I want to address two issues pertinent to the health and well-being of the pets who share our lives – canine influenza virus and twice-yearly health examinations.
Veterinary researchers at the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida and Cornell University, and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified a new and highly contagious outbreak of canine influenza virus. The symptoms are similar to those of “kennel cough” and include coughing that persists for 10-21 days, nasal discharge and a low-grade fever.
Just like human flu, most dogs will suffer a mild form of the disease and recover over time with appropriate veterinary care and supervision. In a small number of cases, estimated currently at less than 10 percent, dogs may experience complications like pneumonia that can be fatal.
Currently, there is no vaccine for canine influenza virus. Because the disease is highly contagious and all dogs are believed susceptible, experts recommend taking a common-sense approach:
Seeking veterinary evaluation and advice if a canine exhibits signs of respiratory illness.
Ensuring that if you use a boarding kennel it is reputable and well-known (see abka.com for information).
Staying alert to announcements in this region regarding outbreaks.
Canine influenza virus is an emerging disease, and information about it changes on a daily basis. For the most accurate updates, go to vetmed.ufl.edu (Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida) and vet.cornell.edu (Cornell University).
Other partners monitoring this situation include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/page.do) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). Also see morrisanimal foundation.org.
Shifting focus to wellness health care, the American Veterinary Medical Association is partnering with Fort Dodge Animal Health to help dog and cat owners learn about aging in their pets and the importance of twice-yearly examinations.
October is National Pet Wellness Month. The campaign provides a variety of educational materials to help pet owners understand the importance of prevention as they meet with their veterinarians.
Pets age approximately seven times faster, on average, than people. Because of this rapid aging, major health changes can occur in a very short time.
Twice-per-year wellness examinations facilitate early detection, treatment or prevention of potentially life-threatening conditions including kidney disease, thyroid disease, dental disease and cancer. In most cases early detection and treatment can improve life expectancy.
Robin Downing, DVM, P.O. Box 460, Windsor, CO 80550, or drrobin@windsorvet.com.
