19179 Blanco Rd. Ste #104 San Antonio, Tx 210-764-2400
The Canine Influenza Virus (CIV H3N8) has been documented in causing illness in dogs in San Antonio in the last few months. We are anticipating the respiratory disease to spread throughout the city and surrounding areas. As of last count, there have been 20 confirmed cases in our area.
The virus is spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions- sneezing or coughing. CIV can persist in dried mucous for several hours. We expect CIV to spread through exposure primarily at dog parks, boarding, grooming and daycare facilities.
MOST dogs will experience a MILD form of the infection. Low-grade fever, lethargy, coughing (productive or dry) and/or nasal discharge. A small percentage of dogs may develop a more severe infection. They may develop high fever, thick nasal discharge or pneumonia. Dogs at risk of the more severe form include the very young and the very old. Many dogs may be non-symptomatic. Some dogs may require antibiotics for secondary infections, but as with other viruses, it just has to run its course. The Incubation Period (time from initial infection until clinical signs) is 2-4 days. An infected dog can spread the virus for 7-10 days.
There are a few diagnostic tests that can be run to confirm the virus but they must be run within the first 3 days of exposure and can be costly.
The H3N8 virus was known to affect horses but jumped species in 2003 when racing greyhounds began testing positive for the virus. It hasn't been found to affect humans or cats. The CIV vaccine has been available for a few years now. Feedback from a local veterinarian in San Antonio who has used the vaccine for 2 years is positive, with no vaccine reactions reported.
The vaccine is initially a 2-part vaccine. The vaccine must be re-administered 3-4 weeks after the first dose is given. There is an annual booster then given to dogs that continue to be at risk for the disease.
Boarding Kennels are beginning to include the CIV vaccine as a part of their required vaccination protocol. If you are planning to board your pet during the Holidays, please check with your boarding kennel.
We now have the vaccine, and at this time, we are vaccinating only at risk dogs and dogs that will be boarded over the Holidays.
Please contact Blanco Crossing Veterinary Hospital 210-764-2400 if you have any questions or to set up a time for your at risk dog to begin the vaccination series.