Companion Pet Gazette Newsletter
Companion Pet Gazette
Companion Pet Care Clinic’s Newsletter
- Summer Edition
July Volume 4
* What’s wagging?
We are moving!!!! The owner of our current building wishes to sell. Come October 1st we will be in our new location at 1236 W. Main Street, Salem, VA. It is the old location for Hair Design & Cardinal Bicycle Shop, between Pizza Hut & Awful Arthur’s. After some slight remodeling, we will actually have more space than our current location. It will feature an upstairs cat only boarding room with grand windows for our feline guests to enjoy. The dogs will delight in the back porch for play romps & the covered fenced back area for lounging & enjoying the day! We will be open at our current location until October. Our phone number & web site will remain the same. Once we get settled, keep a look out for our (to be scheduled) Open House or drop by & take a tour.
Congratulations to Joey Yanosky & Jenna Begley for graduating from SalemHigh School last month. Joey has worked for us since he was 14 years old! He will be attending school in Louisiana this fall. Jenna has been accepted into the culinary arts school at Virginia Western. Bon appetit!!
* Pet Armor ordered seized by US court
U.S. District Court rules Cipla, Velcera's veterinary flea spot-on, violated Merial patents on Frontline; orders seizure. June 30, 2011 DVM NEWSMAGAZINE
Macon, Ga. – A U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia ruled that sales of Pet Armor™ Plus by Cipla Ltd. and Velcera Inc. infringed on Merial's patents covering its flea-and-tick product FRONTLINE Plus®.
In fact, the court barred the two companies from further sales of Pet Armor Plus in the United States and ordered the seizure of existing inventory starting in the next 60 days.
Cipla vowed today to appeal the decision, according to reports.
However, U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land found Cipla in contempt of a March 6, 2008 order prohibiting the company from infringing on Merial's patents.
The court ruled that both pet-health companies were aware that their sales of Pet Armor™ Plus products infringed Merial's patent and barred those two companies from further sales of these products in the United States.
According to Land’s decision, “The court orders Cipla and Velcera to produce to Merial for destruction all inventory existing in the United States of any veterinary products manufactured by Cipla that contain fipronil and methoprene, including but not limited to the veterinary products that contain fipronil and methoprene sold under the brand names Protektor Plus, Pet Armor Plus, TrustGard Plus and Velcera Fipronil Plus."
In addition, Land said he would conduct a hearing regarding damages and monetary sanctions that may be appropriate "based on Velcera and Cipla’s violation of the court's order." The hearing will be to determine an award to Merial for damages relating "to all sales committed in violation of the court's order."
"We are pleased that the court recognized the 'contumacious' nature of Velcera and Cipla's conduct and prevented them from further violating Merial's intellectual property rights," says Merial Executive Chairman José Barella in a prepared statement. "Merial has invested considerable time and resources developing its flagship FRONTLINE Plus® products, and is confident that JudgeLand's well-reasoned order will be affirmed. Merial is committed to continuing its support of the veterinary profession and will continue to vigorously enforce its patents covering FRONTLINE Plus® products."
* Welcome to “The Notebook”
The notebook is the community gathering place for news and tidbits from So Salem, by community journalist Miranda Beck. You'll be able to find the most up-to-date news, events and stories in Salem, Glenvar and western RoanokeCounty here at this blog.
And please join in! You can share your comments, stories, links and ideas here, too. This is your community conversation.
numbers at the salem shelter are up
Numbers at the Salem Animal Shelter are up
Between January 1 and June 28 of this year, 229 dogs and cats were relinquished to the City of Salem Animal Shelter. That’s 29 more than were surrendered during that same time span in 2010, and 71 more than 2009.
“A big [reason] is they just can’t afford to take care of them anymore,” said shelter director Rebecca Custer. “We try to go over their situation to prevent them having to give up their pets.”
Sometimes they call veterinarians for second opinions or to ask about alternative medications or treatments. They’ve been known to negotiate weight limits with landlords, too. If it’s a behavioral issue, some local dog trainers offer discounts to folks who adopt through the Salem shelter.
