Canine Flu or Influenza

An increasing number of dogs have been diagnosed with canine influenza, a respiratory pathogen. Originally seen in Racing Greyhounds, the virus mutated from an equine strain of influenza and is highly contagious. The virus causes an acute respiratory infection that is characterized by signs that mimic kennel cough but is more serious and requires veterinary medical attention.

Canine influenza cases have been reported in dogs throughout the U.S. and Canada. Confirmed cases have involved dogs from shelters, humane societies, boarding facilities and veterinary clinics.

Because canine influenza is a newly-emerging disease, all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no naturally-acquired or vaccine-induced immunity. Nearly 100 percent of exposed dogs will become infected and about 80 percent will exhibit clinical signs.

Clinical Signs
There are two general clinical syndromes, a mild syndrome and a more severe pneumonia syndrome. Most dogs will experience the mild syndrome, with signs similar to kennel cough, such as a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Dogs may also have nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. Dogs that develop a more severe pneumonia syndrome may have a high-grade fever and increased respiratory rate and effort.

Fatality Rate
The mortality rate is believed to be low, between one and eight percent. The mortality rate can be higher in immuno-suppressed dogs and very young and old dogs.

Incubation/Shedding Period
Clinical signs may appear two to five days after exposure and infected dogs may shed the virus for seven to 10 days after the first day they exhibit clinical signs. About 20 percent of infected dogs will not show clinical signs but are still able to spread the infection.

Transmission
The virus is spread by respiratory secretions, contaminated objects and by people moving back and forth between infected and uninfected dogs.

Diagnosis
Nasal swabs and serology tests may diagnose the flu. Diagnostic tests will detect antibodies to the canine influenza virus, which may be identified around seven days after the onset of clinical signs.

Treatment
Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD., who studies canine influenza at the University of Florida, recommends that veterinarians prescribe a combination of wide-spectrum antibiotics if a secondary, bacterial infection occurs. In the more severe syndrome, dogs with pneumonia may develop a secondary bacterial infection that may respond to a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics and intravenous fluid therapy.

Prevention
The virus is most likely killed by routine disinfectants, such as ammoniums and 10 percent bleach, so good housekeeping practices may reduce the likelihood and rate of transmission. It would also be advisable to avoid locations housing large numbers of dogs.

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