A deadly canine virus is taking a lethal toll on dogs in Michigan, with six dogs, so far, falling victim to the mystery disease, reported Thursday's WXYZ News.
Symptoms of the virus are frighteningly similar to the deadly, mystery virus which recently sickened, and killed, several dogs in Ohio; experts believe that some, if not all of the Ohio deaths can be traced to canine circovirus; a virus common in pigs, but not previously seen in dogs.
For the first time, however, there are indications that the mystery canine disease might be spreading to dogs from their owners.
According to 7 Action News, dog owners in the recent Michigan cases have shown similar symptoms to those which are being exhibited by the dogs, before the dogs die.
Dr. Lindsay Ruland of the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor, said:
Traditionally we don’t pass viruses to our pets. This year, I think that there is potential that we are passing it to our pets,”
Though experts are not certain exactly what this virus is, they do know that it causes severe symptoms which are often promptly followed by death. According to IndeOnline, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has ruled out canine circovirus as the source of the illness in the Ohio dogs due to negative results from testing.
Exactly what is making the dogs fall ill remains a mystery.
Dogs who contract the disease often present with symptoms of lethargy, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody, and vomiting.
Many of the canines who contract the illness are dying within 12 to 24 hours from when they first show symptoms.
Experts are warning dog owners to be vigilant with hand washing, and advise guardians to take their dogs to a veterinarian as soon as possible if any of the aforementioned symptoms develop.
Continue reading: Neglected, abused pit bull wanders from home, story goes viral
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