A field investigation of kennel cough: Incubation period and clinical signs

A study of the incubation period and clinical signs of kennel cough was undertaken by collating and analysing information obtained by postal questionnaires from a random sample of general veterinary practitioners in the United Kingdom. Agent-specific incubation periods were inferred from the vaccinal status of affected dogs. The mean and range of the incubation period for Bordetella bronchiseptica infection were 6-5 days and two to 14 days, respectively; similar descriptive statistics for canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) infection were 4–5 days and one to eight days. Local clinical signs (cough, nasal discharge and gagging/retching) were present in animals in all vaccinal categories. One or more systemic clinical signs (pyrexia and anorexia) were identified in 32 per cent of cases. No association was detected between vaccinal status against B bronchiseptica and CPIV, and clinical signs.