- posted: Aug. 06, 2018
Canine Influenza
Canine Influenza has been in the news lately….
It is a respiratory virus spread by coughing, sneezing, and secretions from the eyes. Dogs going to the groomers, boarding facilities, dog shows, etc are at increased risk. Clinical signs include coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, lethargy and decreased appetite/thirst.
Diagnosis is difficult because these are common signs of many diseases. Nasal swab testing is only moderately accurate, and blood testing requires multiple tests with 2-3 weeks between samples.
Treating Canine Influenza consists primarily of supportive care and sometimes antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Severely ill patients may need to be hospitalized.
There have been no confirmed cases in Tuscola County.
We are not routinely recommending the vaccine at this time.
However, we will be carrying the vaccine for those who will need it for boarding, grooming, or training. It will be given initially and repeated in 2-3 weeks.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-48096-474052--,00.html