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CANINE FLU (H3N8)
This information is summarized from a American Veterinary Medical Association website.
Click here for the original information.
What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs
that is caused by a virus.
Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the canine influenza virus:
a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia.
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About the mild form —
Dogs suffering with the mild form of canine influenza develop a soft, moist cough
that persists for 10 to 30 days.
Some dogs have a dry cough similar to the "kennel cough"
caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus complex.
For this reason, canine influenza virus infections are frequently mistaken for
"kennel cough."
Dogs with the mild form of influenza may also have a thick nasal discharge,
which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection.
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About the severe form —
Dogs with the severe form of canine influenza develop high fevers
(104°F to 106°F) and have clinical signs of pneumonia,
such as increased respiratory rates and effort.
Pneumonia may be due to a secondary bacterial infection.
How is a dog with canine influenza treated?
As with any disease caused by a virus, treatment is largely supportive.
Good animal care practices and nutrition assist dogs in mounting an
effective immune response.
In the milder form of the disease, a thick green nasal discharge,
which most likely represents a secondary bacterial infection,
usually resolves quickly after treatment with a broad-spectrum bactericidal antimicrobial.
In the more severe form of the disease,
pneumonia is thought to often be caused by bacterial superinfection,
and responds best to hydration (sometimes via intravenous administration of fluids) and
a broad-spectrum bactericidal antimicrobial.
Is canine influenza virus transmissible from dogs to humans?
To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people.
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