Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is one of your dog’s core vaccinations. Although ICH is now rarely seen because of widespread dog vaccination programs, puppies and adult dogs who are not vaccinated are at risk for this potentially deadly virus. Additionally, dogs who recover from ICH may have lifelong kidney and eye problems. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants to ensure your dog is protected from this dangerous disease, and we discuss ICH signs, treatment, and prevention. 

What is infectious canine hepatitis in dogs? 

ICH is a highly contagious virus caused by the canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1) that affects dogs and some wildlife including wolves, coyotes, and bears. Although hepatitis refers to liver inflammation, ICH can affect multiple organ systems including the lungs, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and central nervous system. ICH can also cause eye problems and clotting disorders. This virus is often confused with other infectious diseases including parvovirus and infectious tracheobronchitis (i.e., kennel cough), because the organ systems affected and the clinical signs are similar. ICH is primarily spread through exposure to an infected animal’s bodily fluids, including urine, feces, or saliva. Puppies, or adult dogs with underlying medical problems, are most at risk for a severe infection, and older dogs may experience mild signs that do not require treatment. Common ways a dog may become infected with ICH include:

• Ingestion of an infected dog’s feces or urine
• Direct contact with an infected dog
• Exposure to infected wildlife
• Contact with an infected dog’s sneeze droplets
• Staying at a boarding facility or shelter where infected dogs are present

Infectious canine hepatitis signs in dogs 

ICH signs are similar to other common dog infectious diseases, and severity will depend on the infected dog’s immune system. Signs may occur two to five days after ICH exposure, and are dependent on the organ system that is affected. Dogs who are diagnosed with ICH may shed the virus in their urine for more than six months. ICH may be fatal in some cases. Signs may include:

• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing and coughing
• Eye and nasal discharge
• Redness around the eyes
• Corneal clouding or a blue hue to the eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Elevated heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Depression
• Bruising
• Abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the skin
• Seizures

Infectious canine hepatitis diagnosis and treatment in dogs 

Your dog needs a veterinary examination if they show ICH signs. Diagnosis is based on your dog’s medical history, clinical signs, and potential ICH exposure history. A serology test to check for CAV-1 antibodies, or a PCR test to look for viral particles in samples of an infected dog’s saliva, discharge, or urine will provide a definitive diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests may include a complete blood count to check for secondary infections or an associated disease, and a serum biochemistry test to evaluate organ function. Coagulation tests may also be recommended to check for blood clotting problems. Advanced imaging such as an X-ray or ultrasound may be used to evaluate an enlarged liver or the presence of abdominal fluid. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be required for further diagnosis. 

An ICH infection has no cure. Dogs who receive immediate veterinary care may recover, but recovered pets may have lifelong kidney or eye problems. Most dogs will require hospitalization for supportive care. Treatment may include:

• Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration 
• Oxygen therapy
• Blood transfusions
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications
• Eye medications
• Anti-nausea medications
• GI protectants
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Anti-seizure medications
• Pain relievers
• Specialized diet   

Financial options for your dog’s infectious canine hepatitis treatment 

ICH treatment may require long-term hospitalization for your pet, plus lifelong veterinary management for kidney and eye problems. Such long-term care can result in a large veterinary bill. Fortunately, multiple payment options are available to ensure you can cover the cost of your pet’s ICH emergency treatment and follow-up care. Most dogs who are severely affected by ICH are young, so research pet insurance policies and purchase a plan as soon as you bring a puppy into your family. Many pet insurance providers such as Trupanion have policies that include reimbursement for emergency veterinary care and hospitalization. Other payment methods include:

• Care Credit
• Scratch Pay
• Pet health savings accounts
• Short-term bank loans

Infectious canine hepatitis prevention in dogs 

An ICH diagnosis can be devastating for pet owners because some pets will not recover and many will have lifelong medical problems. Fortunately, widespread vaccination programs have greatly reduced the number of infected dogs. The ICH vaccine is part of a core canine combination vaccination. The American Animal Hospital Association guidelines state that puppies should receive their first ICH vaccination when they are 6 weeks old followed by booster vaccinations every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs should receive a booster vaccine every three years. Additionally, you should not allow your dog to socialize with other dogs or stay overnight in boarding facilities until they are fully vaccinated. Use caution when hiking or spending time in wooded areas and prevent your dog from interacting with any wildlife or wildlife feces to prevent accidental infection. 

