By Jon Dunkerley
Dog Flu has residents and vets worried
The dog flu is a flu that not all people still believe is actually a legitimate cause for concern, however residents living in Weld County beg to differ as they are home to a mini outbreak of the virus

The dog flu presents similarly to kennel cough, which is a common cough that dogs will get, however is not serious and can be treated easily. Because of its close ties to kennel cough, diagnosing dog flu can be tricky, but is necessary as the flu poses a much greater risk if left untreated.

Dr. Colin Combs is a Veterinarian working at West Ridge Animal Hospital and states that over the last month, he has seen numerous dogs with severe symptoms of kennel cough. “Some of them are so severe that we thought, ‘This is unusual,’ ” he said. “Dogs would come down with it really quickly, and usually it takes 10 days after exposure to come down with it.”

Blood from infected dogs was sent for analysis and what was thought is in actual fact the truth. Dog Flu is making its mark in the county, and due to the relatively new emergence of the virus there is no vaccine for it leading to 80% of dogs that come in contact with an infected animal also contracting the virus.

In West Ridge, steps to help curb the spreading of the virus are being taken. Dogs that visit the animal hospital there that present with a cough of any kind, are not allowed to wait in the waiting room for fear of their potential to have the dog flu, and are housed in exam rooms.

Elaine Hicks, the Director of the Weld County Humane Society states: “Our own dogs, who have had good vet care, can easily get the canine flu from us,” she said. “It’s about isolation, sanitation and medication.”

Treatment for the virus is limitted due to their being limitted knowledge of it. Antibiotics are given to help bring down the fever which will result, as well as to protect from secondary infections, fluids are administered to keep the dog hydrated, and rest with supervision is all that vets can offer at this time. Five to 8 percent of dogs that have the virus do end up dying from it, thus if your dog does present with any coughing or discharge from nose and or eyes, consult your veterinarian as soon a spossible.

via Dogflu.ca

One Response to “Dog Flu Alive and Well in Weld County”

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   March 29, 2006 at 1:37 am

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