Blue Cross Animal Hospital

Dr. Cyna Crawford, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine, prepared this fact sheet to answer the 10 most popular questions from dog owners about canine influenza.

1.  What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza A subtype H3N8 virus that was first discovered in 2004.

2.  Where does canine influenza occur?
Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia.  At this time, the canine influenza virus (CIV) is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.

3.  What type of infection does CIV cause?
Similar to influenza viruses that infect other mammals, canine influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs.  It is one of several viruses and bacteria that are associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, or what is commonly referred to as “kennel cough”.  CIV infection can cause respiratory disease by itself or along with other canine respiratory pathogens.
Unlike human influenza, canine influenza is not a “seasonal” infection. Infections can occur year round

4. What are clinical signs of canine influenza?
Like influenza viruses for other species, CIV caused flu-like illness consisting of cough, sneezing and nasal discharge. Virtually all exposed dogs become infected; about 80% develop flu-like illness, while another 20% do not become ill.
Fortunately, most dogs recover within 2 weeks without any further health complications. However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections. While the overall mortality rate for canine influenza is low, the secondary pneumonia can be life-threatening. There is no evidence for age or breed susceptibility for developing pneumonia during canine influenza.

5. Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
Because canine influenza is due to a virus that is novel to the canine population, dogs lack pre-existing immunity to the virus. Dogs of any breed, age or health status are therefore susceptible to infection. Although studies have not been verified, it is likely that dogs that have recovered from infection retain immunity to the re-infection for an undetermined time period.
Canine influenza is most likely to spread in facilities where dogs are house together and where there is a high turnover of dogs in and out of the facility. Dogs in shelters, boarding and training facilities, day care centers, dog shows, veterinary clinics, pet stores and grooming parlors are at the highest risk for exposure to CIV, especially if these facilities are located in communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk.
CIV does not infect people, and there is no documentation that cats have become infected by exposure to dogs with canine influenza.

6. How is canine influenza transmitted?
As with other respiratory pathogens, the most efficient transmission occurs by direct contact with infected dogs and by aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. Fortunately, the virus is easily inactivated by washing hands, clothes and other items with soap and water.

7. How is canine influenza diagnosed?
canine influenza cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs because all of the other respiratory pathogens cause similar signs of coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. For dogs that have been ill for less than 4 days, veterinarians can collect swabs from the nose or throat and submit them to a diagnostic laboratory that offers a validated PCR test for canine influenza virus. The most accurate test recommended for confirmation of infection requires the collection of a small blood sample 10 to 14 days later. The paired serum samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for measurement of antibodies to CIV that were formed in response to infection.

8. How is canine influenza treated?
Since canine influenza is a viral infection, treatment consists mainly of supportive care while the virus runs its course, much like for human influenza. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarians if they think their dog has canine influenza. The veterinarian can determine what type of supportive care is needed, including whether antibiotics should be given for secondary bacterial infections. Dogs with pneumonia most likely require more intensive care provided in a hospital setting under the supervision of a veterinarian.

9. Is canine influenza contagious?
Like influenza infections in other species, canine influenza is highly contagious. Infected dogs shed virus in their respiratory secretions for 7 to 10 days, during which time the dog is contagious to other dogs. Infected dogs that do not show clinical signs are also contagious. Once the virus has run its course, the dog is no longer contagious. Therefore, we recommend that dogs with canine influenza be isolated from other dogs for two weeks to err on the conservative side. CIV does not cause a permanent infection.

10. Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
In May of 2009, the USDA approved the licensure of the first influenza vaccine for dogs developed by Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation. The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus, so there is no chance that the vaccine itself can cause respiratory infections. During tests to evaluate vaccine performance, there were no side effects or safety issues in a field trial including more than 700 dogs ranging in age from six weeks to 10 years and representing 30 breeds. The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with CIV infection. Although the vaccine may not prevent infection, efficacy trials have shown that vaccination significantly reduces the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected have less illness and are not as contagious to other dogs. These benefits are similar to those provided by influenza vaccines used in other species, including humans.
The canine influenza vaccine is a “lifestyle” vaccine, in that it is intended for dogs at risk for exposure to CIV, including those that participate in activities with many other dogs or are housed in communal facilities, particularly in communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that may benefit from canine influenza vaccination include those that are already receiving the kennel cough vaccine for Bordetella because the risk groups are the same. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine whether their dog’s lifestyle includes risk for exposure to CIV, and the protection by the canine influenza vaccine.

