Definition:
Canine influenza, popularly known as the dog flu, refers to different types of Influenzavirus A that causes influenza in canines.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made by PCR virus test to check for canine influenza.
Treatment:
Treatments for canine influenza include antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections and supportive care.
Disinfectants, quaternary ammonium compounds and bleach solutions may help kill the virus.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of canine influenza include mild cough lasting for 10 to 30 days and nasal discharge. Dogs with severe cases of influenza develop high fever and pneumonia, which is due to secondary bacterial infections. Extremely severe cases may lead to hemorrhagic pneumonia, vasculitis and eventually death.
Causes:
Canine influenza is caused by various Influenzavirus A, the most common being the equine influenza virus H3N8. Due to the lack of virus exposure, the affected dogs have no natural immunity to the virus, making dog-to-dog transmissions extremely high.
