Canine Influenza
By Dr. David Rabkin, Maplewood Animal Hospital
Canine Influenza is a highly contagious virus which is now considered part of the disease complex that constitutes canine kennel cough – along with bordetella, parainfluenza, canine herpes virus, mycoplasma, and other organisms.
Influenza is caused by an H3N8 influenza virus. It was first recognized in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004, and has been dated back to 1999. Canine Influenza may cause two different syndromes. The first, and most common form, is a mild upper respiratory infection, with the dog displaying a cough and mild to moderate upper airway congestion. The more severe, less common form produces pneumonia, accompanied by severe lethargy and fever. The fatality rate of this more severe form may approach 5%, and is in part determined by several factors. These include overcrowding, poor ventilation, increased stress and nutrition. Treatment is supportive, using antibiotics when indicated. Prevention involves maintaining a clean, antiseptic environment. A vaccine is available for those dogs at high risk. At present canine influenza has been identified in more than 25 states.
