Canine Flu confirmed in the Capital District

Dear client,

This letter is to inform you of a serious and emerging condition in dogs (canines) and, in an attempt to protect as many dogs in our area as possible, it is going to all of our clients.  So, if you only have cats, please share the information with your friends with dogs.

As many of you are aware, recently there have been multiple veterinary practices in the area seeing patients with canine infectious respiratory disease (also known as CIRD and commonly called kennel cough).  CIRD is an extremely contagious disease, exposure and infection can occur up to a week or more before signs appear, and the disease often involves more than one organism.  Two components of CIRD are Bordetella bronchiseptica (often referred to as kennel cough) and canine influenza. 

Bordetella is also a concern for people as this pathogen shares similar DNA with the pathogen that causes whooping cough and has been documented as causing serious disease in humans.  Canine influenza can be difficult to diagnose since by the time clinical signs appear, the viral shedding is so low that a negative test may result.  Canine influenza cannot be distinguished between Bordetella without testing as the early signs are a similar dry, hacking cough.  If this cough doesn’t resolve quickly, pneumonia can follow.  With canine influenza, the resulting pneumonia can be much more serious and dangerous to the pet when compared to other types of pneumonia. 

Because of the serious nature of canine infectious respiratory disease and the recent cases in the capital district, 4 Paws Animal Hospital is modifying our vaccination protocol for respiratory disease protection for our canine patients based on the most current scientific evidence.  The protocol is listed below for your information and the entire team is trained in this disease and has a complete understanding of the complexities involved and can help you with all of your concerns.  As with all of our vaccines, there is a protection guarantee if the appropriate protocols are followed.

The attached protocols are recommended for all of our canine patients and are required for all dogs that will be admitted for boarding, grooming and surgery.  These vaccines need to be given prior to the day of check in.  If you know you will be scheduling boarding, grooming or surgery services for your pet, please go through your pet portal or call the office as soon as possible to schedule vaccination. 

If you have any questions about canine infectious respiratory disease or notice your dog coughing, please feel free to call or email us.

Sincerely,

 Lisa M. Wiggins, DVM                                                                        Maritza Batista, DVM