About.com Veterinary Medicine

New Dog Vaccine for H3N8 Flu

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:27:44 +0000

Originally discovered in 2004, this canine influenza virus is believed to have jumped from horses to dogs in Florida. This virus, H3N8, is a subtype of the influenza A virus, a highly contagious pathogen that can cause disease by itself or in conjunction with other respiratory pathogens.

Transmission: As with most infectious respiratory diseases, dogs housed in close quarters (kennels, shelters) and situations where there is lots of "dog traffic" (dog day care, grooming/training, vet clinics) are most at risk. There is no evidence to date that this virus infects humans.

Clinical signs: Similar to other influenza infections, this virus causes respiratory signs of sneezing, nasal discharge and coughing. Fever may occur, but not often.

Diagnosis: Because these signs are the same as many other respiratory infections, a special test is necessary to diagnose the H3N8 virus. This test is called a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) and usually two samples are submitted over a 2 week period to positively identify infection.

H3N8 Treatment: Treatment for this disease is supportive; making sure that the dog maintains appetite, extreme coughing is controlled, and monitoring for fever or development of more serious complications, such as pneumonia. Your veterinarian will determine if pneumonia is a risk and if antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection are warranted.

H3N8 Vaccine: The U.S. Department of Agriculture�s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has conditionally approved the first vaccine for the canine H3N8 virus on June 23, 2009. The canine influenza vaccine (CIV) is made from a killed virus.

From APHIS:
Studies indicate that the vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding. The product is administered by injection, and is recommended for use in healthy dogs at six weeks of age or older as an aid in the control of disease associated with canine influenza virus infection.
Read full APHIS press release on CIV vaccine

Related H3N8 News Stories:

10 Things to Know About the H3N8 Dog Flu
By Cynda Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D. for The New York Times
New Flu Vaccine Approved � for Dogs
From The New York Times

Photo credit: Dog Nose � kalimistuk on Flickr

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Typical Daily Schedule at Vet School?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:26:24 +0000

BBBBB27 asks: "I'm really interested in becoming a vet, but I am unsure of how many hours the students have to work at vet school. I would like to be able to participate in sporting activities daily and was wondering if anyone at vet school could share their experiences from their studying and give me a typical timetable of a day at university and the amount of homework / revision set, so that I can decide whether vet school is right for me."

Diaries and Journals - Getty Image

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Is this lump after spay surgery normal?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:12:20 +0000

A question that is commonly asked after a routine spay surgery is: "should I be concerned about the lump in the incision area?" This is especially true for cats. Is a post-operative swelling "normal" or cause for concern? Find out the facts in this FAQ.

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Poll: Are your pets afraid of loud noises?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:43:55 +0000

As many pet owners know, fireworks and thunder storms can cause a great deal of stress for some animals.

Are your animals afraid of loud noises? Please cast your vote below.

Find tips on managing your noise-phobic dog during fireworks and thunderstorms here. If you have a tip or story to share about pets and loud noises, please submit your information here: Fireworks and Thunder - Share What Works for Your Pet

Elsa cowering because of the fireworks - credit: Ken Mayer on Flickr

What about Giarda and Pets?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:43:43 +0000

Giardia is a one-celled protozoan parasite that lives in the intestinal tract of many animals. When this parasite produces a diarrheal disease in animals, it is called Giardiasis.

Learn about this parasite, how it is transmitted, signs of disease, and how it is diagnosed and treated in this FAQ.

Have you had Giardia or another type of zoonotic disease?
Please share your zoonotic disease story here.

Photo: Giardia lamblia protozoan parasite Copyright CDC/ Janice Carr

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Quick Tip: Pet Medications

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:33:19 +0000

I attended a seminar presented by Pfizer Animal Health, and their research showed that people forget to take their own medications just as often as they forget to give their pet's their medications. (Or they assume that someone else administered the pet's medications.)

What about when you are away? Will your pet caretakers remember to give your pet their medications? Here is a quick tip to keep everyone in sync with your pet's medication administration schedule.

