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To Vaccinate or Not Vaccinate

That is the question! Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a “flu” virus. Canine influenza virus only affects dogs. Just like human “flu”, canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection.

There have been numerous reports of influenza outbreaks in veterinary clinics, kennels, and shelters. Some of these outbreaks were traced back to the presence of one sick dog that spread the virus throughout the facility and infected many other dogs. So far, 30 states have reported cases of canine influenza, including Pennsylvania.

The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough. Some dogs have a soft, moist, “productive” cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen in dogs with kennel cough. It’s this similarity to kennel cough that makes it hard for your veterinarian to diagnose which illness your dog has. Canine influenza is usually mild, but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe signs will occur, such as a high fever (104 F to 106 F) and pneumonia. A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease. Your veterinarian may collect blood or nasal swab samples to confirm canine influenza. However, these tests may not confirm the infection because the samples must be taken at the appropriate time in the course of your dog’s illness. If your dog has a history of being exposed to other dogs with canine influenza, it is reasonable to suspect that your dog has something more than ordinary kennel cough.

Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza. However, certain venues and activities can raise your dog’s risk of canine influenza infection even higher. Does your dog -

• Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store?
• Board at a kennel or go to doggie daycare?
• Attend group training or “dog kindergarten”?
• Visit a groomer, dog park, or engage with other dogs on daily walks?
• Enter dog events?
• Come into contact with other dogs in the waiting room during visits to your veterinary clinic?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, tell your veterinarian and ask what can be done to protect your dog from canine influenza. Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flu spreads—through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling); through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface—a doorknob, for example.

There is currently no specific treatment for canine influenza. As with all viral illnesses, the disease must run its course. Supportive care, such as providing a good diet and making sure your dog’s body has enough fluids, can help your dog fight the infection. Sometimes canine influenza infections can become complicated by secondary bacterial infections. One sign of this is a yellow-green, thick nasal discharge, which your veterinarian may treat with an antibiotic. The coughing that comes with influenza is actually the body’s way of getting rid of the virus. If the cough is moist and productive, you should not try to stop it with a cough suppressant.

Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine—the first of its kind—was approved for use in the US. The vaccine has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the severity of the flu and the length of time that a dog is sick. The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination. YOUR VETERINARIAN CAN ADVISE YOU WHETHER THIS NEW VACCINE SHOULD BE ADDED TO YOUR DOG’S VACCINATION SCHEDULE. Safety was established in trials involving more than 700 dogs, but consultation with your veterinarian is recommended. Finally, be sure to call your veterinarian if you have any questions about canine influenza or vaccination, of if you notice your dog coughing or showing other signs of a respiratory infection.

Submitted by Carol
Note: Excerpted from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Literature.