Utah vets keeping mystery dog virus on their radar

SALT LAKE CITY– It’s a respiratory illness affecting dogs around the country. But veterinarians don’t know what it is.

“We would kind of call it a ‘germ’ at this point. We think it’s a virus but even that is a little murky,” said Wynn Palmer, Veterinarian at Animal Care Veterinary Hospitals Roy.

Affected dogs may be coughing, sneezing, or have watery eyes. They may also be lethargic and without an appetite.

Utah vets are keeping an eye on it

While, so far, there aren’t any known cases in the state, Idaho and Colorado have reported some.

It’s especially concerning because the illness doesn’t seem to be treatable by traditional medication.

“This is a condition that’s not responsive to antibiotics. You just kind of have to wait it out, that’s the hard thing. And if a dog has an underlying issue it can be very problematic,” said Palmer

Avoiding interaction with other dogs will help stop the potential spread of the illness. Palmer  recommends not boarding your dog as you head out of town for the holidays. Illnesses can easily spread in places like that.

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