Oregon Dog Pneumonia Outbreak Hits The Asher House Sanctuary

Asher House Sanctuary Faces Devastating Dog Pneumonia Outbreak In Oregon: Urgency, Lack of Symptoms, and Call for Support

The Asher House Sanctuary in Oregon is currently facing a devastating crisis as a rare dog pneumonia outbreak has struck the facility. Founder Lee Asher stands before us today with a heavy heart, burdened by the shocking news that has unfolded in recent days.

This uncommon form of pneumonia has taken a toll on the sanctuary, leaving everyone bewildered and desperate for answers. Dogs under their care are falling gravely ill, and sadly, one precious soul, Roo, has already succumbed to this severe lung infection caused by the rare dog pneumonia.

A Similar Incident In Hawaii (Aug 2023)

Almost simultaneously, veterinarians have warned that cases of canine influenza, or dog flu, have been detected in Hawaii. We covered this news in a separate article.

Oregon Dog Pneumonia Urgency

The urgency of the situation cannot be emphasized enough. Dogs within the sanctuary succumb to this pneumonia with little warning, necessitating immediate and emergency medical attention. The dog, Lady, had to undergo life-saving surgery due to pneumonia complications.

Lily, another dog in their care, is battling this rare pneumonia in the intensive care unit. She requires constant oxygen support and exhibits incredible resilience. The sanctuary is working tirelessly with medical professionals to understand the symptoms and progression of this disease.

Update [Aug 06]: Lily's condition has significantly improved, thanks to the support received, and Lee Asher, the person providing the updates by himself, has obtained four oxygen chambers, two of which are currently being used by Shelby and Cece. Asher expresses gratitude for the generous support and informs that they have covered all veterinary expenses and acquired necessary equipment. Thus, no further donations are needed. Lily is now home, and all the dogs are out of the vet's office and ICU, moving toward recovery.

Oregon Dog Pneumonia Had No Symptoms In Affected Dogs

One concerning aspect Lee Asher has noticed is the lack of symptoms in the affected dogs. It is baffling that they show no signs of sickness until it reaches a critical stage for some unfortunate cases. Typically, pneumonia is associated with noticeable symptoms such as coughing or fever, but the asher house pneumonia is different as the dogs at the sanctuary seem unaffected until it becomes an emergency. This makes it incredibly challenging to identify and address the issue on time. Lee Asher has had numerous dogs rushed to the emergency room, and it's a distressing realization that it's often too late when they seek veterinary care. It's a unique situation that has left Lee Asher puzzled and worried about the well-being of the beloved animals.

Unexplained Mystery and Impact on Community

Despite implementing stringent protocols and a quarantine system, the illness continues to spread within the sanctuary and even affects dogs in the wider community. This outbreak has strained emergency clinics, making accommodating the increasing number of affected dogs challenging.

Lee says, "We don't know how this is happening, and it's not just us. unfortunately, many of the emergency clinics don't even have room for us because they are dealing with this, their oxygen Chambers are full; this is new to not only the Asher house."

Call for Support and Assistance

Lee Asher humbly and urgently appeals for help and support during this crisis of the dog pneumonia in oregon. The financial burden of the mounting medical expenses is staggering, with hospital bills surpassing $50,000 in a short period. Donations made through the official website, theasherhouse.com, will greatly assist in covering these unexpected costs.

The Asher House Sanctuary expresses heartfelt appreciation for the understanding and support received thus far. All merchandise purchases made through theasherhouse.com are non-profit, and additional donations are immensely appreciated as they directly impact the lives of the affected dogs.

Emotional Toll and Need for Updates

The loss of Roo and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the health of the remaining dogs at the sanctuary have taken an emotional toll on the team. Lee Asher assures regular updates on the situation, sharing progress, setbacks, and changes that occur along the way.

What are the common symptoms of dog pneumonia?

The symptoms of dog pneumonia are different based on the severity and underlying cause of the infection. Here are some typical symptoms to look out for:

1. Coughing:

Persistent coughing is one of the primary signs of pneumonia in dogs. The cough may be dry or also produce phlegm. The severity of this condition can widely vary from mild to severe, and it may worsen when engaging in physical activity or when lying down.

2. Difficulty Breathing

Dogs with pneumonia may experience difficulty breathing or rapid and shallow breathing. They may exhibit difficulty breathing, wheezing, or panting more than usual.

3. Loss of Appetite

Pneumonia can cause a decreased appetite or even a complete loss of interest in food. Dogs may need to show more interest in their regular meals or treats.

4. Lethargy

Infected dogs often become lethargic and lack energy. They may appear weak, tired, and reluctant to engage in their usual activities.

5. Fever

A heightened body temperature is a common symptom of pneumonia. If your dog has a fever, it may feel warm to the touch. However, it's important to note that not all dogs with pneumonia will have a noticeable fever.

6. Nasal Discharge

Some dogs may develop a runny nose or nasal discharge that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish. The discharge may be more apparent when the dog is lying down.

7. Sneezing

In certain cases, dogs with pneumonia may exhibit frequent sneezing, especially if the infection affects the upper respiratory tract.

It's crucial to remember that these symptoms can also indicate other respiratory conditions. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it's recommended to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How can I prevent my dog from getting pneumonia?

While it's not always possible to completely prevent your dog from getting pneumonia, there are several measures you can take to reduce the risk. Here are some guidelines for pneumonia prevention in dogs:

1. Vaccinations

Ensure your dog is current on core vaccinations, including those for canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. These vaccinations can help protect your dog against respiratory infections that could lead to pneumonia.

2. Avoid Exposure to Infected Dogs

Limit your dog's contact with other dogs that may be sick or have respiratory infections. Avoid places where dogs congregate and may be more likely to spread illnesses, such as dog parks, kennels, or shelters.

3. Maintain Good Hygiene

Practice good hygiene for your dog, including regular bathing, grooming, and cleaning their living area. This can help reduce the risk of bacterial or viral infections that can lead to pneumonia.

4. Keep Your Dog's Environment Clean

Regularly clean and disinfect your dog's toys, bedding, and food and water bowls to eliminate any potential sources of infection.

5. Avoid Exposure to Environmental Irritants

Certain environmental irritants, such as cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, or excessive dust, can increase the risk of respiratory infections in dogs. Minimize your dog's exposure to these irritants whenever possible.

6. Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Schedule routine check-ups with your veterinarian to ensure your dog's overall health and catch any early signs of respiratory infections or other illnesses.

7. Promptly Treat Respiratory Infection

If your dog develops a respiratory infection, seek veterinary care promptly. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from progressing to pneumonia.

Remember, prevention is not always foolproof, and some dogs may still develop pneumonia despite these precautions. If you notice any concerning symptoms in your dog, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Pneumonia in dogs in Oregon hit The Asher House Sanctuary and made the sanctuary desperately need assistance to combat this rare dog pneumonia outbreak. Your support through donations via theasherhouse.com will help alleviate the substantial financial burden and provide the necessary care for these innocent animals. Let us come together and ensure the safety, well-being, and continued positive impact on the lives of the dogs at The Asher House Sanctuary during this critical time.