Q & A With Dr. Steen, DMV,  Director of General Practice, Alameda East Veterinary Hospital

Canine Influenza has been in the news lately and there's been much talk about it among dog lovers. "Lab Gab" interviewed Dr. Steen, our consulting veterinarian, to help us all be better informed:

Lab Gab: What is Canine Influenza?

Dr. Steen: Canine Influenza is a relatively new virus that infects dogs. It was first seen in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004 and has since spread throughout the country. This influenza virus is an H3N8 variant that has been present in racing horses for decades. The racing greyhounds that first contracted the disease were co-housed with race horses with the H3N8 Equine Influenza and the virus mutated in such a way that the dogs became infected.  Since that time it has spread to most states in the US.

Lab Gab: I've heard it's "endemic" in the Denver area and along the Front Range. What does that mean?

Dr. Steen: Colorado is one of five states where the flu is considered endemic, meaning it is always present in the state. No one is quite sure why the infection is endemic to Colorado but it may be due to the large number of dog lovers in the state, our active lifestyles or due, in part, to our climate.

Lab Gab: How is it different from "Kennel Cough"?

Dr. Steen: It is different from kennel cough in that it can become more severe, even fatal in rare instances. It is very much like comparing a common cold to the human flu in terms of how sick you feel and how long you are sick.

Lab Gab: How can my dog catch it?

Dr. Steen: Dogs get kennel cough from other dogs, usually from nose to nose contact. Dogs can spread respiratory infections up to 20 feet by sneezing and coughing. The virus can also remain viable on clothing for several hours.

Lab Gab: Is it contagious and for how long will my dog be contagious?

Dr. Steen: The incubation period is two to five days, meaning dogs become clinical two to five days after they have been exposed. Unfortunately, dogs can spread the virus during the incubation period so they look and act normal but are contagious to other dogs. Dogs are usually contagious for five to seven days following the onset of clinical signs but some may be contagious for up to two weeks.

Lab Gab: What are the symptoms?

Dr. Steen: Symptoms include coughing, lethargy, anorexia (loss of appetite), fever, nasal discharge and sneezing.
 

Lab Gab:  How should I take care of my dog if he gets sick?

Dr. Steen: If you suspect your dog has the flu you should call your veterinarian.  Most dogs with mild clinical signs can be treated at home with supportive care.  Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections but the virus itself has to run its course. Dogs with more severe clinical signs may need to be treated in the hospital. The most severe complication with the flu is a secondary bacterial pneumonia.

Lab Gab: Is it a serious illness?

Dr. Steen: We have only seen one fatality at Alameda East and we have treated several hundred cases.

Lab Gab: How long will it take for my dog to get well and not be contagious to other dogs?

Dr. Steen: Your dog should be quarantined for two weeks from the onset of clinical signs to be safe. Most dogs are not shedding within 5 days of the onset of clinical signs but there are individual dogs than may shed the virus for up to two weeks.

Lab Gab: Can I catch the flu from my dog? Can my cat?

Dr. Steen: The Canine Influenza Virus has not been diagnosed in humans or cats.

Lab Gab: Tell me a bit about the canine influenza shot that is available.  Should my dog get the vaccinations?

Dr. Steen: There is a new vaccine for the canine flu. It is a killed virus vaccine which means two things. First it is very safe, with very few reported side effects. Secondly, it does not produce sterile immunity, which means your dog could still contract the virus even if vaccinated. However, vaccinated dogs that contract the virus have fewer clinical symptoms, recover more quickly and do not shed as much virus. I would recommend this vaccine for the same population of dogs that get vaccinated for "kennel cough" - those that visit groomers, daycares, boarding facilities or that play with other dogs outside the home on a regular basis.

Lab Gab: In my volunteer work for Safe Harbor, I sometimes go into shelters or transport dogs from shelters that might have cases of canine influenza in their population. What can I do to minimize the risk of accidentally bringing home the "flu bug" to my own dogs?
 
Dr. Steen: To minimize the risk of spreading the virus to your own dogs, you should wash your hands and change your clothes after visiting the shelter.

Last spring Brendan's parents contacted Carl, a certified master dog trainer, about finding and training a service dog for their son who has seizures and physical instability.

After looking at eleven dogs, Carl chose Safe Harbor's Cosmo, a 2 year old, 80 pound Chocolate Lab, and Cosmo's training began. Carl's son, who is Brendan's age, assisted with the training.

Carl and Cosmo worked with the family at home and at Brendan's school, including fire drills! Cosmo learned that when he wears his stability harness he's working; when the harness is removed, Cosmo knows he can "kick back" and play with his toys.

Cosmo, happy, energetic, and loving, went to live with his new family in late summer and began accompanying fifth grader Brendan to his school in October.

Brendan said Cosmo "gives me more stability"; his Dad added "and independence." With a laugh, his mother said, "Now we have a second child!"

Thanks to "pup"-reporter and new Safe Harbor adopter, Ginny Smith, for conducting the interviews and writing this article.          - Editor

"I'm a big dog lover!" When Charlotte and her husband, Lloyd, were engaged, she told him she wanted a Beagle, but he came home one day with a black Lab puppy!

Their family now includes 13 year old Hannah, a yellow Lab, and 3 year old Bella, a black Lab called Monkey because of her curly tail. One foster dog at a time joins their pack.

This past July, Charlotte began fostering for SHLR; she also checks references, transports, facilitates adoptions, and keeps electronic files. All this on top of her work-from-home online supplement business.

Foster team leader, Mary, says Charlotte quickly grasps a dog's personality and needs and provides shy dogs with the care they need. She is "a great addition to SHLR!"

Thank you to new volunteer and graphic designer Heidi Pate for the beautiful new banners at the top of Lab Gab, starting with the November 2009 issue. This month's banner features Heidi's dogs. She contacted Safe Harbor and said she wanted a new buddy for her black lab, but definitely NOT a puppy. As you can see, she ended up with adorable puppy Grace, who is perfect match for Angus.

We invite readers to submit photos or quotes for future banners to labgab@safeharborlabrescue.org.