There’s even a low cost spay and neuter clinic, Mountain View Humane in Christiansburg, that routinely picks up creatures at the Salem Animal Shelter for operations in the morning and brings them back home later in the day.
“You don’t have to be embarrassed” to ask for help, she said. “We really don’t want to take your animals. We want to keep them in your home.”
Salem has nine stray dog cages and 15 cages for dog adoption. They have 20 stray cat cages and 16 cages for cat adoption. As of Tuesday, June 28, they were all full. When those fill up, the dog or cat that’s been at the shelter the longest is up for euthanization next in order to make room for incoming adoptees.
Facebook and Salem’s cable channel 17 have been a big help in finding homes for creatures that have been at the shelter the longest, Custer said, and she hopes to add more photos and video to entice future pet parents to come by and adopt.
The shelter is hoping that two new projects will give its animals more much-needed attention.
-Salem’s dog park, a project funded by the public, is in the works to be open later this summer or fall. It’s adjacent to the Salem Animal Shelter on Indiana Street and the pound puppies will be able to play there.
-A volunteer program for the Salem Animal Shelter is in the works. To get on the list, call the shelter at 375-3038 and provide your name and phone number.
The cost to adopt at Salem’s shelter is $30, and the city offers $28 coupons to city of Salem residents towards the spay/neuter of any unfixed pet.
For more information, visit www.salempets.orgor find them on Facebook at “City of Salem Animal Shelter”
* Rabid raccoon caught at Roanoke County's Green Hill Park
By Sheila Ellis | The Roanoke Times
A rabid raccoon found this week in RoanokeCounty's GreenHillPark was infected with rabies, the seventh confirmed rabid animal in the county this year, authorities said today.
A person walking dogs in the park reported a raccoon behaving strangely on Wednesday. The animal was picked up by Roanoke County Animal Control and tested for rabies, the Virginia Department of Health said in a statement.
The health department said the rabid raccoon had no direct contact with humans or domestic animals.
This year in RoanokeCounty, the health department has recorded four foxes, one groundhog and two raccoons with rabies. In Roanoke, one cat, three raccoons and one skunk have been confirmed with rabies.
Authorities asked anyone who knows of direct contact between the GreenHillPark raccoon and any person or domestic animal to call the health department at 540-204-9775 or Roanoke County Animal Control at 540-562-3265.
A person walking dogs in the park reported a raccoon behaving strangely on Wednesday. The animal was picked up by Roanoke County Animal Control and tested for rabies, the Virginia Department of Health said in a statement.
The health department said the rabid raccoon had no direct contact with humans or domestic animals.
This year in RoanokeCounty, the health department has recorded four foxes, one groundhog and two raccoons with rabies. In Roanoke, one cat, three raccoons and one skunk have been confirmed with rabies.
Authorities asked anyone who knows of direct contact between the GreenHillPark raccoon and any person or domestic animal to call the health department at 540-204-9775 or Roanoke County Animal Control at 540-562-3265.
- Spring Newsletter
May Volume 3
We have exciting news!
- Our website has been updated & improved! Check it out for yourself.
- We welcome a new veterinary assistant, Whitney Keaton
- We’re offering a new powerful veterinary over the counter & prescription medication service called Vetsource®
First, welcome Whitney Keaton to our family! She is our new veterinary assistant. She grew up in Lakeland, Florida but came to us from Indiana after moving a few years ago. We are so glad she has relocated to Virginia! She is learning SO fast and is wonderful with all of our patients. In her spare time, Whitney teaches children’s church at Bethel Assemble of God. Join me in welcoming her and her husband, Daniel to the area and our clinic.
