THE CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS is evolved from the equine influenza H3N8 virus. Originally identified in racing greyhounds in 2004, it is a community acquired disease of acute respiratory infection which is highly contagious.
All dogs are susceptible unless they have immunity from prior infection. Because this is a novel influenza virus in dogs, they are not expected to have any immunity to canine influenza when first exposed to the virus. If the virus enters a kennel or other closed group, a high percentage of the dogs will probably become infected and most of these dogs will be symptomatic.
Clinical signs are a soft, gagging cough which may be productive, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy and anorexia with a low grade fever which can persist for 2 to 3 weeks. Most illnesses are mild, but a small percentage will be severe, with a few fatalities. Peak virus shedding occurs within the first 2 to 4 days when no clinical signs are visible. There is a rapid decline of shedding after the onset of clinical signs which usually lasts for 7 to 10 days.
This virus cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans or cats. The virus is spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions, through the air via sneezing or coughing and by contact with contaminated surfaces such as dog bowls, hands or clothing or by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.
Treatment is supportive in nature while the viral infection runs its course, along with antibiotic treatment of any secondary infection. Good husbandry and nutrition may assist dogs in mounting an effective immune response.
Here at Pinellas Animal Hospital we recommend vaccinating all dogs who may have contact with other dogs or have owners or friends who have contact with other dogs. As dogs with H3N8 shed the virus for 2 to 4 days before clinical signs are evident, dogs that appear healthy could still be contagious.
The following websites provide additional information about canine influenza and infection control practices:
www.cdc.gov/healthypets
www.avma.org
www.sheltervet.org
www.aahanet.org, www.healthypet.com
www.diaglab.vet.cornell.edu
www.aspca.org
www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/canine_influenza.pdf
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu
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