March 14, 2006
To all our Clients
A letter from John A Mulnix, DVM, MS at Mulnix Animal Clinic

Canine Influenza, a newly recognized virus respiratory disease in dogs has reached into northern Colorado. The disease first mutated from horses in 2004, was recognized in racing grayhounds in New York and Florida in 2004. It was later found in racing greyhound parks in other states including Colorado in 2005.

ALL DOGS ARE AT RISK. There is currently no vaccine available.

The disease looks like Kennel Cough and may be mild or severe depending on the immune status, age, and other health issues in your pet. Many will show only a mild cough that may be soft and productive or harsh and dry. Some dogs may have a greenish or yellow-green nasal discharge, a mild or even severe fever, and other signs related to evidence of pneumonia.

Canine influenza appears to be an airborne disease or may be spread by contact with infected items such as toys, food and water bowls or even infected clothing. All dogs exhibiting these signs should be considered contagious, as the virus is shed for four to seven days after clinical signs first appear. As many as 20 percent of infected dogs will not show any clinical signs.

Treatment is mainly supportive and consists of management of the secondary bacterial invaders by the use of proper bactericidal antibiotics, proper hygiene, good food and supportive care.

As of this date, we at Mulnix Animal Clinic have not had an antibody confirmed case of Canine Influenza. Laboratory confirmation is pending in several pets. We definitely are seeing a significant increase in "Kennel Cough" cases over the past several weeks, some of which are quite severe. For more information you may log onto www.healthypet.com or www.colovma.com for more detailed information.