Canine Influenza - Dog Flu

Canine influenza is a virus that poses a threat to the respiratory health of dogs in the U.S.

The virus is transmitted via direct contact, aerosol (via coughing/sneezing), and contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms include a persistent cough, runny nose, watery eyes, lack of appetite and lethargy.  The disease is usually mild however can progress to pneumonia in up to 20% of the cases.  The virus is fatal in up to 8% of infected dogs.

Those at risk are dogs that come from a shelter, rescue center, breeder or pet store.  Dogs that are boarded, attend daycare, training, dog parks or grooming facilities are at increased risk.

The flu vaccine has shown to be effective in decreasing the severity of clinical signs and the spread of the infection.  It reduces the duration of clinical signs, viral shedding, and protects against the formation/severity of lung lesions.  The vaccine is given twice, 2-4 weeks apart and then yearly as needed.

Should your pet become infected with the flu, there is no specific treatment/cure.  Those that are severely affected may require hospitalization and supportive care such as intravenous fluid therapy and antibiotics.

To date, there is no evidence that the dog flu can be transmitted to humans.



Kim Simons DVM
West Boca Veterinary Center
www.westbocavet.com

Heartworm Treatment Shortage

There is currently a shortage on heartworm treatment medication.  It is currently unavailable for purchase by hospitals until a dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease.  Once diagnosed it may take weeks to months to acquire the product as Merial, the company that produces Immiticide, is having to borrow the European equivalent product.  This ultimately leads to our patients being sick for extended periods of time potentially leading to disease complications.  Therefore, it is imperative that as dog owners we give our pets MONTHLY heartworm prevention.

Our practice continues to diagnose dogs with deadly heartworm infection each year.  Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos and as Florida has a high prevalence of these insects our pets are at increased risk.  The cost of treatment for for a 50- pound dog can be $1,000 compared to 12 months of prevention for $95.

To protect your pet from heartworms, click here for coupon/rebate for Trifexis or click here for coupon/rebate for Heartgard Plus. 


Dr Kim Simons
West Boca Veterinary Center
www.westbocavet.com

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are a common infection of dogs and cats.Roundworms are a type of  parasite that can infect our dogs and cats and also pose a threat to humans.
Roundworms are contracted a number of ways:

1.  Contaminated soil that harbors the parasite
2.  Via embryonic development while in utero (puppy contracts roundworms during pregnancy)
3.  Puppies ingest the parasite via the mothers milk

Roundworm infection can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, pot belly appearance, unthriftiness and pneumonia. 

Treatment with a number of available products is very effective in resolving the infection.

Human exposure is also a possibility.  The infection is more likely in children and pregnant mothers. Roundworm infection in humans can cause " visceral larval migrans".  This often leads to migration of the worm into the eyes causing blindness.

Prevention of parasitism is key for your pets health as well as your own. Your pet should be on a monthly heart worm preventative which also contains a intestinal parasiticide.  In addition your pets stool should be picked up and disposed of to keep the environment clean. 

West Boca Veterinary Center
Kim Simons, DVM