The H1N1 virus was confirmed recently in several cats in the USA. This had pet owners worried and on alert because if this happened to house cats then its was only a matter of time that we would hear of cases with dogs.
Well on December 13, 2009 a 13 year old dog was taken to the Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center in Bedford Hills, New York. The dog became sick after his owner was sick with confirmed H1N1 virus. 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 of care. The dog is reported to be doing very well at home and is scheduled for a check-up with repeat X-rays.
Signs of H1N1 virus infection resemble those of other common respiratory infections so it is important to get medical attention asap to determine what is ailing your pet. Some signs to look out for:
* Coughing, sneezing and oculonasal discharge
* Fever, lethargy and loss of appetite
* Dyspnea and tachypnea
H1N1 and pets
This dog, like the ferrets, cats, cheetahs, turkeys and most swine, have contracted the H1N1 infection from humans. Keep your pets safe by:
* taking them to the veterinarian at the first signs of illness
* keeping ill humans away from pets
* covering your coughs
* practicing good sanitation of the environment
* practicing good personal hygiene (wash hands)
For up-to-date news on the 2009 H1N1 flu virus outbreak and FAQs from the American Veterinary Medical Association go to http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp
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