New Canine Flu and Leptospirosis–Who Catches What?

This past week, a couple of new and noteworthy items came up regarding your dog’s health.

First, depending on where you live and what your dog’s lifestyle may be, there’s a new Canine Flu (US only so far) that is distinct of other flu viruses, for which a recently approved (inactivated whole virus) vaccine is now available at your vet’s. In 700 test dogs representing 30 breeds, there were no side effects from the vaccine in dogs ranging in age from 6 weeks to 10 years.

The dogs at risk for exposure to this particular acute respiratory virus are those who go to daycare, groomers, kennels, training facilities, dog shows, pet stores, and other communal enclosed spaces. It’s advised if your dog takes the Bordatella vaccine, this new vaccine should be added to your regimen, but discuss this with your vet.

There is no symptom unique to this flu, and your dog must be tested for it should he have sniffles, sneezing, and a cough. It is not a seasonal virus, cannot be transmitted to humans or cats, but 80% of dogs exposed contract it. This is especially important to those of you who have dogs with flat profiles, or short noses. Muzzle challenged dogs(Bull Dogs, Pugs, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, etc.) have a difficult enough time breathing during normal exercise and the acute nature of this virus may lead to dangerous complications. The virus is spread through nasal drip, sneezes, and coughs, food and water bowls, leashes and collars, hands and clothing of handlers. There is a 7 to 10 day shedding period where the virus remains active.

According to the New York Times blog, Florida, New York City’s northern suburbs, Philadelphia and Denver are the most affected to date, although it has been found in 30 states and the District of Columbia. Be aware that this vaccine acts as a controller of the severity, degree of lung damage, and duration of this flu and does not function as a preventive. See the NYT consult blog for more.

Second, the incidence of Leptospirosis this season may rise, given the increase in warm wet weather that helps spread a bacteria in the urine of raccoon, rats, skunks and other animals through contaminated water and wet soil. In New York, two Brooklyn dogs have died, 17 others have been hospitalized. While this does not an epidemic make, vets like Cathy Langston with the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan seem nervous about what they’ve seen so far. Usually cities don’t have a big problem with this disease, which attacks the kidneys and liver. While treatable, it can also be deadly.

Some symptoms your dog may present with are yellow skin tone (jaundice), vomiting, lethargy, depression, muscle pain and weight loss. Cats are resistant, but humans are not. You can catch leptospirosis from your dog. See Amy Sacks article in the NY Daily News for more.