Secondly, I would like to introduce VetSource® home delivery. It is an easy-to-use service that saves you time by delivering all your pet's needs right to your door. Being a small clinic, it is hard to keep all of the products I would like to on the shelf. It is also difficult to judge how much product we will use monthly & we have run out of things like Frontline Plus. This service allows us to offer almost ALL veterinary products without having the expense of keeping it on the shelf & potentially expiring. Furthermore, it gives us BUYING POWER to compete with the on-line catalog prices. In essence it gives you access to more products through our hospital at pricing lower prices. ALL of the manufacture’s warranties are intact since you have purchased them through a veterinary clinic. Other on-line locations will reimburse you the cost of the product, but all of the manufacture’s warranties are void. If you have any questions, please give us a call at the office or follow the link at the end of the following information. Here is a link to directly to their website: Vetsource
Program Overview
Introducing VetSource® home delivery, the easy-to-use service that saves you time by delivering all your pet's needs right to your door.
ï?· Medications
ï?· Prescriptions
ï?· Hill's & Purina® Pet Nutrition products
VetSource® home delivery works in 3 simple steps that fit your life:
|
Place your order from home through your veterinarian's website or see their hospital staff.
|
|
Your veterinarian will approve your order.
|
|
Products arrive on time, right to your door.
Advantages
Home delivery with a focus on your success!
Convenience! 24/7 online access to the products endorsed by your Veterinarian. Making it easier than ever to follow your veterinarian's recommendations with a customized reminder service, special packaging, and our auto refill program. Authentic products. Competitive prices. Additional savings available through auto refill. Purchase the complete line of Hill's Science Diet , Nature's Best and Hill's Prescription Diet products. Reliable delivery to your front door. |
Features
It is easy enough to forget your own medications, much less your pet's flea and tick once a month!
Now your veterinarian is able to offer you additional resources to help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Now your veterinarian is able to offer you additional resources to help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Reminder Services
Our system works seamlessly with your veterinarian's office to send you reminders for appointments, refills, or about other services your pet needs. VetSource also sends dosage and use instructions, drug interaction warnings, and any other reminders your veterinarian deems useful.
Reminders are available by phone or e-mail, whatever fits your lifestyle best.
Auto Refill Program
Auto refill is designed to help keep your pet healthy through automated, reliable deliveries. Your pet's products will be delivered directly to your door at the frequency you choose. Weekly, every two weeks, monthly or even every six months . . . you decide and we do the rest.
Auto refill service is just a few clicks away.
Go to your hospital's website and choose your product.
Click on Auto Refill and select the delivery frequency your pet needs.
Complete placing your order and you are done!
Simple and reliable explains it all.
When will I receive my first shipment?
During the sign up process, you set your own delivery schedule, including a start and end date.
How will I know when my product is on its way?
We will send out a notification via email or phone once your delivery has been shipped.
Can I make changes to my auto refill account?
Of course! Login to your account and edit your auto refill settings. You can add or remove items, request a prescription, change delivery dates, or adjust shipping to suit your schedule.
Pet Owner Resources (Pharmacy and Pet Nutrition Service):
(877) 738-4443
Our system works seamlessly with your veterinarian's office to send you reminders for appointments, refills, or about other services your pet needs. VetSource also sends dosage and use instructions, drug interaction warnings, and any other reminders your veterinarian deems useful.
Reminders are available by phone or e-mail, whatever fits your lifestyle best.
Auto Refill Program
Auto refill is designed to help keep your pet healthy through automated, reliable deliveries. Your pet's products will be delivered directly to your door at the frequency you choose. Weekly, every two weeks, monthly or even every six months . . . you decide and we do the rest.
Auto refill service is just a few clicks away.
Go to your hospital's website and choose your product.
Click on Auto Refill and select the delivery frequency your pet needs.
Complete placing your order and you are done!
Simple and reliable explains it all.
When will I receive my first shipment?
During the sign up process, you set your own delivery schedule, including a start and end date.
How will I know when my product is on its way?
We will send out a notification via email or phone once your delivery has been shipped.
Can I make changes to my auto refill account?
Of course! Login to your account and edit your auto refill settings. You can add or remove items, request a prescription, change delivery dates, or adjust shipping to suit your schedule.
Pet Owner Resources (Pharmacy and Pet Nutrition Service):
(877) 738-4443
(click to follow link)
Q: What are the benefits of home delivery for me?
