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Canine Influenza is a disease caused
by an influenza virus that mutated from the equine (horse) influenza
virus a few years ago. The disease was first discovered in racing
greyhound kennels in Florida and has subsequently been documented in
a number of areas in the country including Southern California.
Here are the
facts about canine influenza:
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It is caused by an influenza
virus, which originally infected only horses. The virus mutated in
such a way as to be become infectious to dogs.
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The diagnosis is made based on
clinical symptoms of coughing, nasal discharge and fever. The
diagnosis can be confirmed by blood tests.
- It is an airborne virus and is
highly contagious, particularly when pets are in close contact (such
as in boarding kennels, grooming parlors etc). Pets become infected
by the inhalation of the airborne virus. Up to 100% of the pets
exposed to the virus may contract the virus. However, up to 30-50%
of those pets exposed may never develop symptoms of illness, but
carry the virus and spread it to others.
- Of the pets that do develop
illness some may develop secondary bacterial infections, which can
be fatal in 3 to 10% of the cases.
If pets are treated aggressively from the first sign of coughing,
the prognosis for a full recovery is very good.
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The “kennel cough” vaccine does
not protect against this disease.
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The virus does not affect humans
or other pet species.
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A vaccine is now available, which will help protect
pets from this disease. The immunization can be given as early as
9 weeks of age. A booster vaccine is required the first year 2-3
weeks after the initial immunization. Yearly boosters are
recommended thereafter.
If you pet
develops a cough and/or other upper respiratory symptoms such as
sneezing and nasal discharge, you should seek veterinary attention
right away. There is clear evidence that early medical intervention
is the key to reducing the severity of this disease. Most likely
tests will be run on your pet, which may include bloodwork, sputum
cultures and radiographs of the chest. Treatment will be instituted
with antibiotics and possibly anti viral drugs. Pets presented with
severe symptoms may require hospitalization and more aggressive
treatment including intravenous fluids, drugs, nebulization
treatment etc.
In conclusion,
canine influenza is a disease that will affect many dogs in the
coming years (high morbidity) but with appropriate treatment, the
risk of this disease being fatal is quite small.
If you have any
further questions regarding this disease, feel free to discuss it
with our staff.
For further
information on this subject, click here:
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_guidelines.asp
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