Ames, Iowa. -- The first documented case of H1N1 influenza in a cat was confirmed Nov. 4 at Iowa State University's veterinary college. Prior to this diagnosis, the H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets. The 13-year-old cat tested positive for the H1N1 virus after it was taken to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, according to reports from the Iowa Department of Public Health. The confirmed diagnosis was achieved through collaboration between the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Center for Advanced Host Defenses, Immunobiotics and Translational Comparative Medicine, USDA, and IDALS Animal Industry Bureau. In a related briefing, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) reminded pet owners that some viruses can pass between people and animals. Owners should seek veterinary care when signs, symptoms occur, the association says in a prepared statement. AVMA says it is actively tracking cases of H1N1 in animals and posting updates on its website at www.avma.org.
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| H3N8 - CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS |
MEDICAL ALERT!
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a n H3N8, of the influenza A virus. The virus can survive in the environment on objects and on clothes up to 48 hours. It causes symptoms of cough, sneezing and nasal discharge ("runny nose"). 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. Most of the dogs exposed to the canine influenza virus become infected; about 80 percent develop a flu-like illness. 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. We recommend vaccinating dogs who stay/visit at boarding and training facilities, day care centers, dog parks and grooming facilities. Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk.
Although the vaccine may not prevent infection, vaccination reduces the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected are less likely to have severe symptoms and are not as contagious to other dogs. These benefits are similar to those provided by influenza vaccines used. It has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia. At this time, the canine influenza virus is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. Vaccine representatives now state that it is also prevalent in Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey.
We do encourage dogs who are at high risk (dogs who go to dog parks, boarding and training facilities, day care centers, and grooming) to consider this vaccine.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office at 410-420-6555 if you have additional questions or would like to make an appointment.
Dr. Esra and staff
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What does a dog in pain look like?
Your dog may never whimper or cry in pain. Your dog may still wag happily when you walk into the room. In fact, dogs frequently show pain from osteoarthritis in very subtle ways or even try to hide the joint pain from their human companions. Yet an estimated 20% of adult dogs suffer from osteoarthritis,* an extremely painful condition that affects a dog's joints. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs and can affect pets of all ages. Yet all too often, its early signs go unrecognized - even by the most attentive owners.
You are the person who best knows your dogs normal behavior. Here are a few signs of joint pain that may be caused by the early onset of osteoarthritis (OA):
§ Stiffness
§ Slower to rise
§ Reduced movement or willingness to play/reluctance or nipping when touched in a certain area
§ Reduced appetite
§ Excessive licking or biting at an area of the body
§ Altered sleeping pattern
Discuss these signs with Doctor Esra and her staff, they can assess whether osteoarthritis (OA) is causing your dog's discomfort.
Why is pain management so important?
No one wants to see a pet suffer from osteoarthritis. But pain control isn?t just about being humane. Pain can be harmful to your dog?s health, lengthen healing time and even cause problems with internal organs. While there?s no cure for canine osteoarthritis, the pain can and should be managed.
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