Twelve cases of Canine Influenza Virus H3N2 have been confirmed at the University of Florida, School of Veterinary Medicine within the last few weeks. The confirmed cases were among dogs in attendance at dog shows in Deland, Florida and Perry, Georgia.
This virus is highly contagious.
CLINICAL SIGNS INCLUDE: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge and lethargy ,and may last up to two weeks. Although clinical signs in most patients resolve, some cases progress to pneumonia.
The virus incubates after exposure, with clinical signs occurring within approximately 7 days. Affected dogs are considered contagious and shed the virus for up to 4 weeks.
Dr. Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD at the University of Florida, School of Veterinary Medicine believes that dogs in the state of Florida face an “imminent threat.” “There is substantial risk for exposure.” (Please see Dr. Crawford’s statement in the link below).
IS MY PET AT RISK?
Dogs at highest risk are those that attend dog shows, but the virus may also spread to other pets outside of the show community.
If you travel with your dog or if your dog attends doggie daycare or is kenneled there is an increased risk. Any routine contact that your dog has with other dogs puts him/her at risk.
AM I AT RISK?
The CIV H3N2 is not contagious to humans, although it can be contagious to cats!
PREVENTION
There is a vaccine available for the H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus. The vaccine will not prevent the disease completely, but will decrease morbidity/illness associated with the virus.
Ideally, the best prevention is a vaccination which is boosted three weeks after initial vaccination. The vaccine series should be completed two weeks prior to anticipated boarding.
SIDE EFFECTS AND IMMUNITY
Side effects of the CIV H3N2 vaccine are generally minimal. Vaccination is presumed to convey immunity for one year.
Please see the link below for more information on Canine Influenza Virus H3N2
http://hospitals.vetmed.ufl.edu/Canine-Influenza/
hattp://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/Canine-Influenza-strikes-southeast-another-outbreak
http://sowal.com/story/pets-smile-bright-at-kindness-pet-hospital
photograph courtesy of Sowal.com
photograph courtesy of Sowal.com
How about a COHAT??
What’s that ??
A Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. (COHAT) includes the following:
During your pet’s Dental procedure we evaluate the oral cavity for lesions or masses, perform full-mouth radiographs of all teeth and probe each tooth for excess depth and pocketing at the gum line, a common indication of bone disease.
The teeth are ultrasonically scaled to remove built-up plaque and calculus. If necessary, we perform root planing by hand to remove diseased tissue associated with periodontal disease.
We then polish the enamel on the teeth and apply a fluoride treatment.
Crown and root resorption with partial root ankylosis
Dr. Connor performs simple and surgical dental extractions utilizing flap procedures as necessary.
We are proud to offer Guided Tissue Regeneration. This procedure is utilized to grow bone. New bone growth can save teeth from extraction.
Remember bad breath is NOT NORMAL!! 75% of all dogs and cats display some form of periodontal disease by age 3!!
Call us to discuss your companion’s oral health. We are happy to help!!
Take a look at our new Gallery page!! On it you’ll see just a few of the photos we’ve taken of some special pets. We love our clients and their furry family members!! Please send us pictures of your pet, and we’ll post them. Send your photos to paws@kindnesspets30a.com We cant wait to see them!!
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads, unseen, beneath the gumline. As the disease progresses, it destroys the bone around the tooth roots leading to mobile, painful teeth.
At Kindness Pet Hospital, we take your companion’s oral health seriously. Just as poor oral health in humans correlates with systemic illness such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, the same is true for your pet.
Dr. Connor has a keen interest in veterinary dentistry. She will examine your companion’s mouth and make recommendations for home care and a thorough dental cleaning under general anesthesia, as indicated.
But why general anesthesia?
Check us out this story about us on www.Solwal.com!!
http://sowal.com/story/kindness-pet-hospital-offers-gold-standard-of-care
All photographs courtesy of Manny Chavez, Solwal.com.
Did you know that many local plants such as Lantana and Sago Palm are toxic to dogs? Several types of lilies (Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies) are rapidly fatal to cats.
Common foods that we eat daily such as: chocolate, raisins, grapes, Macadamia nuts, onions and Xylitol sweetener can also be harmful to your pet.
If your pet has ingested a toxic plant or food, please call Kindness, then call
The Pet Poison Helpline. This service is available 24/7.
Kindness Pet Hospital is proud to launch our new website and unveil a new logo! We hope you like our new look! Please visit our site often, as we are adding content daily!!
Our logo is based on a very important member of Dr. Connor’s family. The dog depicted in the logo was designed in memory of Dr. Connor’s Belgian sheepdog, Emmee. “Emmee was my constant companion before kids and throughout veterinary school. We were together all the time. I miss her so much, and think of her every time I look at our logo”.
Look here for information and topics of interest about your pet!!