Emerging Dog Disease Alert

A canine flu-like syndrome is sweeping the nation & has arrived in Arizona. Superficially it resembles the familiar canine kennel cough, but has an estimated fatality rate of 1-10%. Dozens of dogs have died from this virus across the country.

The emerging virus was detected in January 2004 when greyhounds at a Florida racetrack became sick & died. Since then greyhounds at tracks in Iowa, Massachusetts, Arizona, Texas West Virginia & Wisconsin have been affected.

The virus is from the H3N8 family and is genetically related to the Equine Influenza strain. It has been postulated that this virus may have jumped species & mutated.

There is no evidence that this virus poses any human threat, however this is not yet clear.

Canine flu has also affected kennel dogs as well as household pets. The virus is thought to be airborne, passed between dogs coming in contact with one another, or even passed from humans to dogs.

Diagnosis is difficult due to its similarity to kennel cough. No simple blood test is as yet available. Dogs have no immunity to the H3N8 virus, so it's likely that we will see more dogs sick with this disease.

Bottom line: If you go away this holiday season, it may be wise to get an in-home dog sitter, rather than risk kennel exposure. Also, take care at dog parks, & other places where dogs congregate. Avoid coughing dogs. It may be best to avoid such places until more is known about the virus.

In the meantime, it would be advisable to work on your dog's immune system. Vitamins & herbs can help build up your dog's ability to ward off such viruses. Contact your veterinarian for more information.

Links to Useful Information

An excellent article on Sub-Q fluids for Kitties

Information about the Arizona Humane Society & the Katrina Canines

About Dr. Kennaway

Dr. Virginia Kennaway has been the veterinarian at the Jerome Humane Society since its inception in 1992. She is a graduate of Washington State University's School of Veterinary Medicine (1987). Along with the spirit of her faithful cat China Ann, Dr. Kennaway makes the weekly trek to Jerome in her trusty red 4Runner braving rain, snow, fog & treacherous sunshine. Not to mention the steep, winding Jerome streets.

Dr. Kennaway advocates a holistic ("whole patient") approach to veterinary medicine. While much of her practice involves western veterinary techniques, Dr. Kennaway often supplements these with alternative treatment modalities, as appropriate for the patient & client. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine (both western & traditional Chinese), nutirition & chiropractic. She is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, & hopes to introduce acupuncture into her practice in the near future.

Dr. Kennaway treats most small animals, including birds, reptiles & "pocket pets".