Canine Influenza and the new vaccination for your pet with Dr. Armstrong

Canine Influenza in Dogs   There are two strains of the virus that causes dog flu (Influenza Type A): H3N8 and H3N2. Both primarily infect the respiratory system and are extremely contagious. While some dogs become very ill with dog flu, others can be exposed to the virus and fight off infection without ever getting sick.   Symptoms and Types of Canine Influenza   Dogs that are infected with the canine influenza virus may develop two different syndromes:    Mild – These dogs will have a cough that is typically moist and can have nasal discharge. Occasionally, it will be more of a dry cough. In most cases, the symptoms will last 10 to 30 days and usually will go away on their own. It’s similar to kennel cough but persists longer. These dogs may benefit from dog flu treatment to reduce the duration or severity of symptoms.   Severe – Generally, these dogs have a high fever (above 104 degrees Fahrenheit) and develop signs very quickly. Pneumonia can develop. The canine influenza virus affects the capillaries in the lungs, so the dog may cough up blood and have trouble breathing if there is bleeding into the air sacs. Patients may also develop secondary bacterial infections, including bacterial pneumonia, which can further complicate the situation.   General signs of these syndromes include:   Red eyes Runny nose Coughing Sneezing Anorexia Fever Malaise   In most cases, there is a history of contact with other dogs known to carry the virus.    Diagnosing the Dog Flu   If your dog develops the signs of dog flu described when there is an outbreak in your region, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Often, local news will warn of an outbreak of the dog flu. However, if your dog travels or comes into contact with dogs who travel, call your veterinarian about your dog’s symptoms in case your dog is the first locally to acquire canine influenza.   Besides a physical, your veterinarian will want to perform a complete blood count and clinical chemistry on the dog. Usually, increases are seen in the white blood cells, specifically the neutrophils, a white blood cell that is destructive to microorganisms. X-rays (radiographs) can be taken of the dog's lungs to characterize the type and extent of pneumonia.     Another diagnostic tool called a bronchoscope can be used to see the tracheaand larger bronchi. Cell samples can also be collected by conducting a bronchial wash or a bronchoalveolar lavage. These samples will typically have large amounts of neutrophils and may contain bacteria.    Detecting the virus itself is very difficult and is usually not required for treatment. There is a blood (serological) test that can support a canine influenza diagnosis. In most cases, a blood sample is taken after initial symptoms develop and then again two to three weeks later. Because of this, your dog will be treated based on the signs she is showing.   Treatment for Canine Influenza   The mild form of dog flu is usually treated with cough suppressants. Antibiotics may be used if there is a secondary bacterial infection. Rest and isolation from other dogs is very important.   The severe form of dog flu needs to be treated aggressively with a broad spectrum of dog antibiotics, fluids and supportive care. Hospitalization may be necessary until the dog is stable. For some dogs, canine influenza is deadly and should always be treated as a serious disease. Even after returning home, the dog should be isolated for several weeks until all canine influenza symptoms have fully resolved.   How to Prevent the Dog Flu   Canine influenza vaccines are currently available as separate vaccines for each of the two strains. The first time your dog is vaccinated, they will require a booster 2 to 4 weeks later. Thereafter, the canine influenza vaccine is administered annually. In addition, there are other respiratory conditions that can be vaccinated against, specifically Bordetella bronchiseptica, the bacteria responsible for what is commonly called "kennel cough."   Any dog that is suspected to have canine influenza should be isolated from other dogs. Those dogs with the mild form of the infection usually recover on their own. Canine influenza is not a contagion issue for humans or other species.   Infection may be able to be prevented by avoiding places where dogs congregate when the dog flu is active in your region.