{"id":274,"date":"2017-08-08T17:16:11","date_gmt":"2017-08-08T22:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.volvethosp.com\/blog\/?p=274"},"modified":"2020-08-13T15:09:32","modified_gmt":"2020-08-13T20:09:32","slug":"canine-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.volvethosp.com\/blog\/canine-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"Canine Flu: Outbreaks and Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Canine Flu Has Reached Knoxville! Dog Flu Outbreak Has Owners On Edge! These are headlines you may have read, seen on social media, or heard about on your nightly news program. And it\u2019s true: canine influenza virus has been spreading throughout the United States since its arrival in 2015. Indeed, it is in Knoxville, along with other parts of the South.<\/p>\n

However, while the headlines may seem frightening, we want to assure all pet owners there are ways you can help protect your best fur friend<\/a> from canine flu. This includes becoming informed of the risks, vaccinating your pet<\/a>, and staying up-to-date on what\u2019s happening with canine flu in your area.<\/p>\n

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Canine Influenza Virus: A Primer<\/h3>\n

Respiratory illnesses have been affecting animals since\u2026well…as long as we\u2019ve had pets. One of the most prevalent among these is caused by Bordetella, a proteobacteria referred to as \u201ckennel cough.\u201d This is why many pet owners, particularly those who board their pets, are acutely aware of harmful, contagious illnesses.<\/p>\n

The older strain of canine influenza arrived in 2004 after a group of greyhounds at a Florida racing track came down with \u201cflu-like\u201d symptoms. It turns out this strain (H3N8) had previously been found only in horses but had mutated to infect dogs.<\/p>\n

The latest outbreak that\u2019s wreaking havoc on our dogs is one that was originally found in birds as an avian flu. Called H3N2, it arrived in the U.S. in 2015 via the greater Chicago area and quickly spread. Because dogs have never been exposed to this new strain, none have built up any antibodies to the disease. That\u2019s why we have outbreaks and why almost all unvaccinated dogs exposed to H3N2 will become infected.<\/p>\n

What are the Symptoms?<\/h3>\n

Many dogs (80%) will experience mild to moderate clinical symptoms, including:<\/p>\n