Canine Influenza: A new kid on the block

A new disease that has spread to our area has emerged in recent years -- the Canine Flu. This is caused by a virus that was first diagnosed in Florida racing greyhounds in 2004, but since that time infections have spread rapidly and are now recognized in at least 30 states. Canine influenza is a highly contagious disease caused by a novel influenza A virus.

The organism began as the Equine Influenza virus, but has adapted through mutation to become infective to dogs. Because this organism is so recently developed, dogs have no natural or acquired immunity against it, and are extremely susceptible to infection. The disease is therefore very contagious between dogs, but does not cause disease in horses or humans.

Canine influenza is spread by way of aerosolized respiratory secretions from the coughing and sneezing of infected dogs, contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. Dogs housed in kennels or other closed environments are especially susceptible.

Symptoms of disease are seen in most dogs that become exposed, and develop two to four days after exposure. The virus infects cells of the respiratory tract, and coughing is the most common sign. If bacteria then move in to infect the inflamed cells too, the dog may develop a nasal discharge, become lethargic, and have a decreased appetite. Although most dogs contract only a mild form of canine influenza and recover without complications, some may develop pneumonia that becomes severe and require aggressive therapy. These dogs may show signs such as a high-grade fever (104°F to 106°F) with increased respiratory rate and effort, and develop a nasty nasal discharge. Thoracic radiography (chest x-rays) may reveal consolidation of lung lobes.

We must suspect influenza in patients that have a history of exposure to other dogs and develop a persistent cough in spite of antibiotics or antitussive medications. These infections are indistinguishable from "kennel cough" caused by the bacteria Bordatella bronchiseptica. Definitive diagnosis of the canine flu organism is possible with blood testing sent to reference labs, but this step is not usually necessary to guide treatment.

Mild cases may not need specific drug therapy, but should receive good nutrition and be kept warm while avoiding vigorous activity. Because the virus is so contagious, they should be isolated until symptoms have stopped to prevent exposing other dogs. Cases with a persistent cough, fever, purulent nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and lethargy have probably developed a more serious bacterial infection and are at risk of more severe illness. They should begin a course of antibiotics and may require hospitalization if severe pneumonia ensues.

A vaccine has been developed to provide dogs with a degree of immunity to this virus. Infection can still occur even in vaccinated dogs, but a heightened immune response would be expected to limit the disease to the very mild form. Vaccination will also minimize shedding of virus and contagion to other dogs.

At the present time, we recommend vaccination only for those expected to spend time among other dogs -- in boarding kennels, dog shows, or obedience training classes for example. Administration of the influenza vaccine along with that for Bordatella makes perfect sense, since the at-risk groups are the same.

We will stock the vaccine at our new hospital, and recommend it for dogs at risk of exposure. Suzen Dennis, of the Tailwaggers Country Inn in Van Alstyne, agrees that the risk of exposure may soon warrant vaccination of dogs being accepted for boarding.

Dr. Ed Mapes is a 1980 graduate of Michigan State University and previously owned two hospitals in Michigan. Dr. Mapes will open the new Stonebridge Animal Hospital at 5913 Virginia Parkway #100 in early July. Please visit http://offshorevoyager.com/dredmapes.html

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