The news has been full of information regarding influenza virus in recent months whether discussing the shortage of flu vaccines available for people, the spread of H1N1 or the more recent discussion of canine influenza. In this article, we are diverting a bit from livestock medicine to more of a companion animal topic, but I suspect that this topic may be of interest to most of our readers. In response to the recent media coverage I have begun to get questions regarding canine influenza, the signs of infection and need for vaccination.
Canine influenza virus causes respiratory disease in dogs. The first cases were reported in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004 and the virus subsequently spread to other states. As of September 2009 approximately 30 states had reported cases, however, Missouri is not one of those states. Most dogs show only mild clinical signs including a moist cough and nasal discharge and recover from the infection in two to four weeks. A small percentage of dogs may spike a very high fever and progress to pneumonia. It is estimated that approximately one to five percent of infected dogs may die from the disease. Because canine influenza is a newly emerging disease, most dogs have no immunity and will be infected upon exposure. Animals at highest risk of exposure are those that frequent areas where dogs are congregated including animal shelters, boarding facilities, grooming facilities and dog parks or dog shows.
If influenza infection is suspected, treatment generally consists of supportive care by your veterinarian. This may include intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and broad spectrum antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial pneumonia. Many dogs, however, will recover without the need for treatment but should be quarantined away from other dogs to prevent the spread of the disease. A conditionally licensed vaccine is available for canine influenza. This vaccine is not recommended for all dogs but only for those that may be housed in kennels or for those attending shows or spending time at boarding or grooming facilities. Pets that spend the majority of their time at home are at minimal risk of contracting the disease and do not require vaccination.
Canine flu is different from the strain that commonly infects humans and is not the same as H1N1. To date, there is no information to suggest that canine influenza poses as risk to humans. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.ozarksfn.com and clicking on the Extended Stories link.
Darren Loula, DVM, is a large animal veterinarian at Fair Grove Vet Service in Fair Grove, Mo.