A: Convenience! When you don't have time for a special trip to your veterinarian's office to purchase your pet's food or medications, you can go online. A broad product offering is available through home delivery where you can ensure regularly scheduled delivery of your pet's diet and prescriptions by signing up for the auto refill program.
Q: How do I enroll?
A: Enroll at the hospital, online through your hospital's web site or call (877)738-4443.
Q: If I don't have internet access, can I still participate in home delivery?
A: Yes. Simply call (877)738-4443. Our staff will be happy to place an order for you. You can also place orders through your pet hospital.
Q: Will I pay the same price if I sign up for home delivery instead of picking it up at the clinic?
A: You will pay the hospital's set retail price, plus a nominal shipping and handling fee.
Q: Is my credit card safe?
A: Yes, VetSource utilizes a secure web site where all transactions are performed using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols so the security of any data transmitted to VetSource is guaranteed.
Q: How do I know my order has been approved?
A: Your order request will automatically be forwarded to your veterinarian for approval. You will receive an email or phone notification as soon as your request is approved. If for some reason your veterinarian does not approve the request, you will be notified with instructions on what else is needed for approval.
Q: How quickly will I receive my pet's food and prescriptions?
A: Because VetSource has distribution centers across the country, you can expect prompt delivery. Overnight or expedited delivery is available for an additional charge.
Q: Who do I contact if I have problems with my order?
A: Track your order online or call VetSource toll free at (877)738-4443. We are happy to help with any problems you may have.
Q: I live in a remote area. Can I still have food and prescriptions delivered?
A: Yes, but you will need a home street address or we can ship to an alternate address (i.e. work). We cannot ship to a P.O. Box.
Q: Do I have to be at home to receive my delivery?
A: We will deliver most products to your home without a signature. There are exceptions, however. Certain products (i.e. controlled substances and medications needing refrigeration) must be tracked and signed for.
Q: How much should I feed my pet? What if my pet has an adverse reaction?
A: Any concerns about your pet's diet, health, medications, or particular questions about use of any home delivery products should be directed to your veterinarian or their staff.
Q: How does your return policy work for Hill's Pet Nutrition products?
A: VetSource offers the same guarantee as your veterinarian of quality pet nutrition. If you need to return your food, please call the customer service center at (877)738-4443 or return the product directly to your pet hospital.
Q: How does your return policy work for prescriptions and over the counter medications?
A: For your protection, state and federal laws do not permit pharmacies to resell prescription products if they have been returned after sale, even if they are unopened. In special cases, prescriptions may be returned for credit but the medication will be destroyed by the pharmacy.
OTC products may be returned to the pharmacy for credit provided that they are unopened, not temperature sensitive, and are returned within 30 days of the original sale date. Exceptions to this policy will be made on a case by case basis. All return requests must be pre-approved by the pharmacy before return documents or credits will be issued. Return policies may be subject to change.
Q: Where would I find information on the safe disposal of medications and syringes?
A: For information on the safe disposal of medications and syringes, please visit these websites for helpful information:
A: Convenience! When you don't have time for a special trip to your veterinarian's office to purchase your pet's food or medications, you can go online. A broad product offering is available through home delivery where you can ensure regularly scheduled delivery of your pet's diet and prescriptions by signing up for the auto refill program.
Q: How do I enroll?
A: Enroll at the hospital, online through your hospital's web site or call (877)738-4443.
Q: If I don't have internet access, can I still participate in home delivery?
A: Yes. Simply call (877)738-4443. Our staff will be happy to place an order for you. You can also place orders through your pet hospital.
Q: Will I pay the same price if I sign up for home delivery instead of picking it up at the clinic?
A: You will pay the hospital's set retail price, plus a nominal shipping and handling fee.
Q: Is my credit card safe?
A: Yes, VetSource utilizes a secure web site where all transactions are performed using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols so the security of any data transmitted to VetSource is guaranteed.
Q: How do I know my order has been approved?
A: Your order request will automatically be forwarded to your veterinarian for approval. You will receive an email or phone notification as soon as your request is approved. If for some reason your veterinarian does not approve the request, you will be notified with instructions on what else is needed for approval.
