Our Goal Is To Make Your Pet Happy!

SEMINOLE TRAIL

ANIMALHOSPITAL

CANINE INFLUENZA

Canine influenza has received a lot of publicity in recent months. Due to the heavy media coverage, we have received quite a few calls and emails from concerned pet owners. At Seminole Trail Animal Hospital, we would like to give you more information and our recommendations regarding the H3N8 Canine Influenza virus.

Canine influenza virus (CI) or 'dog flu' is a new disease in dogs caused by the H3N8 influenza virus strain. Unlike the human virus, there is no "flu season" for dogs and the disease is highly transmissible the entire year. CI was first reported in Florida in 2003 with documented occurrences in 30 states and spreading. Since this is a newly emerging pathogen all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity.

 

Canine Influenza is not considered to be contagious to people at the current time, but can be easily spread from one dog to another. It is spread through contact with body secretions, such as saliva. Contact with an infected dog directly or contact with an infected environment can result in infection. Infected dogs may not necessarily be ill, but may still be able to pass the disease. Any pet in multiple-dog settings is at risk.  This includes doggie daycare, grooming, boarding, dog parks, and dog classes.

The disease is highly contagious, as 100% of exposed dogs will become infected. Once infected, 80% of dogs will be symptomatic. The other 20% may not exhibit symptoms but will be contagious to other dogs.  The symptoms may range from mild to severe including coughing, runny nose, and listlessness. Fever and rapid breathing are also common. Though canine influenza can be fatal, the fatality rate appears to be fairly low, with most dogs recovering. Recovery may take as long as three weeks for some dogs.

Fortunately, there is now a vaccine that can aid in the control of the disease. H3N8 Canine Influenza Vaccine has been shown to reduce viral shedding, thereby minimizing spread. It can also lessen the occurrence, severity of clinical signs and decrease the likelihood of serious complications like pneumonia. The vaccine has also been proven safe and well tolerated. The vaccination does not guarantee against infection. Vaccinated dogs that are exposed to CI do have milder symptoms for a shorter duration.

 

This canine vaccination entails an initial shot and a booster two to four weeks later. Thereafter, it is a yearly vaccine. Before making grooming and boarding arrangements for vacations or the holiday season, dog owners should check with those facilities about their new vaccine requirements.

 

At Seminole Trail Animal Hospital we do recommend all of our canine patients receive the Canine Influenza vaccine. Each owner will want to look at any risk factors their pet may have.  If you would like to consult with Dr. Williams, please call our office. To ensure the health of all pets staying at our hospital, all dogs admitted to our clinic must be protected against communicable contagious diseases, and this does now include the CI vaccine. We do strongly suggest having your dog vaccinated now to prepare, and after January 1, 2010 the Canine Influenza vaccine will be required for all boarded or hospitalized dogs.

In order to set an appointment for your dog, please contact our office at 407-366-4486 or via email at stah2000@bellsouth.net. If your dog is due for an annual wellness exam, we can give the first booster during that appointment. If he/she is not currently due for an exam, a technician can administer the vaccine and there will be no exam fee. The cost of each Canine Influenza booster is $17.10.

 

It is our commitment to provide quality veterinary care for your pet. We believe this is an integral part of preventative medicine for our canine friends.  If you have any further questions, please call or email our office.