22/11/2023
Here’s an email from Greywolf Vet. This info is also being disseminated by other veterinary offices, and by the Humane Society. As this information is of vital importance, we are including the email in its entirety, with no editing. For the time being, you may wish to consider curtailing visits to the dog park, and to other places where there is a concentration of dogs, until there is more information about this serious canine virus. Signage will be posted at the dog park entrances. We will keep you posted.
We have been contacted by the Office of the Washington State Veterinarian and asked to monitor for a newly emerging respiratory virus which can result in a high mortality rate in dogs. This disease has been described as non to minimally responsive to antibiotic therapy and lasting for a long duration.
While concerning, there is time to make a difference. We want to share the following information to help you protect your family.
Things to know:
There are no reported cases in Washington as of 11/20/2023
The nearest reported case is in Oregon
There are no cases in cats reported
There are no cases of spread from dog to human reported
This is the time to put in place safety measures to protect our canine friends and adjust schedules and plan to limit the spread of disease.
Signs of illness include:
Nasal discharge
Cough
Fever
Lethargy
Sneezing
How do I protect my pet?
While there is a great deal, we do not know yet, we do know how to limit exposure. The State Veterinarian recommends that effective immediately, all dog owners should limit their exposure to boarding and grooming facilities, dog parks, and other high traffic locations. If you must board or take your pet to a groomer there are steps you can put in place to limit exposure.
Distance - Keep your pet at least 6 feet from other dogs when outside. Do not share water bowls, food or toys with other dogs
Vaccinate – Ensure your pet is up to date on vaccines
Monitor- If your pet shows any signs of illness, keep your pet isolated and call your veterinarian
Seek help- If your pet develops a fever, nasal discharge, cough or signs of respiratory distress. Do not wait. Obtain medical support immediately.
How could my dog get this disease?
Respiratory disease is transmitted through droplets or aerosols containing respiratory secretions from licking, coughing, barking and sneezing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places such as kennels, groomers, day care facilities and shelters are at increased risk of infection. It can spread indirectly through objects (e.g., kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes) or people that have been in contact with infected dogs. Incubation periods can be from 1 to 8 days. Dogs are most contagious during the incubation period and shed the virus even though they are not showing clinical signs of illness. Some dogs may show no signs of illness, but have a subclinical infection and shed the virus.
Is it safe to go to the vet?
Yes, effective immediately, we have put in place screening processes to protect our hospitalized and visiting patients. If your pet shows any of the above signs, please keep your pet in the car. Your veterinary staff will use appropriate PPE to protect your pet and others. In the event that the infection is known to be in the area, we will notify you immediately via email and social media posts.
Is my vaccinated dog safe to be around other dogs?
Does my dog’s vaccine protect him/her? We do not have fully adequate information regarding the origin of the specific disease process and which, if any, vaccines protect patients from this disease. That information will be provided as the State Veterinarian gathers more information. In the meantime, we know that we have 3 vaccines that protect against respiratory viruses. Current recommendations include protection with these vaccines until an etiology is known.
What vaccines does my dog need?
DHPP- This vaccine protects against Parainfluenza and Adenovirus
Bordetella- Bordetellabronchispetica (a bacteria)
CIV Canine Influenza Virus- H3N8 and H3N2
All these are causes of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). CIRDC is a highly contagious illness affecting the respiratory tract in dogs. All breeds and ages are susceptible, especially elderly and brachycephalic (“smushy face”) dogs. Dogs at high risk are those exposed to settings where multiple dogs are typically gathered or housed, such as kennels, shelters, and daycare facilities. Various different types of bacteria and viruses can contribute to CIRDC, and dogs can be infected by two or more of these organisms at the same time.
Next Steps: Best protection is to keep your dogs at home. For those that are unvaccinated, at high risk or who have high exposure, we recommend obtaining the DHPP, Bordetella and CIV vaccine as soon as you are able.
Greywolf Veterinary Hospital has ordered ahead to avoid supply shortages, however, we are heavily booked and immediate appointments may not be available. If you need vaccination for your pet, please do not wait. Call, email or text our office to be placed on the schedule.
During this time, all vaccines for current patients will be with a veterinarian or technician who will screen your pet for any signs of illness prior to vaccination. All new patients will require an appointment with a veterinarian.
Have questions? Please use reliable internet sources for information. We recommend the following:
ARG.wa.gov
Follow us on facebook for up to date local information
Veterinarypartner.com
Thank you and stay healthy!
Your Family at Greywolf Veterinary Hospital
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