Can I vaccinate for it?

Yes! The canine vaccines, both the killed injectable and the intra-nasal modified live have been successfully used. For unaffected catteries: Killed injectable to all cats (every 6 months), and queens 3 weeks before breeding. Intra-nasal MLV to kittens at 6 and 9 weeks. For affected catteries: Killed injectable to all cats, queens 3 weeks beforeContinue reading Can I vaccinate for it?

How do I treat this?

Bordetella is resistant to Amoxicillin, but seems to be sensitive to just about every other antibiotic. The most commonly used are Clavamox and Baytril, either in conjunction, or alternating weeks. The most important thing–treatment must be continued for at least 14 days! Some veterinarians recommend a 21 day treatment period. Other drugs used: Chloromycetin, Kanamycin,Continue reading How do I treat this?

How do know I have it?

Symptoms in healthy adult cats can range from none to moderate, usually manifesting as a dry, “hairball like” cough, which may or may not be preceded by vomiting. In the more severely affected kittens, the cough can become progressively more “wet” sounding, exhibiting a “barking” or “whooping” type cough, with the cat struggling to catchContinue reading How do know I have it?

Bordetella? Isn’t that a DOG disease? Why would I worry about THAT?

Yes, Bordetella Bronchiseptica is more commonly known as Kennel Cough, affecting dogs who spend time in crowded conditions (like a kennel). It causes a whooping like cough, with little or no additional signs. Occasionally, an untreated dog will suddenly develop acute pneumonia, and will die unless treated quickly. More significantly, Bordetella has been isolated inContinue reading Bordetella? Isn’t that a DOG disease? Why would I worry about THAT?