Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)

What we know:

The disease, CIRDC, Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex has become a concern in several parts of the country. It is an umbrella term for many pathogens. Certain states have had more severe cases than others. Some states have isolated particular pathogens, whereas, in other states, they remain unknown despite extensive testing.

The symptoms include coughing, fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, labored breathing, and discharge from the eyes or nose.

Always monitor your dogs for signs of illness. If you notice coughing, it is best to have them evaluated to determine if the signs are consistent with CIRD and rule out other causes such as cardiac disease, pneumonia, etc.

Avoid highly populated areas with exposure to other dogs. If your dog is sick, it is important to isolate them from others to avoid further exposure.

If you suspect your dog may have it, talk to your veterinarian to have them evaluated. If you are concerned about respiratory difficulty, progressive cough, or other signs of illness when we are closed, please go to your nearest emergency or urgent care facility.

Typically, for dogs with CIRD, the illness is self-limiting and does not require treatment; however, if symptoms progress to a more serious case dogs may require hospitalization.

There is no specific vaccine for CIRD. However, it is best to be up to date with the flu vaccine and kennel cough (Bordetella).  Bordetella is one of the pathogens that is under the umbrella term for Kennel Cough/CIRD.

This is a contagious disease among dogs. At this time, it is not transmissible to humans.

Courtesy of Dr. Meghan Vaught, DVM, DAVECC. MVMC, Maine.

Please Note: Our office will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th, and Wednesday, December 25th, in observance of Christmas. We will reopen with adjusted hours, starting at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, December 26th.

Surgery Consent Form

Save time during your appointment. Complete your surgery consent form online from any device at anytime before your visit.

Surgery Consent Form

Please fill out this form as completely and accurately as possible so we can get to know you and your pets before your visit.

Dear Client,


Your pet is scheduled for an upcoming surgery. To assist all of us in making the surgery day as easy and stress-free as possible, we have put together some simple forms for you to sign and review in advance. In addition to this letter, you will find that the following forms are provided on our website for review:

  • Pre-Anesthetic Blood Testing Information Form
  • Surgical Information Sheet

Please carefully go over all forms provided. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email the hospital at 781-383-3373 / info@crazypawsvet.com. On your pet's surgery day, you will be required to review and sign an Authorization/Estimate Form. We will also double-check to ensure we have a phone number where you can be reached during your pet's surgery time.


The night before your pet’s surgery, we ask that you refrain from providing any food or treats after 10:00 pm. Water is fine and may be left out for your pet to consume. If you are currently administering any medications, vitamins, and/or injections, withhold the morning doses unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.


At the time of your pet's scheduled surgery, the doctor will address any remaining questions or concerns you may have and will collect the Authorization Form that you have completed.


If you have elected to have any of the recommended blood tests performed, these will be collected and done prior to the start of surgery, if not already performed in advance. If any questions arise, the doctor may contact you at the number on the Authorization Form.


Upon the completion of the surgery, the doctor will process your payment, go over all discharge orders verbally, and provide you with a written copy. If you do not understand any instructions, please do not hesitate to ask for clarification prior to or after our departure.


We know surgery days can induce stress and anxiety. Crazy Paws Veterinary Hospital appreciates the trust you place in us, and we want to make the experience as pleasant as possible for both you and your pet.


We look forward to serving you and your pet on the upcoming surgery day.

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