Dr. Holly Jacobson
Perhaps you have heard that both winter and flu season are fast approaching. Perhaps you have even made an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist for a flu shot. Perhaps you even know that the flu can be fatal, and the best way of preventing its spread is a simple vaccination. But did you know that all of these facts are also true for your canine companion?
Yes, dogs get the flu. We have known about the first strain of flu for more than 40 years. H3N8 is an influenza virus that “jumped” from horses to dogs sometime around 2004 by mutating into the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) we know today.
In March of 2015, a new strain of influenza was identified (H3N2) in Chicago during an outbreak of respiratory illness. I worked in northern Indiana during this period, and I saw the outbreak first-hand. Before this, the H3N2 strain of canine influenza had only been identified in Asia, after jumping from birds to dogs. After its initial detection, cases of H3N2 influenza were reported in many states and a few provinces in Canada. The strain was even detected in a group of shelter cats that were exposed to infected dogs. The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine reported a recent outbreak in May 2017. By mid-June, H3N2 infections had been reported in many other states, including the Carolinas, Texas, and Illinois. The severity of H3N2 may be greater than other respiratory infections, especially in those dogs with a higher risk of infection.
Unfortunately, CIV is easily spread through respiratory secretions (such as sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge), contaminated objects such as kennel walls and floors, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and clothing and skin of people who come in contact with infected dogs. The signs of canine influenza are similar to the human flu: cough, runny nose, and fever. The most common clinical sign of canine influenza is a cough that does not respond to antibiotic or cough suppressant therapy and lasts 10-21 days. This cough may be productive (moist) or non-productive (dry) and may be associated with reduced appetite and lethargy.
Like flu in humans, CIV is often fatal in the weakest parts of the population – the sick, the old, and the young. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, such as Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pekingese, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, are also at higher risk. We strongly recommend vaccination against CIV, especially in flat-faced breeds or older dogs with respiratory or heart disease. To date, there are no known issues arising from vaccination.
If your dog exhibits signs of CIV, please do not wait and contact your veterinarian. Delay can make the illness worse. We at Westwood Veterinary Clinic have experience in dealing with CIV and would be happy to do the appropriate testing and treatment.
Dr. Holly Jacobson is chief veterinarian at Westwood Veterinary Clinic, 1306 W. Main St., Greenfield. The office can be reached at (317) 462-5509.
