First Confirmed Case of H1N1 in Dog

The H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York. The 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was sick with confirmed H1N1 influenza.

The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. X-rays showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted found the dog tested negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for H1N1.
The American Veterinary Association says this not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness.

This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms. Pet owners should remain vigilant.

To date, animals infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have shown the following clinical signs: lethargy, inappetance/anorexia, coughing and difficulty breathing. Some of the animals have developed pneumonia. Any animals showing these signs of disease should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.

There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals. To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms.

Courtesy: AMVA



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