Mulnix Animal Clinic - Small Animal Hospital - Fort Collins, Colorado
 
Canine Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection.  The disease is believed to have mutated from a strain found in horses.  The first outbreaks were found in racing greyhounds in Florida and New York in 2004.  It has since been noted in 24 states, including Colorado, as of December 2005.

 Canine Influenza has been known to mimic kennel cough.  Clinical signs include a cough that can be soft and productive or harsh and dry.  Some dogs may have nasal discharge, a fever, or other signs related to pneumonia.  Dogs exhibiting these signs are to be considered contagious.  Contagious dogs should be kept away...
 from other animals to reduce risk of spreading the virus further.  The virus is shed for four to seven days after the first clinical signs appear.  It is spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions of an infected dog or inanimate objects that have been contaminated.

All dogs are at risk and nearly all dogs that are exposed to the virus become infected.  There is currently a vaccine (H3N8) that is licensed for the Canine Influenza virus.  Treatment for canine influenza can consist of cough suppressants, antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, IV fluids, good food, and other supportive care.  Canine Influenza is usually not fatal, however, there have been some very severe cases with indications of pneumonia.  At Mulnix Animal Clinic we have had antibody confirmed cases of Canine Influenza, within the last two years, but none recently.

The vaccine is not a core recommended vaccine, however those clients who will be boarding their pet must have a veterinarian administer two doses of vaccine fourteen days apart to be considered as vaccinated.  Some boarding kennels may require your pet be vaccinated.

Please contact your veterinarian if you have questions regarding canine influenza or if you think your pet has it.

For more information you may log onto www.healthypet.com, www.veterinarypartner.com or www.colovma.com
 


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