Mystery dog disease sweeping U.S.

"Veterinary laboratories in multiple states are looking into a new, unusual disease that's been threatening the pet population and worrying animal health professionals, who are working tirelessly to determine the cause of the mysterious disease and work on cures. Described as a respiratory disease and pneumonia that doesn't respond to antibiotics, the symptoms in the poor pooches aren't unlike those of humans who acquire similar illnesses. Coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose and general fatigue are tell-tale signs of the new disease.

It progresses quickly in some dogs, researchers say — a few of the furry patients they've seen have fallen severely ill from pneumonia in just 24 to 36 hours. And many dogs have died, but the actual number remains unclear as researchers attempt to pinpoint the cause of the mystery sickness, said Kurt Williams, director of the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University." MS