Q: How quickly will I receive my pet's food and prescriptions?
A: Because VetSource has distribution centers across the country, you can expect prompt delivery. Overnight or expedited delivery is available for an additional charge.
Q: Who do I contact if I have problems with my order?
A: Track your order online or call VetSource toll free at (877)738-4443. We are happy to help with any problems you may have.
Q: I live in a remote area. Can I still have food and prescriptions delivered?
A: Yes, but you will need a home street address or we can ship to an alternate address (i.e. work). We cannot ship to a P.O. Box.
Q: Do I have to be at home to receive my delivery?
A: We will deliver most products to your home without a signature. There are exceptions, however. Certain products (i.e. controlled substances and medications needing refrigeration) must be tracked and signed for.
Q: How much should I feed my pet? What if my pet has an adverse reaction?
A: Any concerns about your pet's diet, health, medications, or particular questions about use of any home delivery products should be directed to your veterinarian or their staff.
Q: How does your return policy work for Hill's Pet Nutrition products?
A: VetSource offers the same guarantee as your veterinarian of quality pet nutrition. If you need to return your food, please call the customer service center at (877)738-4443 or return the product directly to your pet hospital.
Q: How does your return policy work for prescriptions and over the counter medications?
A: For your protection, state and federal laws do not permit pharmacies to resell prescription products if they have been returned after sale, even if they are unopened. In special cases, prescriptions may be returned for credit but the medication will be destroyed by the pharmacy.
OTC products may be returned to the pharmacy for credit provided that they are unopened, not temperature sensitive, and are returned within 30 days of the original sale date. Exceptions to this policy will be made on a case by case basis. All return requests must be pre-approved by the pharmacy before return documents or credits will be issued. Return policies may be subject to change.
Q: Where would I find information on the safe disposal of medications and syringes?
A: For information on the safe disposal of medications and syringes, please visit these websites for helpful information:
Spring
March Volume 2
Hello everyone! Hope your enjoying the newsletters. Congratulations to Melissa Wilkerson for being accepted in the Jefferson College of Health Science’s next laboratory clinical sciences class. We are SO proud of her. Don’t forget to upload your pictures to our facebook page. We want to show off all of our babies! I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for spring!
Recalls:
Certain lots of Wellness canned cat food distributed by WellPet LLC of Tewksbury, Mass., because some cans might contain less than adequate levels of thiamine, or vitamin B1, an essential vitamin for cats. Recalled were Wellness Canned Cat Food (all flavors and sizes) with best-by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13; and Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best-buy dates. Details: Call the company at 877-227-9587 or visit the website at
ã??
Topics:
Understanding Cancer
Christine Ferris, DVM
We’ve all heard of it. Know someone who has it. You may have even already lost a loved one to it. But what is cancer? Let me take a moment to explain some basic principles to help you understand cancer.
All of the cells in our body are programmed to live with respect to their neighboring cells then die after their normal lifespan. Cancer cells lose this programming through gene mutations. Cancer cells do not respect their neighbors or die after their useful life. Why? Cells are run by genes. Anything that causes a malfunction or mutation in that gene program can cause cancer. What causes mutations? LOTS of things cause genes to mutate. Radiation (solar & other), viruses, chemicals, & certain drugs are all a few of the common external things to cause mutations. Age is also a factor. Our genes mutate all the time. When we are young, our bodies can correct or "delete" those mutations before they cause any harm. As we age, our body becomes less efficient in finding & correcting these mutations. When our body misses them, the cell starts on its destructive path. The cells then grow unchecked squeezing all the surrounding cells. You now have "cancer".
What about benign versus malignant? Mutated cells either stay locally or start shedding some of the affected cancer cells. These cells commonly travel by the blood and lymphatic systems in our bodies & seed other areas. If the cells only remain locally, these cancers are called benign. Benign cancers can cause trouble though. They still grow & take up space. In areas like the brain & other space limited regions, their presence can damage other cells and be deadly. The cancers that shed cells & seed other areas are called malignant.
