Diary of a BlogPaws Nashville Attendee #2

I know I promised a post of Spring Blog Cleaning but we are going to interrupt this previously scheduled post to discuss…

Canine Influenza!

I’m going to share a bit of general information and then I’m going to apply it to Nashville.

Stay tuned to hear if we decided to bring him or leave him at home….

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says Canine Influenza is “a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific type A virus known to infect dogs”. Both the BlogPaws google hangout (video below) and the CDC emphasize it is not transmittable to humans. Also, there are now two strains of the virus, H3N8 and H3N2.

H3N8 originated in horses more than 40 years ago and in 2004 was first reported in dogs. It is now considered dog specific. The newer virus we are hearing so much about now is the H3N2 and it is mutated to canines from the avian flu virus. They don’t know how it arrived in the US but the first outbreak was reported in Chicago this year. It has now been reported not only in Illinois but also in Indiana, Ohio & Wisconsin.

Symptoms and transmission are the same as humans. Transmission is through aerosolized respiratory secretions, this includes coughing, sneezing and saliva-for example sharing bowls. Symptoms include cough, nasal discharge, fatigue, decreased appetite and fever. Keep in mind, your dog can be infected without showing symptoms and are contagious prior to showing symptoms.

The current vaccination covers the H3N8 virus and there is no data as to whether it will have any protection for the H3N2 virus. I have the BlogPaws hangout video below as well as the links to the CDC and American Veterinary Medical Association information if you’d like to learn more.

Decision time for Shasta

Our Vet, Dr. Colyer, is very used to calls and visits from me. Coming from a hooman healthcare background (I’m a Nurse Practitioner) I really research our pet’s health issues (see future posts on Harley’s Diabetes) and I’m always full of questions. After watching the BlogPaws very informative video and reading what the CDC and AVMA had to say I called him to discuss whether or not Shasta should attend and if he did if he should receive the vaccination?

Additionally, since Shasta is a rescue we are unsure of exactly how old he is. Dr. Colyer’s best estimate is between 9-11 years old. For hoomans, those at most risk if they contract the flu are the very young, pregnant and elderly. Seems our furry family members are no different.

First, Dr. Colyer and I discussed the conference, flu and Shasta’s age. While there are no guarantees we decided he should still be able to attend. Of course, caution is best, and we’ll have to decide about the dog park water bowl sharing but I’m relieved since I’ve been so excited about him coming. Second, their office doesn’t have the flu vaccination since the outbreak isn’t in California. We discussed the statistics (or lack thereof) of using the current vaccination to prevent one of the most serious complications of the flu, Pneumonia. We decided to not vaccinate Shasta.

End result: Shasta’s not getting vaccinated but he’s still heading to Nashville!!!!!!!