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Dog Flu Information

The H3N8 (Dog Flu) is a subtype of the influenza A virus, a highly contagious pathogen that can cause disease by itself or in conjunction with other respiratory pathogens.  Currently 30 states have reported confirmed cases of canine influenza, including five states that border Missouri -- Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa and Kentucky.  However, Missouri has not seen cases of this canine flu yet.  

We have complied some important information on the Dog Flu to help make sure your pets are safe.

Transmission:

As with most infectious respiratory diseases, dogs housed in close quarters (kennels, shelters) and situations where there is lots of "dog traffic" (dog day care, grooming/training, vet clinics) are most at risk. There is no evidence to date that this virus infects humans.

Symptoms:

There are several symptoms to watch for that can vary in severity

• Signs of upper respiratory problems such as irritated eyes, runny nose or sneezing.
• Cough. The classic symptoms are coughing that worsen with activity or excitement and can persist for minutes. If secondary bacterial pneumonia develops, the dog often shows signs of illness such as loss of appetite, depression, or fever.
• Fever (high as 106 degrees F).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Loss of appetite.
• Depression.

If any of these signs should are visible, visit your veterinarian in order to be certain pneumonia has not set in. Symptoms can last for up to four weeks.

Diagnosis

A complete medical history may help to reveal recent exposure to a kennel or other dogs. However, it will be difficult in some situations to differentiate this virus from the common "Kennel Cough" virus mentioned above.

Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize it and exclude other diseases. These tests may include:

• A chest X-ray may be recommended to determine if pneumonia is present.
• Routine laboratory blood tests-a complete blood count (CBC) or blood chemistry panel is not necessary unless your pet is showing signs of generalized illness, fever or loss of appetite.
• A fecal flotation should be done to exclude intestinal parasites.
• Blood titers - Testing for the virus is being done through Cornell School of Veterinary Medicine diagnostic lab.

Treatment

Therapy is controversial because in the early stages, it is difficult to determine if this virus is the new flu virus or kennel cough virus. Most infected dogs will recover with no treatment. A small percentage of dogs will develop severe and possibly fatal pneumonia. It has been recommended that all dogs with a fever and cough should have appropriate blood tests submitted and treated aggressively to minimize fatalities.

Treatment may include the following:

• Antibiotics are used in some patients, especially if a secondary bacterial infection is likely.
• Intravenous fluid therapy has been used and associated with improvement and less fatalities in affected pets.
• Antiviral drugs such as amantidine and tamiflu may be effective, however, their usefulness may be limited as they are most effective if given before infection or exposure or in the very early stages of infection.
• Cough suppressants may be appropriate for some pets. Your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of this treatment. Injections or pills (butorphanol) are often used, but occasionally, a stronger medicine is needed (codeine-related) to break the cough cycle. Don't use over-the-counter human medicine without first speaking to your veterinarian.
• Dogs should be kept in isolation if treated in the hospital and very good disinfection measures need to be used.

Home Care

If your dog is infected, to prevent the spread of the virus, keep your dog away from other dogs for at least one week.

In addition, the following is recommended:

• Limit exercise and enforce periods of rest; don't exercise or play with your dog. Activity often initiates periods of loud, uncomfortable coughing.
• Encourage adequate fluid intake to maintain hydration. Provide soft food if dry food irritates the throat.
• If your dog normally wears a restraint collar, remove it or replace it with a harness to decrease airway irritation.
• Avoid environmental stresses including house dust, vapors, chemical fumes and tobacco smoke.
• To mobilize secretions and reduce coughing, provide humidified air (e.g. a vaporizer in the dog's room or in a steamy bathroom for one or two hours).

Vaccine:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has conditionally approved the first vaccine for the canine H3N8 virus on June 23, 2009. The canine influenza vaccine (CIV) is made from a killed virus.

Information from www.petplace.com