Is the canine influenza vaccination a necessary vaccine?
A new vaccination against canine influenza virus has recently received conditional licensure from the USDA. But is this vaccine necessary for all dogs?
Canine influenza symptoms and disease
Canine influenza is caused by a type A influenza virus and is easily passed from dog to dog. Because so many dogs have never been exposed to this virus, most exposed dogs are likely to become infected with canine influenza.
However, in most instances, canine influenza produces reasonably mild respiratory symptoms, similar to those seen with kennel cough. Some dogs do develop complications which may become more serious and even life-threatening. Recent estimates indicate that of all dogs which become infected with canine influenza, 10-20% will show no symptoms at all and another 10-20% may develop complications. The remaining 60-80% will exhibit only minor and self-limiting symptoms.
To date, canine influenza has not escaped into the general canine population. This disease is seen mainly in pounds, shelters, greyhound kennels, and other heavily populated kennel situations.
Vaccination against canine influenza
The new vaccine available for canine influenza does not prevent infection with the disease, but is likely to make clinical signs milder when a dog is exposed after being vaccinated. This vaccination does have a place in specific situations, such as kennels where canine influenza has been diagnosed or is suspected. The vaccine may be useful in shelter situations.
However, for most dogs, the vaccination against canine influenza is likely not necessary. This vaccine is not considered to be one of the core vaccines for any dog. Vaccination against canine influenza should be recommended only if the dog is to be placed in a situation where exposure to the disease is likely. For most dogs, exposure is unlikely, hence there is no need to vaccinate.
Vaccination against canine influenza should be recommended only if the dog is likely to be placed in a greyhound kennel, shelter or pound, or another location where canine influenza is likely to be found. For the vast majority of dogs, vaccination is unnecessary. Dog owners should consult their veterinarian if they have questions regarding whether their dog is a candidate to receive the canine influenza vaccine.
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Comments
My vet usually doesn't use anything the first year or two it comes out. (Anything potentially harmful - my cat and I were in a study of glue once and now it's its widely for humans and pets rather than stitches, that was kind of cool.)
I like her approach. The last thing she waited to use was recalled before she ever used it.
Hi, Tracy.
I'm cautious about using new products as well. After 20+ years of practicing veterinary medicine, I've seen a lot of products come and go. A fair number of them were recalled or otherwise pulled off the market after discovering that the product had unforeseen side effects.
Was Nexaband the tissue glue that your cat was part of a study for?
Hi Lorie,
I'm not sure of the name of the glue. For humans I like it better than stitches because it doesn't leave as bad of scars. In dogs I like it better on ears because it stops the bleeding faster than stitches. I had a client who had a skin disorder and was allergic to both kinds of glue on the market. The Mayo clinic told her to use super glue. (This is on herself.) I keep super glue handy now too!
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