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| Hours |
| Monday: | 8:00am - 6:00pm | | Tuesday: | 8:00am - 6:00pm | | Wednesday: | 8:00am - 7:00pm | | Thursday: | 8:00am - 7:00pm | | Friday: | 8:00am - 6:00pm | | Saturday: | 8:00am - 12:00pm | | Sunday: | Closed |
All surgeries scheduled for Wednesdays and Thursdays need to be dropped off between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM on scheduled day.
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| Spotlight | Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)
What is Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)?
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.
How Contagious is CIV?
Canine influenza will infect every dog that comes in contact with the disease unles he/she has already had the illness and recovered. This is because the virus is relatively new and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptable to the infection, about 80% will show signs of illness. The 20% that do not show signs of illness can still spread the virus to other dogs.
What are the Symptoms?
Some symptoms of canine influenza include: Lasting cough Low-grade fever Nasal discharge Lack of energy Loss of appetite Canine influenza is commonly confused with kennel cough because of the similarities in symptoms.
(Though these are symptoms of canine influenza, every dog experiencing these are not necessarily infected with canine influenza. Please call Cedar Ridge Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment to get your dog examined to correctly diagnose the problem.)
How Serious is CIV?
Although canine influenza is usually mild, it can become more serious in some dogs. About 20% of cases, more severe signs will occur including high fever and pneumonia. A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.
How is it Diagnosed?
Canine influenza is diagnosed through blood tests or nasal swab samples collected from the dog during the appropriate time in the course of the illness.
Is my dog at risk?
Answer the following questions to see how at risk your dog is for CIV.
Does your dog:
Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel or pet store?
Board at a kennel or go to doggie daycare?
Attend group training or "dog kindergarten"?
Visit a groomer, dog parks or engage with other dogs on daily walks?
Enter dog events?
Come into contact with other dogs in the waiting room during visits to yor veterinary clinic?
If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, please call our clinic to set up an appointment to protect your dog from canine influenza.
How is CIV spread?
CIV spreads the same way human flu spreads - through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling); through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog).
What is the treatment for CIV?
There currently is no treatment fo CIV. The disease must run its course, however supportive care is recommended to help your dog fight the infection. If canine influenza becomes complicated by a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may need to be given to fight off the infection.
What is the protection from CIV?
There is a new Canine Influenza Virus vaccine that is available through our clinic. The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart and then an annual revaccination to keep your dog immune to this virus. Please ask us about this vaccination and whether your dog is a good candidate to receive immunization.
The above information was collected from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Canine Influenza brochure.
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| Contact and Location Information |
Cedar Ridge Animal Hospital
1102 East 23rd Street
Independence, MO 64055
Phone: (816)833-1300
Email: cedarridge@cedarridgelovespet.com
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