ZooFuzz
09-30-2009, 08:43 AM
FYI
http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=79032&catid=2
Columbia (WLTX) - You and your kids aren't the only ones at risk of catching the flu this year. The Canine Influenza Virus is growing in numbers around the country.
"I love him cause he's my companion. As of right now he's the only one I have at home. My fiance is in Afghanistan. He keeps me company, he's there to greet me at the door and he just makes me happy," said Susie Newman about her dog Maximus.
Susie Newman, like many pet owners does whatever she can to make her dog Maximus happy, including paying for some steep medical bills.
"I just recently spent $400 on a vet bill, so it's very important. I will do whatever it takes to take care of him," said Newman.
Veterinarian Dr. Emily Hoppmann of Elam Animal Hospital says dog owners like Newman may have a new concern this flu season because of CIV.
"You'll see a persistent cough, discharge from the nose, from the eyes, and the cough will persist for 21 days that's the biggest indicator," said Hoppmann.
CIV popped up in 2004 in Florida, and has spread to at least 30 states. Hoppmann says it's not prevalent here in South Carolina, yet. Despite a lack of confirmed cases, Hoppmann believes it is in the state.
"If we're not seeing it, it's seeing us. I think it's definitely out there. It's just that we're not testing for it, because people aren't asking for the test."
Hoppmann says the highly contagious virus is spread very easily, and there's a new vaccination out there to protect your dog. She suggests dog's who are in regular contact with others should get the shot as a precaution.
"Are going to be in a group where you're in a large facility? Are going to be boarding? Are you going to be grooming? Are you going to be doing shows? Those are the sort of dogs that need the vaccine."
The virus is not a risk to you or other animals. It's rare, but about 2% of cases of CIV are severe and can be fatal according to Hoppmann. She tells us the annual vaccination costs about $30, and suggests you talk to your vet about whether it's necessary for your dog.
http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=79032&catid=2
Columbia (WLTX) - You and your kids aren't the only ones at risk of catching the flu this year. The Canine Influenza Virus is growing in numbers around the country.
"I love him cause he's my companion. As of right now he's the only one I have at home. My fiance is in Afghanistan. He keeps me company, he's there to greet me at the door and he just makes me happy," said Susie Newman about her dog Maximus.
Susie Newman, like many pet owners does whatever she can to make her dog Maximus happy, including paying for some steep medical bills.
"I just recently spent $400 on a vet bill, so it's very important. I will do whatever it takes to take care of him," said Newman.
Veterinarian Dr. Emily Hoppmann of Elam Animal Hospital says dog owners like Newman may have a new concern this flu season because of CIV.
"You'll see a persistent cough, discharge from the nose, from the eyes, and the cough will persist for 21 days that's the biggest indicator," said Hoppmann.
CIV popped up in 2004 in Florida, and has spread to at least 30 states. Hoppmann says it's not prevalent here in South Carolina, yet. Despite a lack of confirmed cases, Hoppmann believes it is in the state.
"If we're not seeing it, it's seeing us. I think it's definitely out there. It's just that we're not testing for it, because people aren't asking for the test."
Hoppmann says the highly contagious virus is spread very easily, and there's a new vaccination out there to protect your dog. She suggests dog's who are in regular contact with others should get the shot as a precaution.
"Are going to be in a group where you're in a large facility? Are going to be boarding? Are you going to be grooming? Are you going to be doing shows? Those are the sort of dogs that need the vaccine."
The virus is not a risk to you or other animals. It's rare, but about 2% of cases of CIV are severe and can be fatal according to Hoppmann. She tells us the annual vaccination costs about $30, and suggests you talk to your vet about whether it's necessary for your dog.