I figured this day would arrive, all the while hoping I would be wrong about it. But folks, it appears we in the U.S. have our first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza (AKA swine flu) in a canine. The AVMA has posted an update on their H1N1 Public Health news page. According to a press release from IDEXX Laboratories:
A 13-year-old dog had a several-day history of not feeling or eating well, a dry cough and a fever on presentation to its veterinarian. The dog was treated for pneumonia and improved with hospitalization and supportive care. The dog tested positive on the IDEXX H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR Test.
The dog, living in Bedford Hills, New York, reportedly became ill after its owner had a confirmed case of H1N1 flu. Fortunately, this senior dog (name has not yet been mentioned) seems to deserve the nickname "Lucky." With plenty of supportive care, this fortunate dog was released from the hospital after approximately two days and appears to be on the road to a full recovery. Thank goodness.
Now, I know your first reaction may be panic, and I understand. Personally, I am sick right now with a nasty mega-cold and flu-like symptoms, though it is probably not H1N1. However, my gut reaction was to worry about my cats. Well, now my paranoid mind will also worry about the dog! But seriously, there really is no need to panic. However, I am begrudgingly trying to keep a distance from my critters (P.S. It's not working very well - they tend to be even closer to me when I'm sick).
So, what can you do? First of all, keep yourself in good shape, and contact your doctor if you have any symptoms consistent with the H1N1 virus. Also, do what it takes to keep your dog healthy (and your other pets, too). Be sure to report any signs of illness to your vet in a timely manner. Right now there is no sense in worrying yourself silly. Just take the precautions and keep a close eye on your pets. Hopefully, this will all turn out just fine.
So, will any of you make major changes in your life because of this news? Why or why not? Share your thoughts.
For more information on this story and H1N1 in pets, visit Janet's Veterinary Medicine Blog on About.com.
Comments
I have been worried about this from the begining. Even though they said it couldnt happen I figured it would. I love my dog just as I love my child, I will be doing everything possible to try and keep us from getting sick. I will be looking for in the future a h1n1 vaccine for the dogs and cats , ect. They came out this year with a seasonal flu shot for your dog so this shouldnt be to far behind. I Was first in line to get my son and I our H1N1 shot. I think people are crazy for not getting this. There is nothing new to the shot, people just dont do good research. It is the same shot as the regular flu shot they have been giving forever the differance is the virus. Instead of the seasonal flu strain it is the H1N1 strain. Even the H1N1 flu is not new, There have been reports of it since the 1920’s. It just never killed as many people as it is now. It is mutating just like the seasonal flu does. So get your shots, wash your hands all the time, especially after you are touching shopping carts and stuff and just be careful. If you see any sign of your dog acrting out or the ordinary please call your vet. I as a Humane Officer in training and working with them right now will not be surprised if we start seeing cases of this where the animals are getting this and people just wont take them in thinking it is going to bw an arm and a leg to save them. I guess we shall see.
Basically I think we all saw it coming , we must protect our families (dogs/cats included) and get vaccinated!
“According to Health officials there is a major increase in the vaccination production” (at http://www.isrameds.com news -h1n1) so I don’t see any reason why not protect them too…
Since so many humans have fallen under the influence of medical quacks and won’t get the H1N1 shot, why not free some vaccine up for veterinarians to administer to our four-legged family members?
I’m sure those people too stupid to get an H1N1 vaccine for themselves would not want their dogs or cats vaccinated either.
Fine, it’s more vaccine for my dog. I have already gotten my seasonal flu shot and my H1N1 shots as have other folks in my people doctor’s practice who know a bit about science.
As for the fools, let them die.
I too love my puppies as family. I live in the desert and my babies get a snake vaccine. It’s a two part series and well worth the 30 dollars. It gives me the time to get medical aid for my pet as I have a 3, 4, 5 lb yorkies. Otherwise they would not make it to the vet in time.
I’m getting surgical masks for my dogs … this will also help as disguises so their fans won’t mob us