Dog flu, parvo mean humbug for pets

[Hannibal]

By DIANE MATTINGLY/Turret Associate Editor

Many people think of their pets as members of their family, so they want to take all available precautions when it comes to the health of their furry friends.

Protecting against canine influenza, also called dog flu, can be as simple as ensuring good protection control practices are in place.
Dog flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. It is closely related to the equine influenza virus, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, but there is no evidence of transmission of the virus from dogs to other animal species, or from dogs to people.
The virus, for which there is no vaccine, is spread through contaminated inanimate objects, aerosolized respiratory secretions, and between people moving between infected and uninfected dogs, according to the AVMA. Reported cases have occurred in animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, pet stores, boarding kennels, and veterinary clinics. The first recognized outbreak in the world is believed to have occurred at a racing track for greyhounds in Florida in January 2004.

Capt. Julie Irwin, who is in charge of the Fort Knox Veterinary Section, said the virus is spread similar to the common cold in people.

“It looks very similar to traditional kennel cough,” she said. “The difference is how it progresses.”

Irwin added that to date there has not been a problem on post with the disease.

Symptoms of the disease include a slightly elevated temperature, green nasal discharge, and possibly discharge from the eyes, Irwin said.
If the dog has a fever, acts depressed, or has discharge from the eyes or nose, it should be seen quickly by a veterinarian, she said.

Dogs in group settings are more susceptible to the disease, Irwin said, and unless necessary, she suggested not taking dogs to where large gatherings of dogs are found, including dog parks.

Most dogs that become infected experience a mild form of influenza, and suffer from a soft, moist cough that persists for 10 to 30 days, according to the AVMA. Because the cough is similar to kennel cough, it may be misdiagnosed.

Dogs that develop the more acute disease will suffer from high fever and show signs of pneumonia, such as increased respiratory rates and effort. Virtually all dogs that come in contact with the disease become infected, reports the AVMA, but the fatality rate (5-8 percent) is low. Dogs that die, usually the old and young, have weak immune systems.

Irwin said the disease is treated with IV fluids to control the fever and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

“The dogs that die from this disease (do so) usually from a bacterial pneumonia which can occur very acutely over only a few hours,” she said.
Irwin added that with proper veterinary care, the disease is very survivable.

If a dog must be boarded, or if it will be in a facility frequented by other dogs, ask whether the facility has a plan for isolating dogs that develop respiratory disease, and for notifying owners if their dog has been exposed to dogs with respiratory diseases. If good infection control procedures are in place, according to the AVMA, dog owners should not be overly concerned about putting their dogs in a facility.

Parvo:

Parvo, a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the dog’s intestinal tract, white blood cells, and sometimes the heart muscle, can also be controlled by preventive measures, according to Capt. David Cox, who is in charge of the Fort Knox Veterinary Branch.

The disease, like dog flu, is found in places frequented by dogs. The more dogs, the more likely the problem, according to Cox, and residential housing areas where there are a lot of dogs can be a problem.
The disease, which was first diagnosed in 1978, is spread through fecal waste from infected dogs and can survive for long periods of time, according to the AVMA. Cox added that the virus can survive for more than a year in the soil. It can only be transmitted to dogs and other canids, but it can be carried to dogs by other animals and people, according to the AVMA.

Lethargy, vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea with an especially foul odor are signs of the disease, Cox said, which is treated with IV fluids and antibiotics. Most dogs will survive the disease if treated, he said, and if not treated, they will die.

“Young dogs, of all breeds, are most susceptible,” Cox said. “Adult dogs very rarely get the disease. There is some anecdotal evidence that pit bulls and rottweillers are more susceptible as breeds.”

The Canine Parvo Virus vaccination is the most effective method of prevention, Cox said. Fort Knox regulation requires dogs living on post to be registered, he said, and proof of a current parvo vaccination is required when registering. He added that keeping puppies indoors or away from other dogs until they are at least four months old and have had a series of at least three parvo vaccines will aid in protection.