Laparoscopy….Not just for people anymore
Laparoscopic surgery, has gained huge popularity as a minimally invasive surgery in the world of human medicine. Many people have had a laparoscopic procedure themselves or know someone who has.  Gallbladder removal, appendectomies and many different abdominal surgeries are now performed this way.  This minimally invasive technique has now moved over into the veterinary world.  At Blue Cross Animal Hospital, we are one of the few clinics in Las Vegas that is offering laparoscopic procedures.

What is Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is done by making a very small incision and inserting a laparoscope or camera in to the abdominal cavity.  The abdomen in filled up with carbon dioxide (a safe, absorbable gas) to easily  see all the organs in the abdomen.  The images are magnified and viewed on a monitor in the surgery suite.  Structures can be easily examined, and if need be, biopsies can be taken.  With some procedures no extra incisions may be needed.  Even if additional entries or ports are needed they are only one-quarter to one-half inch incisions.

So, how does this affect my dog?
So, what is the big excitement about this advance moving into the veterinary world?  Very small incisions decrease postoperative pain, risk of infection, and speed recovery time.  Where a traditional incision to do a liver biopsy would be at least six inches on a 40-50 pound dog, a one-half inch incision can give you excellent visualization of the abdomen and multiple liver biopsies.  The camera has magnification so that even the tiniest amount of bleeding can be observed and monitored  post biopsy.

Spays involve bluntly breaking down the pet’s suspensory ligament which can be painful.  In a laparoscopic assisted spay the ligament is cauterized and then sharply cut.  During surgery this is noticeable  as there is no/little  increase in patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate.  These vital signs often increase during a  traditional spay.  A recent study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that laparoscopic assisted spays offered up to 65% less pain* than the traditional open spay.

Another great use for laparoscopy is to do gastropexies, a  permanent tacking of the stomach to the body wall.  This is a procedure that prevents gastric dilatation and volvulus, GDV, a potentially fatal condition that occurs in primarily large deep-chested dogs. Again, the typical incision length would be greater than 6-8 inches, but laparoscopically assisted it can be 1-2 incisions one-half  to 2 inches in length.

Cryptorchid testicles that have not descended from the abdomen are a breeze to find with laparoscopy as well. The incisions are several inches long. The surgery time can be extensive while trying to locate a testicle in the abdomen. With laparoscopy, the testicle can rapidly be located and removed. (The author has found this technique to be particularly useful for this problem.)

Blue Cross Animal Hospital
Blue Cross Animal Hospital is happy to be one of the few clinics in the Las Vegas area to offer this advanced surgical technique.  The staff of Blue Cross Animal Hospital is happy to answer any questions you may have about laparoscopy or any other service we offer.

*Devitt, Chad DVM, MS DACVS.  “Duration, Complication, Stress and Pain of Open Ovariohysterectomy Versus a Simple Method of Laparoscopic-Assisted Ovariohysterectomies in Dogs.”  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Volume 227, Number 6 (September 15, 2005).

Always consider AAHA veterinary clinics
AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) veterinary clinics are tested on 900 standards including surgical care. Strict surgical protocols ensure a safe and sterile neuter.

Blood work is crucial
Pre-anesthetic blood work is vital to the safety of your pet. This service screens the blood levels to ensure a safe surgery. It can be dangerous to put your pet under anesthesia without knowing the blood levels. Blood work should always be included with pet neuter services.

Something to consider
AAHA veterinary clinics always use the most advanced sterile techniques for surgery. Your pet’s hair should be shaved around the surgical site and the skin cleaned with surgical scrub.

A veterinarian with your pet’s safety in mind will always wear a sterile cap, gown, mask, and gloves. A fresh sterilized surgical pack should be used when neutering your pet.

During the neuter
Good veterinarians will track your pet’s body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen tissue during the neuter. Specialized heating blankets should be used to maintain your pet’s ideal body temperature. A licensed veterinary technician should always assist your veterinarian before, during, and after the neuter.

How good are their prices
Again, shop around and compare prices. However, don’t let the price be the only decisive factor. All neuter services should include blood work before surgery. Pain medication should be administered before and after the neuter to comfort your pet. Does the price include take home medication and the medical collar (to prevent them from licking the incision)? What about the anesthesia? Will a licensed veterinary technician assist your veterinarian before and after the neuter? How will your pet wake up after surgery?  What is done to monitor my pet during the neuter?

Make sure when price shopping you’re getting apples for apples. In other words, ask what is included in the price and let them show you the value.

Bottom line
Great clinics have an experienced staff of professionals dedicated to your pet’s health. They should be friendly, professional, and listen to you.