Information on the current Respiratory Outbreak
A contagious cough is in our area and across several Midwestern states. Numerous dogs have come to our practice exhibiting symptoms and we have seen dogs in our lodging facility become symptomatic either while here or soon after. Infected dogs can be contagious prior to showing any symptoms and may continue to spread it for up to two weeks after recovery. The illness is characterized by a wheezing or hacking cough but typically without fever. The cough may become so severe that it leads to vomiting. To date, no cases have had long term medical consequences.
We have sent numerous samples to the lab but failed to conclusively identify the pathogen. However, there are two facilities in Lincoln that require vaccination against canine influenza that report no incidence of the disease. Similarly, there is a population of influenza vaccinated dogs in our area who have been in contact with infected dogs but have not developed symptoms themselves. Therefore, we believe the current cough is likely to be a relatively mild strain of canine influenza. A far more virulent strain of influenza, that can be life threatening, has been spreading across the United States. Nebraska and North Dakota are the only states without confirmed cases (www.dogflu.com/outbreak-map), but it is just a matter of time until it is in our borders.
Based on this information, we strongly recommend vaccination against canine influenza. To be fully protected, a dog must receive an initial vaccination, a booster three weeks later, followed by two more weeks for the body to build its full immunity. An annual booster will then keep the protection current. Parks Veterinary will cover the cost of treatment for any dog who contracts a cough if it is current on Bordetella (kennel cough) and has had the initial two Influenza vaccinations.
Influenza vaccination costs $29.25. To encourage protection in our area, this fall Parks Veterinary will offer a two vaccination (initial plus booster) package for $49. Please consider protecting your pet and our area from this significant health risk.