English Springer Rescue America - Texas - Veterinarian Partnership
Without the partnership and dedication of our veterinarians who generously care for our rescued springers, springer rescue could not do what we do. These talented veterinarians and their dedicated staff heal our sick and wounded springers. Among the many services that they provide for Springer Rescue is trauma care, spay and neuter, diagnose and treat a spectrum of diseases and problems related to neglect and/or abuse, give vaccinations and carefully take our dogs through the very difficult and scary process of eliminating heartworm disease. Vet care is the first important step down the path to a new - happy and healthy life for our dogs. We want to thank each and every one of our dedicated veterinarians and their staff for their perfect care, kindness, hard work and loving dedication to our dogs with the gift of endless Springer kisses from the lucky springers who come their way - and also a heart-felt thanks from grateful volunteers who realize, without you, our dream of rescuing springers could never happen.
OUR VETERINARIANS:
Atascazoo Animal Hospital
5910 E FM 1960 Suite 5
Humble TX 77346
Phone: (281) 852-8398
Bay Creek Animal Clinic
1236 East Main Street
League City, TX 77573-4157
Phone: (281) 332-3051
Galveston Veterinary Clinic
2108 61st Street
Galveston, TX,77551
409-744-5355
King Boulevard Animal Hospital Inc
Dr. Wilson, DVM
5701 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Houston, TX 77021
713.643.2673
Kingsland Boulevard Animal Clinic
20701 Kingsland Boulevard
Katy, TX 77450-2707
(281) 578-1506
Milwood Veterinary Clinic
Lisa Schroeder, DVM
12400 Amherst Drive #116
Austin, TX 78727
512-837-1821
WINROCK ANIMAL CLINIC
Dr. Pat Banks
6415 San Felipe Street
Houston, TX 77057-2724
(713) 785-5551
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Key Facts about Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
Questions & Answers
What is canine influenza (dog flu)?
Dog flu is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type A influenza virus referred to as a “canine influenza virus.” This is a disease of dogs, not of humans.
What is a canine influenza virus?
The “canine influenza virus” is an influenza A H3N8 influenza virus (not a human influenza virus) that was originally an equine (horse) influenza virus. This virus has spread to dogs and can now spread between dogs.
How long has canine influenza been around?
The H3N8 equine influenza virus has been known to exist in horses for more than 40 years. In 2004, however, cases of an unknown respiratory illness in dogs (initially greyhounds) were reported. An investigation showed that this respiratory illness was caused by the equine influenza A H3N8 virus. Scientists believe that this virus jumped species (from horses to dogs) and has now adapted to cause illness in dogs and spread efficiently among dogs. This is now considered a new dog-specific lineage of H3N8. In September of 2005, this virus was identified by experts as “a newly emerging pathogen in the dog population” in the United States.
What are the symptoms of this infection in dogs?
The symptoms of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose and fever, however, a small proportion of dogs can develop severe disease.
How serious is this infection in dogs?
The number of dogs infected with this disease that die is very small. Some dogs have asymptomatic infections (no symptoms), while some have severe infections. Severe illness is characterized by the onset of pneumonia. Although this is a relatively new cause of disease in dogs and nearly all dogs are susceptible to infection, about 80 percent of dogs will have a mild form of disease.
How does dog flu spread?
Canine influenza virus can be spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, by contact with contaminated objects, and by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. Therefore, dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to the virus. Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease.
Is there a test for canine influenza?
Testing to confirm canine influenza virus infection is available at veterinary diagnostic centers. The tests can be performed using respiratory secretions collected at the time of disease onset or using two blood samples; the first collected while the animal is sick and the second 2 to 3 weeks later.
How is canine influenza treated?
Treatment largely consists of supportive care. This helps the dog mount an immune response. In the milder form of the disease, this care may include medication to make your dog more comfortable and fluids to ensure that your dog remains well-hydrated. Broad spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
Yes, an approved vaccine is available.
What is the risk to humans from this virus?
To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people and there has not been a single reported case of human infection with the canine influenza virus. While this virus infects dogs and spreads between dogs, there is no evidence that this virus infects humans.
However, human infections with new influenza viruses (against which the human population has little immunity) would be concerning if they occurred. Influenza viruses are constantly changing and it is possible for a virus to change so that it could infect humans and spread easily between humans. Such a virus could represent a pandemic influenza threat. For this reason, CDC and its partners are monitoring the H3N8 influenza virus (as well as other animal influenza viruses) along with instances of possible human exposure to these viruses very closely. In general, however, canine influenza viruses are considered to pose a low threat to humans. As mentioned earlier, while these viruses are well established in horse and dog populations, there is no evidence of infection among humans with this virus.
My dog has a cough what should I do?
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so that they can evaluate your dog and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Where can I find more information on canine influenza virus?
More information on canine influenza in pet dogs can be found in this article: Influenza A Virus (H3N8) in Dogs with Respiratory Disease, Florida in Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/14/6/902.htm
Related Links
The following websites may provide additional information about particular animal diseases or conditions, or infection control practices: CDC Healthy Pets Healthy People - http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets
American Veterinary Medical Association Association of Shelter Veterinarians - http://www.avma.org