canineconcers

What Dog Owners Should Know About

Canine Influenza Virus (H3N8)

1. What is Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza is a newly emerging disease caused by a “flu” virus. In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness.

2. It’s highly CONTAGIOUS!

Just like human “flu”, canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected.

This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of the infection. Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.

Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe signs will occur, such as a high fever (104F - 106F) and pneumonia. A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.

3. Your dog CAN be PROTECTED!

Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine--the first of it’s kind was approved for use in the US.

LMAH now has the new H3N8 vaccine available!

The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 3 weeks apart, followed by an annual revaccination.

If your dog is presently being vaccinated for kennel cough (bordetella), it is a likely candidate for Canine Influenza Vaccine,H3N8.

Protect your pet, call our hospital and make an appointment today!

For more information, go to:

www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp

Leptospirosis Alert!

Protect your dog against this contagious and potentially fatal disease.

What is Leptospirosis?

It is a bacterial disease that can be found in most animals, including livestock (cattle, pigs and sheep) and wildlife (deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, rats and other rodents). The bacteria are passed via the urine into water sources, where they reside and reproduce.

Is This a Problem Where I Live?

Leptospirosis is prevalent in rural, suburban and urbanized areas. The bacteria can be present in any stagnant surface, water, moist soil and recreational water sources such as ponds and lakes. Additionally, natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes present an increased risk of exposure to this disease.

Can My Dog Get Leptospirosis?

Your dog can become infected with leptospirosis by drinking, swimming in or walking through contaminated water. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through a cut in the skin or through mucous membranes (such as eyes, nose or mouth).

Leptospirosis is a contagious disease and can be transmitted from dog to dog. In urban areas, infected dogs can transmit the disease to otherwise-low-risk dogs.

Exposure risk increases during the summer and early fall months, and other periods of high rainfall.

Can Cats Catch This Disease?

Although cats are potentially at risk for Leptospirosis, they appear to have natural resistance. For this reason, cats are not vaccinated for leptospirosis.

Can People Get Leptospirosis?

Yes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 200 human cases of leptospirosis a year are identified in the United States. While the disease is rarely fatal in humans, it can cause severe illness.

You may reduce disease risk by complying with the following preventative measures:

1. Vaccinate your dog and livestock.

2. Avoid water that might be contaminated with the bacteria, especially water that is stagnant.

3. Practice good sanitation, including washing you and your children’s hands—especially when handling anything that might have your dog’s urine on it.

4. If your occupation or lifestyle involves routine exposure to wildlife or standing water, wear protective clothing to avoid exposure.

Any dog and human is at risk to become infected. Even recreational activities like fishing or kayaking can potentially pose a risk.

How is Leptospirosis Diagnosed and Treated?

Your veterinarian is the best person to diagnose and treat leptospirosis because leptospirosis can look like many other diseases. It is a challenge to diagnose quickly and may require numerous blood and urine tests. The diagnostic process can be frustrating and costly.

To effectively treat leptospirosis, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of intravenious fluids and antibiotics, as well as other aggressive therapies.

To protect your dog from this potentially fatal disease, vaccination is key. By vaccinating your dog before exposure to the disease, you may avoid the emotional and financial trauma of dealing with this disease. Vaccines are affordable, convenient and safe. Talk to your veterinarian about which vaccine is best and how to incorporate it into your dog’s routine vaccination program.

Remember… Protection = Prevention!

Protect your dog with this affordable vaccination from LMAH!