RT-PCR / Molecular Tests Dog

Canine Respiratory Disease RT-PCR Panel (Kennel Cough)

A canine respiratory disease RT-PCR panel checks a nose or throat swab from a dog for the germs behind kennel cough, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus and canine distemper virus. The exact list is confirmed when you book.

Sample: Nasal or oropharyngeal swab
Quantity: As advised
Report: Confirmed when you book
Collection: Free in Bhopal

What this test checks

Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that is a common cause of kennel cough
Canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), viruses linked to coughing
Canine distemper virus, a serious virus that can also affect the gut and nerves
Mycoplasma, very small bacteria that can be involved in airway infections
Several germs at once from one nose or throat swab, as listed on the booked panel

Benefits of this test

Checks for several common kennel-cough germs from one swab.
Can help detect distemper virus, which needs prompt veterinary care.
Helps your vet choose care that fits the germs found.
Useful when several dogs in a kennel, shelter or breeding home are coughing at once.
Helps your vet advise on keeping a coughing dog away from other dogs.

When your vet may advise it

A dog with a dry, honking cough, gagging or retching.
Coughing that started after boarding, grooming, a dog show or mixing with other dogs.
Several dogs coughing in the same home, kennel or shelter.
A cough with fever, nose or eye discharge, poor appetite or low energy.
A puppy or older dog with a cough, as they can become seriously ill.
When your vet is concerned about distemper, such as in a young dog with eye and nose discharge.

About this test

Kennel cough is the common name for infectious coughing in dogs. It is not caused by one germ. Several viruses and bacteria can cause it, alone or together, and they spread easily wherever dogs mix, such as boarding kennels, shelters, grooming parlours, dog shows and parks. Most dogs have a dry, honking cough and may gag or retch. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with other illness can become seriously ill with pneumonia (a lung infection).

This panel is a multiplex PCR test, which means it checks one sample for the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of several germs at the same time. It typically covers Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus and Mycoplasma. The exact list is confirmed when you book. The sample is a swab from the nose or the back of the throat, usually taken by your vet, ideally early in the illness and before any antibiotic is started.

Knowing which germs are present helps your vet judge how serious the illness may be, especially when distemper is a concern, and decide on care and on keeping the dog away from other dogs. Some of these germs can be found in healthy dogs, and recent vaccination with certain vaccines can sometimes be picked up by PCR. So the result is read by a registered veterinarian with the dog's signs, vaccination history and examination. Dog owners in Bhopal and nearby districts can call or WhatsApp the lab to arrange the test.

How to prepare

Ask for the swab early in the illness, ideally before any antibiotic, tell the lab about recent vaccinations, and call ahead before bringing a coughing dog, because kennel cough spreads easily. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

Reading the result

A registered veterinarian reads the result with the dog's signs, vaccination history and examination. Some of these germs can live in healthy dogs and recent vaccines can be picked up, so a positive result is not always the cause of the cough. A negative result does not rule out infection, because shedding may have stopped or the germ may not be on the panel.

Questions about Canine Respiratory Disease RT-PCR Panel (Kennel Cough)

What test is done for kennel cough in dogs?

A canine respiratory disease PCR panel is commonly used to look for the germs behind kennel cough. It checks a nose or throat swab for several organisms at once, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine distemper virus and Mycoplasma. The exact list is confirmed when you book.

Is kennel cough dangerous for dogs?

Kennel cough is often mild, but it can become serious, especially in puppies, older dogs and dogs with other illness, which can develop pneumonia. See your vet promptly if your dog has trouble breathing, a fever, stops eating or seems very tired.

Can the PCR panel tell if my dog has distemper?

It can help detect it, because canine distemper virus is typically included in the panel. Your vet reads a positive result with the dog's signs and vaccination history, since recent vaccination can sometimes be picked up. A negative result does not always rule distemper out.

Do I need to bring my coughing dog to the lab?

Not always. The swab is usually taken by your vet, who can send it to the lab. In Bhopal, call or WhatsApp the lab to ask about sample collection, and mention that the dog is coughing, because kennel cough spreads easily to other dogs.

Before you book this test

Why this notice: so you know, before you book, how a test is done, what its limits are and who is responsible.

Where it is tested. Some tests are done wholly or partly by an independent partner laboratory. The lab tells you before booking if this test is sent out, and the report names the laboratory that did it.
What a result can and cannot tell you. No test is right every time. A normal result does not rule out every disease, and an abnormal result does not prove one. A registered veterinarian should read the report with the animal’s signs and history before any treatment is started, changed or stopped.
The sample. A sample that is clotted, too small, wrongly labelled, leaking or too old may be rejected or reported with a note, and the lab may ask for a fresh one.
Reporting time. Confirmed when you book. Times are estimates, not guarantees, and the lab confirms the time when you book.
Emergencies. A booking or a pending report must not delay urgent care. If an animal has collapsed, struggles to breathe, has fits or bleeds heavily, call a veterinarian at once.

Please read our Terms of Service, Medical Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Refund and Cancellation Policy. Pashupatinath Vet Lab is operated by Duaji Healthcare and Tech Private Limited. This page is general information and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice.

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