CANINE INFLUENZA

The canine flu virus was first identified in 2004 in a group of greyhounds.  The news media has reported recent outbreaks in some kennels in the northeast.  Possibly because of all the concern surrounding the swine flu virus, this canine disease has gotten much more attention.  Dogs most at risk are those in a dense housing environment, such as large kennels or a pound.  There is a vaccine for the virus, but the canine flu usually causes only mild respiratory symptoms that clear with antibiotics.  Some dogs can get more ill, but this is unusual, and the mortality rate is very low.  Because we are not seeing the virus here, the vaccine has a short, unproven track record, and most dogs are not at risk for exposure, Katy Trail Animal Hospital is not recommending the vaccine at this time.