Canine Influenza Virus

Influenza viruses of an assortment of varieties have been the subject of concern for humans, wildlife, and domestic animals for many decades. In 2004 a new canine influenza virus was isolated from several groups of Florida racing greyhounds. It is thought that the Canine virus is a mutation of Equine Influenza which the greyhounds were exposed to at the race track. Because it is a new virus, ALL dogs are susceptible to the illness.

What is Canine Influenza?

Influenza viruses represent a specific type of virus. They produce the fever, joint pain, and respiratory signs we associate with the Flu. Influenza viruses are usually species specific. Unless the virus mutates, we can not get the flu from dogs, and they can not get it from us.

About 80% of exposed dogs will only show mild upper respiratory signs, which can include sneezing, coughing, fever and poor attitude or appetite. About 20% of exposed animals will become sick enough to require hospitalization. Those that develop pneumonia as a complication of the virus will require hospitalization and support at a 24 hour veterinary clinic. Death is unusual but stems from complications from the pneumonia and is most common in the very old and very young. It is recommended that any dog that is sneezing or coughing be checked by your veterinarian as early as possible, to avoid the potential of pneumonia.

Canine Influenza is currently endemic, or common, in Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Colorado, but there have been sporadic epidemics in over 30 states. Cases have been reported in ALL of the New England states. The virus spreads very easily from one dog to another, and it can last on clothing for up to 24 hours so it is possible to bring the illness home with you if you have been around sick dogs. Dogs are typically contagious, or shed the virus, 3 – 5 days BEFORE the act ill. They can continue to be contagious for up to 7 days AFTER they act ill. They can act sick for up to two weeks if they don't develop pneumonia. If they do develop pneumonia, they can be hospitalized for up to a week, and be sick for up to a month.

How are Sick Dogs Treated?

Fevers are treated with anti-pyretic medications or cool water baths. The cough can be treated with cough suppressants if indicated. Fluids are provided if your dog's fever is high, or appetite poor, to prevent dehydration. Since there are many causes for coughing and sneezing in a dog, a test is recommended to determine if the Canine Influenza Virus is causing your pet's signs. The test takes 48 hours to be run, and costs about $200. Your veterinarian may recommend a preventative course of antibiotics to prevent a bacterial pneumonia, but it is important to understand that antibiotics DO NOT TREAT viruses. Out patient treatment for a dog with upper respiratory signs costs about $150.

If pneumonia develops, chest radiographs, blood tests, and bacterial cultures are done to determine the extent of the pneumonia, confirm the virus as the cause of the initial signs, and identify the secondary bacteria infecting the lungs so that more specific therapy can instituted. If the pneumonia is bad enough, the dog may need to be treated with oxygen and IV fluids until the lungs begin to clear. A typical hospital stay for pneumonia ranges between $1500 and $3000 depending on the severity of the case and the duration of the stay.

Does Vaccination against Kennel Cough (Bordetella) or Parainfluenza offer any Protection against Canine Influenza?

No. While all of these vaccines protect against diseases that are very similar in the signs they cause, they are specific to their own disease. Kennel Cough vaccines are actually bacterins that protect your pet from the Bordatella bacteria that commonly becomes a secondary infection for any upper respiratory infection. Parainfluenza is specific to a dog virus that also causes fevers, coughing and sneezing, but is genetically different than Influenza.

There is a vaccine against Canine Influenza. An initial booster is given to your dog as early as 8 weeks of age. It is boostered two to three weeks after the initial vaccination, and then annually after that. The virus is made from killed Influenza virus, so it CAN NOT cause illness and is unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. It has been tested to provide immunity for up to one year. The vaccine will REDUCE the severity of the signs and the DURATION of time your dog is contagious. IT WILL NOT completely prevent the disease, but it WILL make it far more likely that your dog will only develop mild signs. It is recommended for dogs who are boarded frequently, attend group training classes or events with other dogs, play regularly at the dog park or doggie daycare, or who go to the groomer consistently . It is also recommended if you will be taking your dog to endemic states, or adopting a dog from an endemic state.

For further information regarding Canine Influenza Virus visit the American Veterinary Medicine Association's website and search Canine Influenza at www.avma.org.