Many of our domesticated species can have bouts of sneezing and nasal discharge. This ranges from a mild case of the sniffles akin to the common cold to pneumonia. Each species has different infectious agents and underlying causes for upper respiratory infections that are treated differently.
Dogs
We commonly refer to coughing and sneezing dogs as having kennel cough. Now called Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), this is an umbrella term for a handful of infectious agents. We believe that in most cases there are multiple infectious agents at play at once but many times we are not testing for these agents specifically. There can be viral causes like parainfluenza and influenza or bacterial causes like bordetella and mycoplasma. A few of the common pathogens like bordetella and influenza have vaccines that are often required for boarding, daycare and veterinary facilities. We typically see an influx of these cases around the holidays or in the summer because of increased boarding.
Cats
Feline upper respiratory infections are typically viral in origin with bacteria taking over secondarily. There can be primary bacterial infections like mycoplasma or chlamydia infections, though the viral tend to be more common. The herpes virus and calicivirus are life-long viruses that will flare in times of stress—travel and change in schedules are common triggers for cats. Both viruses can be vaccinated, for with the feline distemper vaccine. It is recommended even when cats have one of the viruses. Vaccination can help lessen symptoms associated with flares. Sometimes we recommend anti-viral treatment, though this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Rabbits
The most well-known cause of upper respiratory infections in rabbits is called snuffles or pasteurella. These bacteria can spread rapidly among rabbits and can cause serious respiratory disease. Dental disease can also manifest as an upper respiratory infection in rabbits. When a rabbit has nasal discharge and sneezing, many veterinarians will thoroughly examine the teeth to determine if dental disease is the underlying cause.
Keep an eye out for part 2, which will cover Guinea pigs, ferrets, chickens and reptiles.