Ensure your dog is vaccinated by your family veterinarian to prevent an ICH infection. However, call Animal Emergency Care if your dog has any ICH signs after hours, and bring them in for immediate care. #AECprevents

The post Canine Hepatitis: Infectious Liver Disease in Dogs appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What is canine influenza in dogs?

CIV, or dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the canine influenza virus. Two strains are known to affect dogs, but according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), no evidence has been found that dog flu can spread to humans. Unlike human flu, CIV is not a seasonal infection and dogs of any age, breed, or sex are at risk although puppies and senior dogs have the highest risk of severe CIV infection. The virus can persist in the environment for 48 hours, and 80 percent of dogs who are exposed to CIV will become infected and show signs. Common ways a dog can become infected include:

• Direct contact with an infected dog
• Sharing food bowls, water bowls, leashes or collars, with an infected dog
• Inhalation of an infected dog’s sneeze or cough droplets  
• Contact with contaminated environments or objects, including bedding or grooming tools
• Contact with a human exposed to an infected dog

Canine influenza signs in dogs

CIV signs are similar to other dog respiratory illnesses, including canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough. The CIV has a two- to four-day incubation period before a dog will show signs, and infected dogs are most contagious during this period. Therefore, an apparently healthy dog may spread CIV. Signs will vary from mild to severe, depending on the strength of a dog’s immune system. In some cases, an infected dog will not show any signs, because they have produced enough antibodies against the CIV. Signs may include:

• Sneezing
• Thick nasal discharge
• Eye discharge
• Moist or dry cough
• Fever
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased respiratory rate

Canine influenza diagnosis and treatment in dogs

If your dog is showing any CIV signs, they need a veterinary examination. Diagnosis will be based on your dog’s medical history, clinical signs, and history of potential CIV exposure. A definitive diagnosis can be provided through a PCR test to look for viral particles in samples of an infected dog’s nasal, eye, or oral secretions. A virus isolation test or a CIV antibody serology test can also be performed. Other diagnostic tests may include a complete blood count to check for secondary infections or an associated disease, and a serum biochemistry test to evaluate organ function. Advanced imaging such as an X-ray may be recommended for dogs with a CIV infection that has led to pneumonia. Dogs who receive immediate care have a good prognosis, and most will recover after two or three weeks. Infected dogs must remain isolated from other pets for four weeks to prevent disease spread. Dogs with severe signs may require hospitalization. Treatment may include:

• Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration 
• Oxygen therapy
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections
• Cough suppressants 
• Antiviral medications
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fever
• Specialized diet   

Financial options for your dog’s canine influenza treatment

Pets undergoing CIV treatment may require an extended hospital stay and several follow-up checks which can be expensive. Consider purchasing a pet health insurance plan like Trupanion when your dog is young to ensure funds are available for such long-term care. Trupanion can pay your veterinary clinic directly, which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Other financial options available to cover treatment costs include: 

• Care Credit 
• Scratch Pay 
• Pet health savings accounts 
• Short-term loans 

Canine influenza prevention in dogs 

A CIV vaccination is available to prevent a severe infection. Pets who are vaccinated for dog flu may still contract the virus, but illness severity and virus transmission are greatly decreased. Ensure you isolate your dog for four weeks if they are diagnosed with CIV, to prevent disease spread. Frequent hand washing and environmental disinfection will prevent CIV survival on environmental surfaces. Ensure you prevent your dog from socializing with other pets or visiting dog parks during known CIV outbreaks. 

Contact your family veterinarian to discuss vaccinating your dog for CIV. However, call Animal Emergency Care if your dog has any CIV signs after hours, and bring them in for immediate care. #AECprevents 

Sources: 

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=6726102

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/other/canine-flu/keyfacts.html

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/canine-influenza-pet-owners-guide

The post Canine Influenza: Nothing to Sneeze At appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is part of the core dog vaccinations. Puppies and adult dogs who are not vaccinated are at risk for this potentially deadly virus, and dogs who recover from CDV will have lifelong neurologic problems. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants to ensure your dog is protected from this dangerous disease. We discuss CDV signs, treatment, and prevention. 