How do we tell the difference? We study the patterns of each cancer & how they behave over time. We look for the cancer in other areas of the body. We look for spreading by checking lymph nodes, an important part of the lymphatic system. The brain, liver, kidneys, & lungs are the organs that receive the largest amounts of our blood (besides the heart of course). Since the lungs receive a large amount of blood which increases their chance for them to be seeded & a mass would be surrounded by air making it easier to see, imaging studies of the lungs are commonly performed. What do we do about it? It depends on what type of cancer, its location & if it is benign or malignant. We put together a picture of all these factors to determine what is the best course of action. We try to stop its growth & spread using drugs & radiation as appropriate. As we learn more, many exciting new ways to combat cancer arise.
Living healthy lives to try to limit mutations is a good way to be proactive. Wear sunscreen! Oxidants can cause mutations, so eating right helps. Fruits & veggies have lots of anti-oxidants & can help our body’s correct mutations. I truly believe a positive attitudes & faith are important as well. I hope this helped answer some of the mysteries of cancer.
Wisdom:
Before you talk, listen.
Before you react, think.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try!
Events:
Southeast German Shepherd Rescue Adoption Day
Southeast German Shepherd Rescue is having an Adoption Day from 12-3 p.m. at the Roanoke Tractor Supply store. Come out and meet some great German Shepherds available for adoption! Learn more about our great organization and how you can help by becoming a volunteer or foster! Free family friendly fun!
Tractor Supply, 8110 Gander Way, Roanoke, VA, 24019
Mar 12, 2011 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM
(888) 591-7477
A diamond in the ruff
Saturday, April 9 · 6:30pm - 11:00pm
Location: The Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Avenue,Roanoke, VA
Created By
Roanoke Valley SPCA
More Info
10th Annual fundraiser for the RVSPCA features fantastic food, dancing to Project 4 and the best silent auction! Artwork, jewelry, get-away trips, sporting events...something for everybody...all to benefit the homeless animals served by the RVSPCA. Plan now to attend. Ticket cost - $75 each or $700 for table of 10. For more info or to order tickets:
diamond in the ruff
Welcome to the Companion Pet Care 1st Quarter 2011 Newsletter!
Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday! We are trying to use our e-mail system to help us keep you informed about current issues, reminders for vaccines, & to just keep in touch. This year Tanya had her first grandson on February 10th. Paula’s granddaughter turned 3 this year! Melissa was elected secretary to the Read Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue squad! We’ve posted a facebook page, facebook.com/companionpetcareclinic. We’ve also added a second website, companionpetcareclinic.net. At both of these sites you can see patient photos as well as keep up with current events & issues. Please post lots of pictures on our facebook page! The cpcc.myvetonline.com is still a great place to watch instructional& informational videos. In this issue, I’ve included some information on canine influenza, H3N8 strain We now offer the Lyme vaccine for animals at risk. Facebook & the website have good articles to help you decide if this is necessary for your pet or call us to help access your individual situation. Our second annual pet food drive was a HUGE success. We added Pet Peace of Mind along with Manna Ministries this year to receive help. Pet Peace of Mind is a new non-profit organization that helps pets remain with hospice patients. We wish everyone a healthy & happy new year. God bless!
Canine Influenza
Frequently Asked Questions by Dog Owners
Dr. Cynda Crawford, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, prepared this fact sheet to answer the 10 most
popular questions from dog owners about canine influenza.
1. What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza A
subtype H3N8 virus that was first discovered in 2004.
2. Where does canine influenza occur?
Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia. At this time, the
canine influenza virus (CIV) is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida, New York,
and Pennsylvania.
3. What type of infection does CIV cause?
Similar to influenza viruses that infect other mammals, canine influenza virus causes an acute
respiratory infection in dogs. It is one of several viruses and bacteria that are associated with canine
infectious respiratory disease, or what’s commonly referred to as “kennel cough”. CIV infection can
cause respiratory disease by itself or along with other canine respiratory pathogens.
