CANINE INFLUENZA
What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a "flu" virus. In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness. Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infections in birds, horses, pigs and people. Arizona is one of 30 states with confirmed cases of canine influenza.Canine influenza virus only affects dogs.How contagious is canine influenza?
Just like human "flu" canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection. Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.
What are the signs of canine influenza?
The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough. Some dogs have a soft, moist, "productive" cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen in dogs with kennel cough. About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have mild disease. Signs in this case include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a lasting cough.
How serious is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe signs will occur, such as high fever (104°F to 106°F) and pneumonia. A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.
How is canine influenza infection diagnosed?
It’s hard to diagnose canine influenza. Many times it can be confused with kennel cough because the signs are very similar. Often canine influenza is not suspected until the illness becomes unusually severe or lasts an unusually long time. Your veterinarian may collect blood or nasal swab samples; however, these laboratory tests may not confirm canine influenza infection because the samples must be taken at the appropriate time in the course of your dog’s illness. Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza. However, certain venues and activities can raise your dog’s risk of canine influenza infection even higher.
How is canine influenza spread?
Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flue spreads—through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling); through the air(coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface such as a doorknob.
What can be done if my dog becomes infected?
There is currently no specific treatment for canine influenza. As with all viral illnesses, the disease must run its course. Supportive care, such as a good diet and adequate hydration can help your dog fight the infection. Sometimes the infection can become complicated by secondary bacterial infections. One sign of this is a yellow-green, thick nasal discharge, which your veterinarian may treat with an antibiotic. Coughing is the body’s way of getting rid of the virus. If the cough is ,moist and productive, you should not try to stop it with a cough suppressant. Human "flu" medicines should not be given to your dog because they have not been studied or approved for use in dogs with canine influenza.
How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?
Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine—the first of its kind—was approved for use in the US. Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3H8 from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the severity of influenza and the length of time that a dog is sick. The initial vaccination requires two doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination. Your veterinarian can advise you whether this new vaccine should be added to your dog’s vaccination schedule. This new vaccine was proven safe and well tolerated in over 700 dogs. There were over 30 breeds ranging in age from 6 weeks to 10 years old. While the canine "parainfluenza" vaccines have a similar name, it works against a completely different virus and does not offer and protection against canine influenza.
Where can I learn more about canine influenza?
www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp
www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-canine-flu-question-and-answer.html
www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_canine_influenza_update.shtml
Information courtesy of Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health