Canine Influenza

Canine Influenza Virus A (H3N8) is a recently emerging disease.  It started out as a local infection among racing greyhounds in Florida several years ago, but since has spread to other parts of the US and has caused canine influenza among pet dogs.  It is a different species from the current human H1N1 influenza virus, and there have been no infections between dogs and humans.  It is contagious between dogs and causes various respiratory symptoms.  As it is a new disease, our dogs are not immune to it, and it is thought that all dogs that come in contact with it will develop some form of the disease.  Commonly, kennel cough-like signs are seen, such as cough, runny nose and fever. Some dogs have been much more severely affected with pneumonia and required hospitalization; some of these severely affected dogs died.  There is a lab test for the disease that requires a few weeks to receive results, and a new vaccine to booster immunity is currently available.   We do not consider this to be a serious problem in the Santa Cruz/ Monterey Bay region, but we do have the vaccine available in our hospital.  Dogs most at risk of exposure are those held at shelters, boarded, taken to shows or groomers, traveling, or any other circumstance where they are in close contact with other, unknown dogs.  Pets that live at home and are taken on walks in the area would be considered very unlikely to be exposed to the virus.  For those pet owners who want to vaccinate their canine friends, we offer the vaccine.  If your dog is currently a patient with us, you may make a nurse appointment for the initial vaccine, and then schedule a follow-up booster in 2 - 4 weeks.  If you are not currently a client, please schedule an appointment with one of our general practice doctors.  If you have any questions regarding the virus or vaccine, feel free to call us, or visit the CDC website for more information http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/