CANINE INFLUENZA

Since 2004, there have been numerous reports of canine flu outbreaks in shelters, kennels, and veterinary clinics. Some of these outbreaks were traced back to just one sick dog that spread the virus throughout the facility and infected many other dogs. The disease is 100% infectious, which means that every dog that comes in contact with the virus will get the canine flu.

Clinical signs can vary from a lasting cough, low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, and loss of appetite in 80% of the infected patients, to high fever (104F - 106F), pneumonia, and even mortality. Just like for the human counterparts, testing is available but can lead to falsely negative results depending on when it is performed.

Until recently, there was no vaccine available for this disease. We are proud to be one of the first veterinary hospitals in Volusia County to now have the new canine influenza vaccine. This has been proven to be over 99% safe with no vaccine reactions reported when administer by itself or with other shots.

Due to the extremely infectious nature of the canine influenza virus (H3N8), we now require all boarding and hospitalized patients to have this safe vaccination prior to staying with us. This measure is being taken for the safety of all our canine patients. For a limited time, all of our current canine patients that are healthy and up to date on all other shots will not be charged a Wellness Visit fee to administer the canine influenza vaccine and the booster 2 weeks later.

KEY POINTS ON CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS (H3N8):
It only infects dogs, people and other species are currently not at risk.
It is 100% infectious to dogs.
It is highly contagious.
It is non-seasonal.
Signs of infection vary from mild to severe and in a few cases may lead to mortality.
The virus will survive on clothing for up to 12 hours and on concrete for up to 48 hours.

KEY POINTS ABOUT THE CANINE INFLUENZA VACCINE:
It protects against severe disease and decreases shedding of the virus.
The vaccine is FDA approved, very safe, and no side effects have been reported so far.
It is now required for all canine patients staying in our hospital.
A booster is given 2-4 weeks after the first shot and then annually.

In an effort to stress the importance of education and protection against this new emerging virus, we are waiving the Wellness Evaluation fee for this vaccination until October 31, 2009. Please stop buy anytime to get more information on canine influenza and schedule an appointment for this important, safe, and inexpensive vaccination.