What is canine distemper virus in dogs? 

CDV is a highly contagious paramyxovirus that affects dogs and wildlife including raccoons, skunks, grey foxes, and ferrets. This virus is closely related to the human measles virus, and can lead to respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and central nervous system (CNS) problems. CDV is often confused with other infectious diseases, including rabies, because the organ systems affected and clinical signs are similar.

CDV is primarily spread through exposure to sneeze or cough droplets from infected animals, but can also be transmitted through contact with other bodily fluids including urine, blood, or saliva. Dogs of any age can become infected with CDV, and puppies less than 4 months old and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk. Common ways a dog may become infected with CDV include:

• Direct contact with an infected dog
• Exposure to infected wildlife
• A puppy who is born to an infected mother
• Sharing food and water bowls with an infected dog
• Contact with contaminated environments or objects, including bedding or grooming tools

Canine distemper virus signs in dogs

CDV signs are similar to other common dog infectious diseases, and severity will depend on the infected dog’s immune system. Signs may not be visible for more than 14 days after the initial infection, and some dogs may experience mild signs that resolve in 10 days. Additionally, infected dogs may shed this virus for more than six months. Initial CDV signs may include:

• Eye and nasal discharge
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Sneezing and coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Generalized pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Skin sores
• Thickening of the nose and foot pads

Neurologic signs may develop later in the course of a CDV infection, and may include:

• Muscle twitching
• Head tilt
• Excessive saliva
• Involuntary eye movements
• Jaw tremors or gum-chewing fits
• Balance problems
• Limb weakness
• Paralysis
• Seizures

Canine distemper virus diagnosis and treatment in dogs 

Your dog needs a veterinary examination if they are showing CDV signs. Diagnosis is based on your dog’s medical history, clinical signs, and potential CDV exposure history. A PCR test to look for viral particles in samples of an infected dog’s saliva, discharge, or urine will provide a definitive diagnosis. Blood or spinal fluid testing may also be recommended to check for CDV antibodies. Other diagnostic tests may include a complete blood count to check for secondary infections or an associated disease, and a serum biochemistry test to evaluate organ function. Advanced imaging such as an X-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be recommended for dogs with breathing or neurologic problems. 

A CDV infection has no cure. Dogs who receive immediate veterinary care may recover, but may have lifelong neurologic problems. Dogs with severe signs will need hospitalization for supportive care. Treatment may include:

• Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration 
• Oxygen therapy
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications
• Anti-nausea medications
• GI protectants
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Anti-seizure medications
• Pain relievers
• Specialized diet   

Financial options for your dog’s canine distemper virus treatment

CDV treatment may require long-term hospitalization for your pet, plus lifelong veterinary management for neurologic problems. Such long-term care can result in a large veterinary bill. Fortunately multiple payment options are available to ensure you can cover the cost of your pet’s CDV emergency treatment and follow-up care. Pet health insurance providers such as Trupanion offer policies that can pay your veterinary clinic directly, which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Care Credit and Scratch Pay allow you to spread payments over longer periods with delayed interest rates in some cases.  Pet health savings accounts and short-term loans are also available to ensure your pet’s veterinary treatment costs are covered. 

Canine distemper virus prevention in dogs 

A CDV diagnosis can be devastating for pet owners, because some pets will not recover and many will have lifelong medical problems. Fortunately, widespread vaccination efforts have greatly reduced the numbers of infected dogs. The CDV vaccine is part of a core canine combination vaccination. Puppies should receive their first CDV vaccination at 6 weeks of age, followed by booster vaccinations every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old.  Ensure your dog does not socialize with other pets or visit dog parks, until they are fully vaccinated. Additionally, prevent your dog from interacting with any wildlife.

Ensure your dog is vaccinated by your family veterinarian to prevent a CDV infection. However, call Animal Emergency Care if your dog has any CDV signs after hours, and bring them in for immediate care. #AECprevents

Sources: 

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952099

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/canine-distemper

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/canine-distemper#2

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/canine-distemper/canine-distemper-overview

The post Canine Distemper: Ensure Your Dog is Protected appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.