Canine Influenza is a highly contagious infection that can
be caused from 2 different strains, H3N8 and H3N2. H3N8 is the strain that was responsible for
the outbreak 10 years ago. The most
recent outbreak in Chicago has been caused by H3N2. There currently is a vaccine for the H3N8
strain, but no vaccine is available for the H3N2. It takes 2-4 days before dogs start showing
symptoms and this is when they are most highly contagious.
Symptoms of Canine Influenza come in two forms, the mild
form and the severe form. Most dogs
develop the mild form and although Canine Influenza is highly infectious it has
a fairly low fatality rate (less than 10%).
Symptoms
·
Mild form infections have a soft moist cough
that can last for up to 30 days.
·
They can become lethargic, have a low grade
fever, decreased appetite, sneezing, and discharge from the eyes.
·
They can get secondary bacterial infections and
develop thick nasal discharge.
·
Sometimes the cough is very similar to the dry
cough of “Kennel Cough.”
The severe form infections are associated with high fevers
(104-106 degrees) and develop pneumonia and difficulty breathing. The pneumonia may be due to a secondary
bacterial infection.
Treatment
Influenza is mostly supportive and can range from just monitoring at home to
hospitalization for IV therapy depending on the severity of the illness. The canine influenza virus is not
transmissible to humans and there have been no reports in cats. The dogs that are most at risk are ones that
are in close proximity to other dogs such as boarding facilities.
There have been no
reported cases in Idaho and the outbreak right now is localized to the
Midwest. If your dog is coughing it is
most likely not Canine Influenza, but your pet should be seen to be evaluated
for other respiratory diseases.
Please call our office for more information. (208) 466-4614
1420 N. Midland Blvd, Nampa, Idaho 83651
