New Canine Influenza Vaccine Available at FAH/FACC

CANINE INFLUENZA - What You Need To Know?

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a ”flu” virus. In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3n8 is able to cause respiratory illness. Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infections in birds, horses, pigs, and people. Canine influenza virus only affects dogs.

How contagious is canine influenza?

Just like human “flu,” canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection. Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs. Since 2003, there have been numerous reports of influenza outbreaks in veterinary clinics, kennels, and shelters. Some of these outbreaks were traced back to the presence of one sick dog that spread the virus throughout the facility and infected many other dogs.

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NEW FELINE VACCINATIONS

You may remember we began a new Virulent Calicivirus vaccination for all of our feline patients last year. This was a new vaccine. This year, during your cat’s annual examination, we are again changing our vaccine protocols slightly. While we will not be adding any new vaccinations, we will be modifying the duration of the current vaccines.

Starting July 1, 2008, the Findlay Animal Hospital and the
Findlay Animal Care Center will be changing to a 1-year rabies and a
3-year feline rhinotracheitis/panolukopenia/calicivirus/chlamydia psittaci (FVRCPC) vaccine.

In the past, our standard was to administer a 3-year rabies vaccine and a 1-year FVRCPC vaccine. After a substantial amount of research, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has recommended that the vaccination intervals for cats be prolonged.

Prior to 1998, no research existed to prove how long a vaccine lasted in a cat. Since 1998, several studies have been completed establishing that the duration of the FVRCPC vaccination is at least three years. Due to the potential risks of vaccine reaction (some which may be severe) we have decided to adhere to the recommendations of the AVMA and the AAFP.

You may ask, “Why are we going to be vaccinating for rabies more often?”

We will also begin using a 1-year non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine. An adjuvant is a pharmacological agent that modifies the effect of the vaccine. The previous 3-year vaccinations contained an adjuvant that caused inflammation after being injected into the cat. This inflammation has been severe enough to cause highly malignant sarcomas (cancerous tumors) in 1 out of every 10,000 cats. This problem has not been recognized in dogs.

The new non-adjuvanted vaccines cause no inflammation at the injection site and therefore have not been shown to cause vaccine-associated sarcomas.

The Findlay Animal Hospital and Findlay Animal Care Center provides the best care for your pets. By increasing the duration of the FVRCPC vaccine and switching to a non-adjuvanted rabies vaccination we will decrease the number and severity of vaccination reactions for your cats.

COUCH POTATO PETS

Many of us began the New Year with a resolution to get fit and lose weight. Don't forget that man's best friend may also be affected by the long winter months of inactivity and too many snacks. Take a good look at your pet. Has he or she packed on a few extra pounds?

Obesity occasionally results from a medical problem such as hypothyroidism. More often it is the result of our pets enjoying their food just a little too much. Many health problems can result from being overweight. Health risks from obesity include diabetes, respiratory problems and liver disease. In addition obesity certainly complicates treatment of orthopedic conditions such as hip dysphasia and osteoarthritis.

The first step is to recognize if your pet has a problem. This article will focus on our canine companions. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs fairly easily on either side of his/her chest. If you view your pet from the side he/she should have a nice deep chest that tapers up to a slender waist. If you view him/her from above, the chest should be wider than the waist. There is a variation from breed to breed so if you're unsure if your pet is overweight consult your veterinarian for advice.

Correcting the problem requires the same methods we utilize for ourselves - diet plus exercise. On the average it is recommended to exercise your dog for 20 minutes a day. This can be accomplished by including him/her in a daily walk or jog. Alternatives would include playing fetch or Frisbee. Also there are guidelines available for individual breeds that you can use as a reference. Don't let your pet become a "couch potato". Get him/her actively involved in an exercise routine.

Diet control is the more difficult part of the weight loss equation just like it is for us. Some mistakes that we frequently make with our pets are free choice feeding (ie: available dog food throughout the day) and too many snacks (dog biscuits and table foods). Your veterinarian can give you advice on which diet to choose. Basic choices include either an over-the counter diet for overweight or less active dogs or a prescription diet available through your veterinarian. Caloric requirements vary from pet to pet but your veterinarian can give you initial guidelines on the amount to feed. Consider trying veggie snacks instead of dog biscuits. Some dog treats can be 100 to 200 calories per treat. Some healthy snacks to try include carrots, apples, broccoli and celery. Raisins and grapes have occasionally been associated with kidney problems so avoid these as snacks. Keep some of these ready in the refrigerator for when Fido is begging for the next treat.

The final step is monitoring your dog's progress. Keep a chart or a diary with his or her initial weight and record the new weight each month. Weight loss should be gradual but progressive until your goal is reached. Adjust your feeding regime if the weight loss plateaus. Once again your veterinarian and their staff can be very helpful in guiding you toward your goal. Your pet will be healthier and happier at his/her ideal weight! Good Luck!

VIRULENT SYSTEMIC FELINE CALICIVIRUS
(VS-FCV)

Feline calicivirus is an upper respiratory virus that is included in feline “distemper” combination vaccines.  Cats infected with this virus can have nasal and ocular discharge, oral ulcerations, fever, depression and anorexia. Since 1998 a mutated form of the virus has been recognized. This virus, known as virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV), is highly contagious. Affected patients tend to exhibit more severe signs than those seen with the original virus. These signs can include severe ulceration and hair loss on the face and feet, high fever, swelling of the face and legs, organ dysfunction, and death. Seemingly healthy cats infected with the virus may die within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms develop. Routine vaccinations with traditional calicivirus vaccines do not protect individuals from the mutated form of this virus. The virus may be transmitted via contaminated surfaces, shoes, clothes, and hands. Recently, a new vaccine for this virulent form of calicivirus has been released.  The Findlay Animal Hospital and the Findlay Animal Care Center currently have this vaccine available. If you would like to have your cat protected against this highly contagious form of calicivirus, please call either the Findlay Animal Hospital at 419-423-7232 or the Findlay Animal Care Center at 419-423-4445.