Dear valued clients and patients of TOAH,
We have been advised by the Central Florida Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine that there has been a recent outbreak of canine influenza in Central Florida.
This email serves to provide you with the up to date resources and recommendations regarding Canine Influenza Virus.
H3N2 canine influenza virus (H3N2 CIV) is a very contagious influenza virus that infects dogs. This virus recently emerged in the US in 2015. It has already infected thousands of dogs in more than 30 states. H3N2 CIV has also infected cats but there is no evidence that it can infect people.
H3N2 CIV causes a respiratory infection in dogs that is also known as “dog flu.” Like most flu viruses, it is spread through the air and most pets do not have protection against this strain. No drugs are effective and the only treatment is supportive care.
Common symptoms include; sneezing, nasal discharge and frequent coughing.In addition, many dogs have a fever, decreased appetite, and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Some dogs have more serious complications and may develop pneumonia that requires hospital care. For cats, common symptoms are sneezing and have nasal discharge however, they do not usually cough. Any patients that need hospitalization will be referred to the University of Florida’s Veterinary Hospital.
At this time, we are recommending the Canine Influenza Vaccine for many of our patients. In general, this vaccination is recommended for those pets with an active social life. If your pet frequents boarding facilities, dog parks, groomers or pet shows, etc. please contact us to schedule an appointment for your pet to receive this vaccination. The first time your pet receives this vaccination, it will be a series of 2 (1 at the initial visit and then another in 2 weeks.) After that it is a yearly booster that will be a part of your dog’s normal vaccination regimen.
There are many respiratory viruses out there and the only way to determine if your pet has the H3N2 CIV, is with specific diagnostic testing through our reference laboratory.
In the event that your dog is suspected to have canine influenza, please contact us immediately to schedule an appointment. When you arrive at our hospital for an appointment, please stay in the car and call the receptionist to notify them of your arrival. Do not enter the hospital without permission from the staff please.
As always, please contact us for any questions or concerns.
You may email us at reception1@tuscawillaoaksah.com or call 407-678-8387
For a complete Pet Owner Guide to H3N2 please click here.
For more information on the H3N2, and how to keep your pet safe and healthy, please use the following scholarly sources:
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/CanineInfluenza.aspx
http://hospitals.vetmed.ufl.edu/canine-influenza/
Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff of Tuscawilla Oaks Animal Hospital
