There has been a new canine influenza virus developing in the dog population. In 2005, Dr. Cynda Crawford at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine isolated a new canine influenza virus (CI) that was causing illness in a small amount of the dog population, mainly on the east coast. Canine influenza virus causes upper respiratory illness and high fever and in some cases progresses to a secondary pneumonia. It is estimated that from the time of its identification to present, that there have been approximately 10,000 cases of CI and potentially 20-30 thousand additional cases that may have gone undiagnosed. This is a relatively small percentage of infected dogs when you compare it to the current estimated dog population of 70 million. CI has been reported in 30 states including Hawaii and the District of Columbia. Currently there have only been two cases confirmed in Oregon.
The canine population has not been challenged with this type of virus before, so the dogs that come into contact with this virus will become infected because they lack any immunity to it. With that said, 20% of the dog population won't show any signs of the infection, while 80% will come down with a bad case of coughing, sneezing, runny nose and a fever of 104 or higher. This makes diagnosis a challenge since CI looks a lot like Kennel Cough or other upper respiratory infections. The complication of CI is that a small percentage about 5-8% of dogs that come down with symptoms may develop a secondary pneumonia, which can lead to death in severe cases.
CI is spread by dogs coughing and sneezing, which aerosolizes (tiny water droplets from the cough or sneeze) the virus which can be breathed in by other dogs. Other dogs may also spread the infection through their water and food dishes, and people can spread the infection on their shoes and clothing when moving from an infected area to non-infected areas. Dogs at most risk are ones who board or are in breeding kennels, go to shows or training facilities, dogs from adoption centers or pet shops, and dogs who visit dog parks or the veterinary clinic. This does not mean that these places are centers of disease and should be avoided. What it does mean, for example just like kids going to school in the fall, when you have a large group of dogs in a small area it is more likely that one may be sick and will pass it on to everyone else that is present.
What should you do if you suspect your dog has an upper respiratory infection? First take your dog to the veterinary clinic. Call first and leave your dog in the car until your vet says it's ok to bring them inside. A veterinarian can examine your pet and let you know whether your pet has a serious infection or not. Please remember there are many upper respiratory infections your pet can contract and not all are serious. Some require antibiotic treatment and some do not. Only a veterinarian can diagnose what kind of i nfection your dog has. If CI is suspected, your veterinarian will have a couple of options for testing. Currently Oregon State University has a test available, but in order to be accurate the patient must be tested within two to three days of the onset of the infection. There is also a blood test that can tell the veterinarian whether or not your dog had been exposed to the virus, but it cannot tell if the dog is currently infected. There is currently a plan to offer free testing for patients that the veterinarian suspects may have been exposed to the CI virus. This free testing program is reported to be available by the end of August 2009.
At this point it is recommended by the Oregon Public Health Veterinarian to vaccinate the dogs at most risk. Otherwise, good housekeeping can go a long way in preventing the virus from spreading. Some good housekeeping tips are:
*Make sure you do not share water and food bowls with visiting dogs or other doggy friends.
*If your dog is sick with an upper respiratory problem, keep your dog at home until symptoms are gone.
*If kenneling your dog, make sure the kennels are well ventilated and clean.
*If you think your dog is possibly at risk for picking up CI, call your veterinarian for help in deciding what is the best prevention for your dog.
