Canine influenza is new to dogs

By Martin Coffman, D.V.M.

If you have been watching the news lately or reading metropolitan newspapers, you may have noticed articles about a "new" flu outbreak in dogs.

In some sections of the country, veterinarians are reporting a near-panic situation around this canine flu news. Here are the facts.

Canine Influenza Virus is a relatively new germ in dogs. It was first reported in Greyhounds in 2004 when it caused significant respiratory disease at several tracks.

Eventually, the virus was isolated at Cornell from a dog that had died from the condition. Since that time, it has been reported in Florida and possibly other states.

Like any new germ, the clinical signs vary from case to case and almost any dog is susceptible since they would have minimal immunity to the new virus. Typically, dogs have a hacking cough for two to three weeks that generally fails to respond to treatment. Some cases lead to secondary infection from bacteria and have a pus-like drainage from the nose. Dogs with this type of nasal discharge do respond to antibiotic treatment in most cases. These dogs often run high temperatures, 104? to 106? F. Some dogs develop a serious pneumonia that can prove fatal, but researchers estimate these cases to be less than five percent of the total infections.

In individual dogs, it may be difficult to distinguish this condition from typical Kennel Cough, but in large kennels, the diagnosis may be more direct. Since most dogs are susceptible, as many as 100 percent of the dogs in the kennel can be affected with as many as 75 percent becoming clinically ill. The incubation period is quite short, two to five days.

Positive diagnosis requires multiple blood samples submitted to a laboratory, usually Cornell University's Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Typical swabs of the rear of the mouth, the nose, and even the trachea have not been successful in isolating the virus.

Keep in mind that there are many causes of upper-respiratory disease in the hunting dog. Owners and trainers should be cautious about assuming that dogs showing the signs of coughing, nasal discharge and fever have Canine Influenza.

The kennel veterinarian can provide a diagnostic workup to ensure accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. Congregations of dogs, like at a field trial or hunt test, can increase exposure to many viral agents, including Canine Influenza.