Mycoplasma canis

Code: MCRPL001

Fee: $100.00

Estimated turnaround time: 2-4 Days