Dog Flu?

JustTess · 10-10-2009, 08:36 PM

The news reported a type of dog flu going around the area. They say people do not need to worry because only dogs can get this strain. We're staying away from areas frequently visited by other dogs.

I'm wondering how can you tell your dog has it. My guess is that it would look a lot like kennel cough with a fever.

skelaki · 10-11-2009, 02:55 AM

I would say to ask your vet about it and whether or not your dog is/can be vaccinated against it (assuming it's serious).

Binkalette · 10-11-2009, 04:38 AM

I think Parvo is the only type of dog flu? I could be wrong though.. I know there is a new strain of it.. I think it was last circulating in Michigan.

EDIT: Nevermind. It looks like there is just a "Dog Flu". I always thought Parvo was a type of flu, but I'm not finding anything online that backs that up..

These are the things that came up when I googled for Dog flu:
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/0...ine-virus.html
http://heartspring.net/dog_flu_symptoms.html

Not -too- new I guess.. the one article is from 2005, but still pretty new. The one says it is transmitted from horses to dogs, and it's more of a respiratory thing..

Quote:

"Many dogs exposed to the virus will not develop any clinical signs of illness. When dogs are ill with canine influenza, (dog flu), the signs are similar to a common disease known as “kennel cough.” The most common sign is a cough that persists for 10-21 days, longer than typical “kennel cough.” Affected dogs may also have a nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. A much smaller percentage of dogs develop a more severe disease with signs of pneumonia and a high fever. These dogs may require supportive care and hospitalization. If dogs receive medical attention early on, the fatality rate is very low."

Poly · 10-18-2009, 10:37 AM

Canine influenza is caused by the canine influenza virus (CIV). It is an H3N8 virus that had previously only infected horses and apparently "jumped" species sometime in early 2004 - first showing up in racing greyhounds.

As an emergent virus, all dogs are susceptible to it.

It is not parvo.

It causes typical - for dogs - respiratory symptoms. A cough - often moist but sometimes dry. Low fever is common. Nasal discharge is due to a secondary bacterial infection and not part of the viral infection but is also a common complication.

Some dogs get a more serious form with high fever and severe respiratory involvement.

Mortality rate may be as high as 5%.

It took a while to identify the virus so at first the disease was a mystery.

A vaccine was released in 2009 but it is being recommended only for "at risk" dogs. Talk with your vet to determine if your dog is "at risk".

BusterBabe · 10-18-2009, 12:02 PM

You know, that makes me think. Buster has had "kennel cough" for about two weeks now, and just doesn't seem to be getting better. =/

GroovyGroomer777 · 10-18-2009, 12:16 PM

Better get Buster in to the doc.

I've also heard this going around, My salon has had a couple of re-schedules due to dogs having a cough and also vomiting.

BusterBabe · 10-18-2009, 12:42 PM

We've been in twice so far. We've gotten some pills and a shot, but then I guess we just thought about kennel cough/allergies.

doodledude · 11-02-2009, 11:43 PM

I'll be asking my vet about this tomorrow. The place I've been taking my dog to obedience is asking that all attendees get the vaccination for the h3n8. Has anyone else given their dog this vaccination?