Home > Out of the Cage! > October 2005 > The Vet's Corner: What You Should Know About Canine Influenza Virus in NYC

The Vet's Corner

What You Should Know About Canine Influenza Virus in NYC

by Dr. Daniel Lauridia, Murray Hill Pet Hospital

According to the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University, canine influenza virus, or "canine flu," is present in New York City. A number of Manhattan veterinary hospitals have had dogs test positive for the virus.

This highly contagious pathogen is relatively new in our dog population. It was first identified in racing greyhounds in 2004 and has been a problem for the last couple of years. This past spring, the virus was identified in companion dog populations in Florida shelters, humane societies, and veterinary clinics. It is spread directly by viral infected respiratory droplets, as well as from contaminated inanimate objects, or fomites. The incubation period is two to five days from exposure until the first clinical signs appear. Unfortunately, not all dogs will display clinical signs when first infected with this virus and they can silently spread the virus to other dogs.

All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection. There is variability in clinical signs. Two clinical forms are recognized, one somewhat mild and the other more severe. In the milder form, which occurs most frequently, coughing (dry or moist) is the most common sign, and may persist for up to 21 days despite therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants. These dogs also may display purulent (containing pus) nasal discharge and a low-grade fever.

Some dogs may develop a more severe form of the disease with clinical signs of pneumonia, such as fevers ranging from 104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit and increased respiratory rate and effort. The reported fatality rate so far is low, at 1 to 5 percent.

Current treatment recommendations for infected dogs consist of broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care with nutrition and fluid therapy. Since there is not a vaccine for this virus as of yet, dog owners/guardians should make sure their dogs' preventative care is up to date so that they will be as strong and healthy as possible. A healthy dog will have an easier time recovering from the virus than one with a weakened immune system. Preventative care includes keeping current with yearly vaccines, scheduling regular health visits, maintaining heartworm and gastrointestinal parasite prevention, and having blood work checked in senior dogs.

Researchers are currently working on a vaccine to help protect dogs from the canine influenza virus. In the meantime, dog owners/guardians and professionals should do everything they can to help prevent the virus from spreading. If you suspect your dog has the virus, contact your veterinarian and make an appointment to have the dog checked. Please make sure to tell the vet's office that you suspect your dog has the virus so they can make sure your dog will not be exposed to any other dogs during the visit.

Daniel Lauridia, DVM, is a graduate of Cornell University Veterinary College. "Dr. Dan" is owner and veterinary practitioner at the Murray Hill Pet Hospital located at 47 East 30th Street in Manhattan. Dr. Dan enjoys volunteering for the Mayor's Alliance doing microchipping at adoption events. He has been working to assist both the Mayor's Alliance and City Critters in their efforts to help rescues. Dr. Lauridia holds memberships in the American Veterinary Medical Association, New York State Veterinary Medical Society, Veterinary Medical Association of New York City, and New York City Veterinary Emergency Response Team. He is a member of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), and the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association.

Note: The Mayor's Alliance would like readers to use "The Vet's Corner" as a guide. All information found in this column has been written by and/or approved by a licensed veterinarian. However, we strongly encourage you to check with your own veterinarian before administering any information you get from any publication. And always contact your own vet immediately should you feel that your companion animal may be sick or injured.

If you have a veterinary question or topic you'd like to see addressed in this newsletter, please e-mail it to us at info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.