It used to be that your dog was there to comfort you when you were bedridden with a nasty flu virus. Now, you may have to return the favor because it has been ascertained that dogs are susceptible to the canine influenza virus, also referred to as the H3N8 influenza virus.
For at least the past 40 years, the H3N8 virus, which is a subtype of the influenza A virus, has been associated with horses. The first cases found in dogs occurred in 2004 in Great Danes living in Florida. By September of 2005, experts were calling the H3N8 virus “a newly emerging pathogen in the dog population.” It is no longer “newly emerging.” It is here to stay.
Fortunately, the virus is rarely fatal. However, it can lead to other respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia.
General symptoms of the virus, which does not affect humans, include coughing, sneezing and a runny nose. Some dogs run a fever; others do not. There are two forms of the disease – mild and severe.
Dogs that are inflicted with a mild form of the H3N8 virus usually develop a soft, moist cough that can last up to 30 days. In some cases, a dog’s cough may be dry. When this happens, it is easy to confuse the H3N8 virus with kennel cough. In mild cases, dogs may have a thick nasal discharge. Treatment may include antibiotics.
Dogs inflicted with the severe form of the virus develop high fevers of 104 to 106 degrees and show clinical signs of pneumonia. Antibiotics and hydration are common treatments for dogs with severe infections.
Unfortunately, most dogs are susceptible to the H3N8 virus because it is a new disease and they have not had the chance to build up immunity to it. Almost all dogs that are exposed to the virus will become infected. Experts say about 80 percent will show clinical signs of the disease. In most cases, it is the mild form of the virus that dogs contract.
The disease is transmitted by contact with contaminated objects. People can carry the disease and transmit it from one dog to another. If your dog is showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, avoid other dogs. If you are exposed to a dog other than your own that shows signs of the virus, thoroughly disinfect yourself and your clothing before you come into contact with your own dog.
Kennels, shelters, dog parks and vet offices are ideal hosts for the virus. Be sure that your dog groomer and/or trainer are vigilant about disinfecting.
If you suspect that your dog has the H3N8 virus, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian who can run blood tests to test for it.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conditionally approved a killed virus vaccine for the canine H3N8 virus June 23, 2009. Be sure to ask your dog’s veterinarian about the pros and cons of including the new vaccine in your pet’s medical regiment.
Related posts:
- What You Need to Know About Canine Influenza
- Canine Parainfluenza
- Canine Distemper
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- Canine Coronavirus
