Different viruses and bacteria can cause respiratory diseases in dogs with the primary symptoms of coughing, fever and nasal exudate. One of these canine diseases has a unique history. It started as a horse influenza virus and somehow jumped species and infected a couple of greyhounds at a Florida racetrack in January 2004. Labeled canine influenza, outbreaks of this disease followed in pet dogs and in greyhounds at racing tracks.
This virus has adapted to dogs and has spread easily by the airborne route throughout the United States and Canada to dogs in pet shops, in shelters, in boarding facilities and to dogs in veterinary clinics.
How serious is this disease in dogs?
The number of dogs that succumb to canine influenza is very small. Some infected dogs have no symptoms, but carry the virus in their respiratory tract. These dogs are the major source of the disease.
Really sick dogs that have a high fever of 104 to 106 F and have difficulty in breathing should be examined by a veterinarian for pneumonia. A thick nasal discharge is typical of a complicating bacterial infection.
What is the treatment for the disease?
All virus diseases are tough to treat. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used because they are the best recommendation for secondary bacterial infections.
Are there diagnostic tests for canine influenza?
There are many laboratory tests, but there is no easily run rapid test. Antibody and molecular tests are available, but rarely used.
Are there vaccines to protect a dog against this disease?
Vaccines should reduce the incidence and severity of pathologic changes in the lungs along with shortening the duration of coughing and shedding bacteria. Your veterinarian is familiar with the efficacy of available vaccines and should be consulted.
Mary Ellen Gorham is a pet fancier from Pullman.