Unlike human influenza, canine influenza is not a “seasonal” infection. Infections can occur year
round.
4. What are the clinical signs of canine influenza?
Like influenza viruses for other species, CIV causes flu-like illness consisting of cough, sneezing, and
nasal discharge. Virtually all exposed dogs become infected; about 80% develop flu-like illness,
while another 20% do not become ill.
Fortunately, most dogs recover within 2 weeks without any further health complications. However,
some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections. While the
overall mortality rate for canine influenza is low, the secondary pneumonia can be life-threatening.
There is no evidence for age or breed susceptibility for developing pneumonia during canine
influenza.
5. Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
Because canine influenza is due to a virus that is novel to the canine population, dogs lack preexisting
immunity to the virus. Dogs of any breed, age or health status are therefore susceptible to
infection. Although studies have not verified, it is likely that dogs that have recovered from
infection retain immunity to re-infection for an undetermined time period.
Canine influenza is most likely to spread in facilities where dogs are housed together and where
there is a high turnover of dogs in and out of the facility. Dogs in shelters, boarding and training
facilities, day care centers, dog shows, veterinary clinics, pet stores and grooming parlors are at
highest risk for exposure to CIV, especially if these facilities are located in communities where the
virus is prevalent. Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk.
CIV does not infect people, and there is no documentation that cats have become infected by
exposure to dogs with canine influenza.
2
6. How is canine influenza transmitted?
As with other respiratory pathogens, the most efficient transmission occurs by direct contact with
infected dogs and by aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. The virus can also contaminate
kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who
handle infected dogs. Fortunately, the virus is easily inactivated by washing hands, clothes and other
items with soap and water.
7. How is canine influenza diagnosed?
Canine influenza cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs because all of the other respiratory pathogens
cause similar signs of coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. For dogs that have been ill for less
than 4 days, veterinarians can collect swabs from the nose or throat and submit them to a
diagnostic laboratory that offers a validated PCR test for canine influenza virus. The most accurate
test recommended for confirmation of infection requires the collection of a small blood sample from
the dog during the first week of illness, followed by collection of another sample 10 to 14 days later.
The paired serum samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for measurement of antibodies
to CIV that were formed in response to infection.
8. How is canine influenza treated?
Since canine influenza is a viral infection, treatment consists mainly of supportive care while the
virus runs its course, much like for human influenza. Dog owners should consult with their
veterinarians if they think their dog has canine influenza. The veterinarian can determine what type
of supportive care is needed, including whether antibiotics should be given for secondary bacterial
infections. Dogs with pneumonia most likely require more intensive care provided in a hospital
setting under the supervision of a veterinarian.
9. Is canine influenza contagious?
Like influenza infections in other species, canine influenza is highly contagious. Infected dogs shed
virus in their respiratory secretions for 7 to 10 days, during which time the dog is contagious to
other dogs. Infected dogs that do not show clinical signs are also contagious. Once the virus has run
its course, the dog is no longer contagious. Therefore, we recommend that dogs with canine
influenza be isolated from other dogs for two weeks to err on the conservative side. CIV does not
cause a permanent infection.
10. Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
In May 2009, the USDA approved the licensure of the first influenza vaccine for dogs developed by
Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation. The canine influenza vaccine contains
inactivated whole virus, so there is no chance that the vaccine itself can cause respiratory
infections. During tests to evaluate vaccine performance, there were no side effects or safety
issues in a field trial including more than 700 dogs ranging in age from six weeks to 10 years and
representing 30 breeds. The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with
CIV infection. Although the vaccine may not prevent infection, efficacy trials have shown that
vaccination significantly reduces the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence
and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and
shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected have less
illness and are not as contagious to other dogs. These benefits are similar to those provided by
influenza vaccines used in other species, including humans.
The canine influenza vaccine is a “lifestyle” vaccine, in that it is intended for dogs at risk for
exposure to CIV, including those that participate in activities with many other dogs or are housed in
communal facilities, particularly in communities where the virus is prevalent
**************************************************
Christine Ferris
Companion Pet Care Clinic
540-375-0350