The Real News about the Canine Flu...
Canine Influenza Virus (H3N8)
What is Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)?
Canine Influenza is a flu virus that causes respiratory infection in dogs. It is believed to have jumped species from horses and was first identified in an outbreak in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004. Cases have been confirmed in 30 states, including Arizona (Phoenix/Scottsdale).
Canine influenza is not the same virus as the human “swine flu”, H1N1. Humans cannot get the canine influenza virus from their pet.
Who is at risk?
- Dogs who are boarded or visit day care facilities
· Dogs who board once or twice a year have low exposure and therefore should not be vaccinated at this time
· Dogs who are boarded 3 or more times yearly are considered an increased risk of infection, and therefore should be offered the vaccination
- Dogs who visit dog parks frequently
· Although confined indoor spaces are more likely to pose a higher risk, an outdoor dog park still increases exposure with other dogs who may carry the virus so the influenza vaccine may be considered.
- Dogs who attend dog shows, are around shelters or shelter dogs, or visit breeding facilities or are exposed to any dogs from breeding facilities
· These dogs are considered the highest risk for CIV infection and should be vaccinated.
- Dogs whom are frequently groomed
· These dogs are considered to be low to medium risk and therefore vaccination may be discussed with the veterinarian
Dogs that stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk and should not be vaccinated at this time.
How is canine influenza transmitted?
Canine influenza is an airborne disease and can travel in droplets from a cough or sneeze up to 25 feet, or by direct contact with an infected dog. The virus can also contaminate and be transferred by kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. The virus can survive in the environment up to 2 days, and can live on clothing / hands for 12 to 24 hours.
What are the symptoms?
- Coughing
- Fever
- Lethargy or acting listless and tired
- Decreased appetite
- Nasal discharge
How do I know if my dog has canine influenza?
First of all, having your dog seen by a veterinarian is the only way to determine if your pet has the flu. Second, the canine influenza virus initially acts like kennel cough, or Bordetella. Usually the pet gets a runny nose, or nasal discharge. Then a cough is usually present. Mild cases of influenza have a persistent cough that can last up to 3 weeks. Dogs who experience a more severe case frequently have a high fever, significant cough, an increased respiratory rate (breathing faster even at rest), and other signs of pneumonia. One myth about CIV is that it is reported to be 100% fatal. THIS IS NOT TRUE. The fatality rate is estimated to be about 5%. Only a small percentage of infected dogs with influenza end up having a secondary bacterial pneumonia. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment by a veterinarian, fatality is rare.
How is canine influenza treated?
Since the canine flu is a viral infection, treatment mainly consists of supportive care while the virus runs its course, much like the human flu. Since secondary bacterial infections are common with CIV, antibiotic therapy is usually needed for mild cases. More severe cases or cases with pneumonia may need intensive care, hydration fluid support, or hospitalization.
The CIV is highly contagious between dogs. Incubation time (time from exposure to showing illness) is 2 to 4 days. Infected dogs usually shed the virus for 7 to 10 days, during which time the dog is contagious to other dogs. In actuality, an infected dog with CIV is most contagious the first 2 to 4 days after being exposed to the virus. This means an infected dog is most contagious before they start coughing or showing symptoms. This is not meant to scare pet owners, but to emphasize that bringing your pet to the veterinarian at the first sign of illness helps to decrease the spread of this disease.
It is recommended that any dog exposed to canine influenza or any infected dog should be isolated from other dogs for 2 weeks.
Canine Influenza Vaccine
If your pet falls into the high risk categories for risk of CIV, the vaccine should be considered. THE VACCINE WILL NOT PROTECT THE DOG FROM CONTRACTING THE CANINE FLU. The possible benefits of the vaccine are as follows..
- Decreases severity of symptoms
- Shortens the duration the dog is sick
- Decreases likelihood of spreading to other dogs
- Decreases long term damaging affects on the lungs if infected
It is important to know that this vaccine requires 4 to 5 weeks to develop efficacy in the dog. A second booster vaccination is needed in 3 weeks after the initial vaccine. A single vaccine will not protect the pet. Immune protection begins 10 days AFTER THE SECOND VACCINATION. The vaccine can then be boostered yearly if needed.
WE ARE NOW ONE OF THE FEW ANIMAL HOSPITALS IN THE VALLEY THAT CARRY THE CANINE INFLUENZA VACCINE. CALL US AT 602-279-7366 TO FIND OUT IF YOUR PET NEEDS THE FLU VACCINE THIS YEAR.
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