This fall we received a number of questions concerning the public announcements and outbreaks of a newly identified dog disease, Canine Influenza. We would like to share the information that we now have about this disease with you.

Canine Influenza was first identified in Florida among racing greyhounds in 1994. It has no direct relationship to the bird flu that has also been widely publicized this fall. Flu viruses are fairly small and simple in their make-up, so it is relatively easy for them to mutate within a short period of time. That is why human flu vaccine changes regularly and why there are concerns about animal flu viruses mutating to a form that can affect people. It is believed that the equine influenza virus mutated to a form that can affect dogs.

This new dog disease has now been identified in several states, predominately in the Deep South and to the north of us. Most identified outbreaks have occurred in kennels and other places where a large number of dogs are contained together. This disease has what is referred to as “high morbidity and low mortality,” which means that many dogs that are exposed get the disease, but not many die from it. However, this is a disease that needs to be treated quickly and aggressively if it appears, because it can cause death in a dog.

Canine influenza often looks exactly like Bordetella (Kennel Cough), which appears as a strong cough in the dog. With influenza, however, the dog can become much more ill, with a high fever and lung involvement – similar to pneumonia. Some dogs appear to become silent carriers of the disease. It is important that you have your dog checked if you see coughing, especially if your dog has been around strange dogs or in a kennel.

Treatment of Canine Influenza is similar to that for Kennel Cough but may be more intensive, including hospitalization, IV fluids and antibiotics. There is a specific test for this disease that can be performed by state laboratories on blood samples drawn at the clinic. A vaccine will likely be forthcoming within the next 18 –24 months.

We do not believe that we have seen this disease at Rose Hill Veterinary Practice. However, its existence means that an early cough should be closely watched in your dogs. We will be happy to discuss this disease or any other concerns or questions you may have.

For good information on the emergence of this new disease, visit the University of Florida (www.ufl.edu) or CornellVet School websites (www.diaglab.vet.cornell.edu) (they are doing most of the research) or go to the website for the CDC (Center for Disease Control) (www.cdc.gov).