Risk factors for canine infectious respiratory disease complex and the pathogens associated with the disease.

Background: Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is a common respiratory condition typically associated with high-density populations.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the most common pathogens involved in CIRDC and to identify risk factors (pathogens, environmental exposures) associated with the diagnosis.

Animals and procedure: A prospective, multi-clinic, case-control study was conducted in Canada from April 2017 to May 2018. A total of 110 dogs (74 cases, 36 controls) were enrolled by participating veterinary clinics. Pathogens were detected using a respiratory PCR panel.

Results: Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), Bordetella bronchiseptica, and canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) were detected in cases only. According to 2 logistic regression models, detection of CPIV (OR: 14.42; 95% CI: 2.24 to ∞) and CRCoV (OR: 8.64; 95% CI: 1.26 to ∞) were associated with CIRDC disease status. In another model, exposures to multiple-dog gatherings also increased the odds (OR: 3.39; 95% CI: 1.26 to 9.81) of CIRDC diagnosis.

Conclusions: Consistent with other studies, this study determined that CPIV, CRCoV, and B. bronchiseptica were important contributors to CIRDC cases. Detection of CPIV and CRCoV and exposure to areas of dog gatherings were identified as having a role in disease status when evaluated statistically, under the conditions of this study.