Canine influenza vaccine now available in Denver area

November 11, 3:31 PMDenver Health and Happiness ExaminerNina Stout

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Canine influenza was first discovered in Florida in 2004 among greyhound dogs at the racetracks in that state.  It is considered to be an epidemic in Florida as well as some eastern coastal states.   Canine influenza is endemic throughout Colorado, however it is most prevalent in Colorado Springs, seemingly due to the population of race track dogs located there.

Canine influenza presents similar to kennel cough (Bordetella), but it is different in that there is often a runny nose and sneezing prior to the cough.  The cough can last up to a month, and it can progress to pneumonia.  There may also be a fever. According to Dr. Christine Duree of Smoky Hill Veterinary Clinc, "the normal temperature for a dog ranges between 101-102, and it can go up to 104 degrees."

A dog's temperature may be taken rectally with a digital thermometer, but that may be best left to the professionals. As Dr. Duree suggests, "if your pet is coughing and sneezing it should be seen by a vet."  Tests can be run to determine if it is Bordetella or the flu, but Dr. Duree advised that the treatment is the same.

if your pet is coughing and sneezing it should be seen by a vet.

Dr. Duree said that, "the canine flu seems to occur year round but there is some seasonality to it.  Dogs who are boarded, whether during summer vacation or during the winter holiday season, are likely to be exposed."  It is anticipated that many dogs that are boarded in December will be showing symptoms of the flu in early January next year. 

The pharmaceutical company, Schering-Plough developed a canine influenza vaccine in early 2009 which helps to minimize symptoms. The canine influenza is a mutation of the equine influenza though, as Dr. Duree shared, it cannot be spread back to horses, just among dogs and not to humans. Many kennels are already requiring that dogs that will be boarded there obtain the influenza vaccination. The Bordetella vaccine is always required by kennels so this will be another vaccine dogs must have when boarded. 

Canine influenza vaccinations are available at Smoky Hill Veterinary Clinic for $26. A booster is required 2-4 weeks after the first shot and this is also $26.  Dogs that have not been seen by the clinic are required to have an exam prior to receiving the vaccination.