CANINE INFLUENZA
There have been several outbreaks of Canine Influenza (dog flu) in NJ over the past decade. In Spring 2018 there was a large outbreak in Brooklyn. The closure of the Monmouth County SPCA due to Canine Influenza has shown the disease is in our community.
WHAT HAPPENS
Canine influenza is a virus that is highly infectious and spreads quickly from dog to dog.
The virus can be transmitted:
There are two strains H3N8 which was first reported in 2003 and H3N2 which was first reported in 2015. Neither of these strains have been shown to be contagious to people.
These are respiratory viruses, different from the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) and from the respiratory virus parainfluenza (part of the DHLPP vaccine).
1 out of 5 infected dogs will develop severe symptoms. Infection with canine influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be fatal.
Canine influenza is a virus that is highly infectious and spreads quickly from dog to dog.
The virus can be transmitted:
- Directly from dog to dog
- From airborne transmission (one dog coughing or sneezing)
- From contact with contaminated objects or
- From people touching infected dogs and then touching other dogs.
There are two strains H3N8 which was first reported in 2003 and H3N2 which was first reported in 2015. Neither of these strains have been shown to be contagious to people.
These are respiratory viruses, different from the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) and from the respiratory virus parainfluenza (part of the DHLPP vaccine).
1 out of 5 infected dogs will develop severe symptoms. Infection with canine influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be fatal.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- The symptoms can be similar to many other respiratory diseases.
- Coughing- dry hacking or productive coughing (wet saliva or yellow phlegm)
- Nasal discharge- maybe clear, but often yellow or green mucous
- Tired or lethargic
- Poor appetite
DIAGNOSING
Diagnosis can be challenging because many respiratory infections have similar symptoms. Nasal and oral swabs are submitted, often along with blood samples. The blood sample may be repeated 10 days later, depending on initial test results.
Diagnosis can be challenging because many respiratory infections have similar symptoms. Nasal and oral swabs are submitted, often along with blood samples. The blood sample may be repeated 10 days later, depending on initial test results.
TREATMENT
Treatment is aimed at supportive care and preventing further spread. Hospitalization in an Isolation ward, IV fluids for hydration, antibiotics for secondary infections, and other medications as needed.
Treatment is aimed at supportive care and preventing further spread. Hospitalization in an Isolation ward, IV fluids for hydration, antibiotics for secondary infections, and other medications as needed.
PREVENTION
Vaccinate your dogs against Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). At Barnside Veterinary Hospital, we use a vaccine that protects against both strains H3N8 and H3N2. Dogs receive an initial vaccine and then a booster approximately 3 weeks later. We recommend annual boosters.
Vaccinate your dogs against Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). At Barnside Veterinary Hospital, we use a vaccine that protects against both strains H3N8 and H3N2. Dogs receive an initial vaccine and then a booster approximately 3 weeks later. We recommend annual boosters.
It is important that your dog is kept current on all her vaccinations. Not sure if she's up-to-date? Call us, or log-in to your pet's records at Petly Pet Portal.
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD
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