The big news in veterinary medicine last summer was the outbreak of
canine influenza virus in many dogs that were not perceived to be at risk for the flu.
There are no specific treatments
for canine influenza virus infection in dogs, and therapies are largely supportive in nature.
The severity of illness associated with
canine influenza in dogs can range from no significant signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and even death.
The objective of this study was to develop a diagnostic test strategy that can differentiate dogs infected
with canine influenza virus from vaccinated dogs.
Discuss your dog's specific risk factors with your veterinarian to determine whether vaccination
against canine influenza is appropriate for your pet.
There are many infectious diseases, such
as canine influenza virus and distemper, that are readily transmitted by animals with few to no obvious signs.
Remember to go to reputable sources to get the facts
on canine influenza as misinformation spreads on social media.
The signs of infection are similar to those of other respiratory diseases in dogs but the coughing caused
by canine influenza can last for several weeks.
Recently, we've been receiving questions from some of our pet owners about a new dog virus
called canine influenza.
If you believe your dog is at risk of
contracting canine influenza, you may want to speak with your veterinarian about the available vaccines, now available for both strains.
Like the human flu vaccine, the
new canine influenza vaccine doesn't completely prevent infection but it can dramatically reduce the severity of the disease.
We do not currently believe all dogs should be widely vaccinated for
canine influenza at this time.
Because canine influenza virus (as well as other infectious causes of respiratory disease) can be highly contagious, care must be taken with sick dogs.
Genetic analysis shows that the
original canine influenza virus is closely related to equine influenza virus, suggesting that it evolved from equine influenza virus and jumped species.
If canine influenza is suspected, your veterinarian will want to perform a physical examination and a complete blood count and clinical chemistry on your dog.
While canine influenza is usually mild, severe respiratory infections and pneumonia are serious complications that can arise if the flu is not treated promptly.
Although canine influenza came from a mutation within the equine virus strain, at this time it is not thought to be contagious to humans.
By knowing
how canine influenza is transmitted including its many symptoms and how it can be both treated and prevented, you are now more than able to manage the flu in your pet.
«There are several viral and bacterial agents that may play a role in this disease complex, of
which canine influenza virus is one,» she said.
If you are so inclined, I want to remind you to make sure any animals that currently share your home are fully vaccinated, including the less
common canine influenza vaccine for dogs.
Most cases of
canine influenza present as mild upper respiratory infections with coughing, nasal discharge, low - grade fever, lethargy and decreased appetite.
For example, the posts on
canine influenza moved to the top of the schedule a few months ago when dog flu became a sudden reality in my city.
Phrases with «canine influenza»