Canine Influenza

Overview

Influenza is a relatively new viral infection that became prevalent in greyhound racing areas. Any breed is susceptible, especially since this is a new emerging disease. This virus is airborne and can be seen in kennels, daycare centers, veterinary clinics, and shelters.

Causes

The canine influenza virus has a direct link to the equine influenza virus. It is believed that the equine virus jumped to dogs and has now mutated as a new dog influenza virus. This new virus is called influenza A H3N8.While initially a dog came into contact with a horse to contract the virus, now the disease can be spread dog-to-dog (from licking, nuzzling), via airborne routes from sneezing and coughing, and from contaminated surfaces such as dog bowls, human hands, and clothing.

Symptoms

In the early stages, influenza will mimic kennel cough. Patients will cough and exhibit upper respiratory signs: nasal discharge, sneezing, fever. In the later stages, patients can develop pneumonia. Greyhounds tend to show very exaggerated symptoms.It is important to realize that a patient is contagious within one or two days of infection, but they do not show signs of disease for several days. In other words, a pet can become infected from a seemingly healthy playmate, or already be infected and an owner will be unaware.

Treatment

There is a test that can confirm influenza but is only effective if performed within 1-2 days of clinical signs. Patients should not be hospitalized unless they have pneumonia to decrease the risk of infecting other animals. Infected dogs need to be separated from other dogs for at least a week. Anti-viral drugs have not been tested yet, so their efficacy is unknown. Antibiotics will help to prevent or treat pneumonia. Cough suppressants will help make the pet more comfortable. Pets should be rested for at least 2-3 weeks, even if their clinical signs have abated.There have been some deaths reported from influenza, but it is uncommon with appropriate treatment. In fact, 80% of dogs will have a mild form of the disease and approximately 1/5th of infected animals will show no clinical signs. The mortality (death) rate is less than 10%.  There is a new vaccine available through veterinarians for pets that frequent dog shows, kennels, day care centers, agility/obedience trials, or other high dog-traffic areas. There is no evidence that humans can contract canine influenza.