Lost amid the concern over the H1N1 swine flu outbreak, another disease has mostly missed Oklahoma; a disease that strikes patients who can’t tell you they’re sick.
Canine influenza is known to scientists as H3N8, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Web site. The first outbreak was recorded in January 2004 at a greyhound racing track. Since then, outbreaks have been recorded in 11 states, but not Oklahoma.
Dr. Doug Aldridge at Westwood Veterinary Hospital said that of the 25 canine blood samples sent to the Cornell Diagnostic Lab in New York, only one came back positive for the virus.
“It’s not a common disease,” Aldridge said. “I’ve never seen anything recognized as that.”
Dr. Cade Wilson of the Carter County Animal Hospital said that even if a dog came into his office with canine influenza, it may be seen and treated before a diagnosis is even made.
“If it’s a mild case, a lot of viruses don’t even need antibiotics unless they have secondary infections,” Wilson said.
The association’s Web site says that the mild form of the virus causes a soft, moist cough, often confused with “kennel cough,” a malady common in kennels and animal shelters.
Dogs with the mild form may also have a runny nose. The severe cases show high fevers and symptoms similar to pneumonia. The fatality rate for canine influenza has been reported at a low 5 to 8 percent.
Wilson said that most dog owners decide to skip expensive tests and go right to treating their dogs, so many dogs could have had the virus and their owners would never know. “You know it’s viral, it’s in the upper respiratory, and you treat it, but you don’t get a diagnosis,” Wilson said.
Wilson said that as of right now, the virus can not be transmitted to humans. However, humans can carry the virus from dog to dog on their clothing, or through other environmental factors.
Both Wilson and Aldridge said the best way to protect your dog from canine influenza is good dog care, and staying up to date with its shots.
“I think they should be on the lookout,” Wilson said.
“Make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your dog. I don’t think we’ll have an epidemic, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Phil Banker 221-6542
phil.banker@ardmoreite.com
