Last Saturday we notices that Marshall, the new guy (7 month old Dalmatian puppy) was not feeling well. He had a runny nose (think snotty nose to be more exact) and a nasty cough. Because Marshall is new to our family, we assumed these symptoms were due to the vaccine he had received a week earlier for ‘Kennel Cough’ and expected that by Sunday morning we’d again have a happy and playful puppy. Unfortunately, on Sunday he seemed worse and we added lethargy as a symptom. On Monday morning he was no better, and we could add fever to the symptoms (he was warm to the touch). So, at 8:30, when the vets office opened, we called for an appointment.
What we discovered is that Marshall probably has H3N3, also known as the canine influenza. Like influenza viruses in other species, canine influenza virus causes a flu-like illness consisting of cough, sneezing and nasal discharge (“runny nose”). Fever can also occur, but it is usually transient and rarely noticed by pet owners. There are no clinical signs that distinguish canine influenza from other respiratory infections. That is why diagnostic tests must be performed to determine the cause of respiratory infections in dogs (see below).
Virtually all dogs exposed to the canine influenza virus become infected; about 80 percent develop a flu-like illness, while another 20 percent do not become ill. Fortunately, most dogs recover within two weeks without any further health complications. However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections.
While the death rate for canine influenza is very low, the secondary pneumonia can be life-threatening in some cases. There is no evidence that dogs of particular age or breed are more susceptible to developing pneumonia from canine influenza.
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.
Marshall is feeling better today, Tuesday after an injection of antibiotics and two doses of antibiotics (one with supper last night and one with breakfast this morning). Yesterday, he was happy to be quarantined from Wrigley (the rest was good for him) but today he is feeling better and wants to rejoin the family. We keep telling him soon!!
