Oral Bordetella Vaccine Less Stressful for Your "Best Friend"

A new, oral vaccine administered inside a dog’s cheek, has launched that was shown to be effective against canine infectious tracheobronchitis, which is caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Clinical studies have shown that as a mucosal vaccine, RECOMBITEK Oral Bordetella, offers dogs a robust immune response after a single dose.

"Because of the disease's common name, 'kennel cough,' people may think it's a disease only kenneled animals can get," said Frank Capella, DVM of Village Veterinary Hospital in Canastota, NY.

"But it causes a highly contagious disease spread through social contact. Many dogs are at risk."

B. bronchiseptica stands out as one of the primary pathogens responsible for canine infectious respiratory disease complex, a serious condition whose signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or ocular discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite.

In severe cases, signs can progress to lower respiratory disease, such as pneumonia, and even death. B. bronchiseptica is unique in its ability to evade the immune system for weeks to months, reported Boehringer Ingelheim, the producer of RECOMBITEK.

During this time, a dog that appears clinically normal could be exposing other dogs.

And, in a few cases, people are also at risk.

In humans, the bacterium acts as an opportunistic pathogen affecting mostly immunocompromised patients or those with pre-existing respiratory diseases, according to research published in Science Direct.

In a study published in 2010, researchers said: “It remains difficult to clearly establish the pathogenic role of B. bronchiseptica in human disease as a result of the rare occurrence and challenging microbiological diagnosis.”

“In the present study, we could reasonably establish the microbiological identification and pathogenic role of B. bronchiseptica and therefore explore its related clinical symptoms.”

“On the basis of these cases, B. bronchiseptica should be considered as potentially pathogenic when found in the lower airways of immunocompromised patients.”

Pricing and availability of this oral bordetella vaccine were not disclosed, for more information about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, click here.