Canine Influenza

There are now veterinarian advisories out concerning Canine Influenza. Please do not panic, and do not assume that every cough is Canine Influenza. Kennel Cough from Parainfluenza and Bordetella is more common. However, the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell is interested in receiving samples from dogs that appear to have kennel cough.

Clinical Signs:  

Since this is a new pathogen in dogs, there is currently no natural immunity present in the unexposed canine population. Almost all exposed dogs will become infected, and nearly 80% have clinical signs.  In the mild form the dogs will have a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days. The cough may be soft and moist or dry.  Many dogs will have a nasal discharge from a secondary bacterial infection and low grade fever. The nasal discharge responds to broad spectrum antibiotics.

In the severe form with pneumonia there is a high fever (104 -106 F) and respiratory difficulties.  X-rays may show consolidation. These dogs often have secondary bacterial infections and have responded to broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care including intravenous hydration.

The incubation period is two to five days and dogs may shed virus for seven to 10 days.  The disease can spread rapidly throughout a boarding kennel.  Dogs that are coughing should not be brought to Shows or Performance Events.

From NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell.

Canine Influenza Virus Detected in Dogs in New York State

The Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell has reason to believe that canine influenza virus is now present in the New York City area.  Reports have been received indicating an unusual form of "kennel cough" has been seen in a number of veterinary practices.  Six animals recovering from this clinical presentation are all serologically positive for canine influenza virus.  Previous tests of New York State dogs have all been negative.

Canine influenza virus is a relatively new finding in dogs.  It was first identified in racing greyhounds and this virus appears to have been the cause of significant respiratory problems on the tracks throughout the US for the last 5-6 years.  The Virology Lab at Cornell isolated the first influenza virus from an animal that died from the infection.  The virus was sequenced at CDC and was found to be closely related to equine influenza virus.  Evidence of infection of non-greyhounds by influenza virus has been found in Florida for the past year.

A key factor in defining the significance of this infection in dogs is to obtain additional isolates so that sequencing can be done to determine whether the virus is evolving in the dog.  We are requesting assistance in this endeavor from practitioners that have respiratory cases in dogs >1 year of age.  Samples that we need are pharyngeal swabs taken from dogs at the onset of clinical signs (fevers of 39.5 to 41.5oC, a soft, gagging cough for 10 to14 days). Samples for virus isolation taken late in the infection will not be useful for virus isolation. Swabs should be placed in a sterile tube (red top vacutainer for example) with 5-6 drops of sterile saline.  Do not place swabs in bacterial transport medium.  Ship samples overnight on ice packs. Samples will initially be screened by PCR for influenza virus.  Positive samples will be processed for virus isolation.  There will be no charge for the influenza screening at this time.

Acute and convalescent serum samples will also be helpful to define the extent of the infection in dogs.  If one has cases of dogs that have recovered, a single serum sample can be used to determine exposure.Should animals die of a respiratory infection, fresh and fixed tissue can be submitted for influenza virus screening.

Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to:

Dr. Edward Dubovi
Director-Virology Lab
ejd5@cornell.edu

Samples should be shipped to:

Animal Health Diagnostic Center
College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell
Upper Tower Road
Ithaca, NY 14853

From:

David M. Chico, V.M.D.
Division of Animal Industry
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
10B Airline Drive
Albany, NY  12235-0001
518-457-3502
David.Chico@agmkt.state.ny.us

***Disclaimer***

Any information contained on this site relating to various medical, health, and fitness conditions of Westies and their treatment is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a Westie's health - you should always consult your own veterinarian.

Home/ Breed Information/ WHWTCA Information/ Team Westie/
National Westie Rescue/ Health & Behavior/ Regional Westie Clubs/
Activities for You and Your Westie/ Links/ Sponsors/ Site Map


© The West Highland White Terrier Club of America