Doctor holding pill box � Getty Images / Janet Kimber

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Sunburn: Not Just For Humans

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:58:52 +0000

As we protect our pets against heatstroke, we also have to keep in mind another summer danger: sunburn. White animals and those that have a hair cut or naturally thin (or nonexistent!) hair coats are particularly sensitive to the sun, and may suffer the same ills as humans: sunburn and skin cancers. This Quick Tip offers ideas and cautions for protecting your pet on those sunny days.

Photo: Sunbathers - � Getty Images / David DeLossy

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Have you had a zoonotic disease?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:20:07 +0000

Zoonotic diseases are illnesses spread between animals and pets. These illnesses can be in the form of viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal or parasite infections. Have you experienced a zoonotic disease? Please share your story here. Photo Credit: Getty Images / DavidDeLossy

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What is Ringworm, and how do pets get it?

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:17:52 +0000

Ringworm derives its name from the classic red, round "worm like" lesion seen on human skin that is infected. It is not a worm though; it is a fungus that is spread from animals to humans. Read up on ringworm to learn how it is spread and how to prevent infection.

Have you had ringworm or another type of zoonotic disease?
Please share your zoonotic disease story here.

Photo: Ringworm on human arm (Trichophyton mentagrophytes) � CDC/Dr. Lucille K. Georg

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MRSA and Pets - Infection Connection

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:14:52 +0000

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterial "germ" we encounter every day. It is found on our skin and nasal tissue. The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a more serious form of this bacteria; one that is resistant to antibiotics.

This drug-resistant form of the bacteria became a problem with widespread use of antibiotics in hospitals, and has since evolved (mutated) outside of the hospital setting. Infections with this bacteria can range from simple skin infections to serious life-threatening infections.

Pets and MRSA are in the news after the July edition of The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal was released. The article, "Bite-related and septic syndromes caused by cats and dogs" has created a stir in the media, pitting animal lovers against critics who warn of fear mongering. The author/research team led by Dr Richard Oehler, of the University of South Florida, said that "MRSA colonisation has been documented in companion animals such as horses, dogs, and cats and these animals have been viewed as potential reservoirs of infection."

He added that "MRSA-related skin infections of pets seem to occur in various manifestations and can be easily spread to owners" and that "pet owners are often unaware of the potential for transmission of life-threatening pathogens from their canine and feline companions." Read full article

There are many zoonotic diseases and parasites that pet owners need to be aware of. For me, this news is a good caution and reminder to always use proper sanitation and hygiene with pets to prevent a variety of potential diseases. For MRSA, it is important to note that animals are a potential reservoir of this bacteria, most likely after acquiring it from their owners. In this case, the human may have the MRSA bacteria on the skin and an infection results after a pet bite or scratch, with the bacteria entering the broken skin. If you have been bitten or scratched, please check in with your human physician; animal bites and scratches can turn serious, whether it is MRSA or something else.

Hopefully this news about MRSA and pets won't send people into unnecessary panic about their pets. Common sense and good sanitation should prevail. People most at risk for this infection are the young, elderly, people with compromised immune systems and those who are ill and in hospitals. As always, please call your health provider if you have any health questions or concerns. Don't wait until things are "serious" and emergency care is needed.

Related Reading:

Tips for MRSA protection
Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
MRSA and the Workplace
Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Skin Infections Linked to Cat Bite, Scratches
From Franny Syufy, Guide to Cats
Your Dog and MRSA
From Jenna Stregowski, RVT, Guide to Dogs

Related Stories in the News:

MRSA risk from dog and cat bites
From BBC News
Pets Risk Factor for MRSA
From Med Page Today
Family Pets May Harbor MRSA, Other Nasties
From ABC News
MRSA Infection Information
From the New York Times Health Guide

Have you had MRSA or another type of zoonotic disease?
Please share your zoonotic disease story here.

Photo: Belle and Elmo � GenGlo

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