Atypical Canine Infectious Disease
From Arbor Hills Animal Clinic regarding “atypical canine infectious disease”
Over the past few days, news organizations have been running stories about an infectious respiratory disease affecting dogs. This disease being described as an “atypical canine infectious disease” includes symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, eye discharge, nasal discharge and lethargy. Cases have been reported in multiple areas within the United States including Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, and New Hampshire.
Experts have concluded that dogs with this unidentified upper respiratory disease show similar symptomatology, but do not test positive for common respiratory diseases. Further, they have also concluded that the disease is resistant to standard treatments. Fatalities are not common, although some dogs do sometimes develop fatal pneumonia in very rare cases.
As an owner, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk to your companion:
Make sure your companion is up-to-date on all vaccinations. This includes canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza.
Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs. The more contact your dog has with other dogs, the greater the risk.
If you observe a dog that looks sick or is coughing, has a runny nose, or runny eyes…keep your dog away from the other dog.
If your dog is sick, keep him or her home and contact Arbor Hills right away.
Avoid communal water bowls
Experts agree that dog owners should not panic. Rather, the focus should be on prevention. If you need your dog’s vaccinations updated at this time, please visit our website and schedule an appointment. Please understand that there will be many clients seeking an opportunity to vaccinate so it may be necessary to be patient while awaiting an open appointment.
Arbor Hills Animal Clinic
5347 Plymouth Rd
Ann Arbor, MI, 48105
Ph: 734-668-1466
Fax: 734-492-0720
Email: arborhills@arborhillsvet.com
