Page 28 - Harnett Life Winter 2018

Understanding Your Pet

Dog By Dr. Jan Batker

of Lillington Veterinary Hospital

Flu??? What’s the scoop on the dog flu that has been in the

news this year? Although dogs have been subject to
upper respiratory disease infections such as kennel
cough (or Bordetella), distemper and parainfluenza,
the flu virus is a relatively new arrival to the list of
organisms that can infect dogs.

The most recent local outbreak is caused by a strain
first identified in the midwest, but originating in Asia.
It jumped from birds to dogs, possibly in the asian
meat markets, where infected birds were fed to dogs,
who in turn were sold for consumption. It is spread
through the air by infected secretions or droplets.

It may cause a serious illness characterized by a high
fever and problems breathing resulting in death.
Because OUR pet population has not been exposed
to this virus previously, all dogs and some cats are
susceptible.

Luckily, we do have a vaccine to prevent
infection and we should be using it in pa-
tients who are social-dogs that go to training
centers, shows, dog parks, daycare and
groomers.

The other flu strain is one first identified
in Florida that jumped from horses to grey
hounds probably fed infected horse meat.
Viruses that mutate like this wreak
havoc- the virus and the naive host fight each
other vigorously, and the new virus wins more
often in this scenario.

Talk to your vet about protection with the
latest vaccine that covers both flu viruses
along with the vaccine for kennel cough,
distemper and parainfluenza.

Page 28 ~ Your partner in care, Dr. Jan Batker