My Pet World: Vaccine good tool as dog flu epidemic grows
Q: I live in Chicago, where there's an epidemic of dog flu. My dog is very social, so I was thinking about the vaccine. Now, I've heard that the virus has mutated and the vaccine is no longer effective. Any advice? -- C.G., Chicago, IL
Q: Our dogs play with other dogs all the time. I know about the dog flu in Chicago, but my veterinarian says it's not happening here. I do worry, though, about dogs who come here for the weekend (from the Chicago area) and could bring the flu with them. Should I have our dogs vaccinated? -- C.G., West Haven, MI
A: The epidemic of the canine influenza virus (CIV) has sickened over 1,000 dogs and caused at least five deaths in the Chicago area, according to Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator for the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control.
Most dogs have no previous exposure to this emerging illness. As a result, if exposed, it's exceedingly likely that any unvaccinated dog will get the virus. About a quarter of dogs who get the virus won't get sick but will still spread the virus.
Most dogs have mild symptoms, but about five to 10 percent require more aggressive care, including hospitalization, according to Dr. Cynda Crawfod, of Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, who helped to discover the canine influenza virus.
"Relative to other illnesses, the mortality rate isn't high," says Crawford. "But if it's your dog that dies, that's certainly no consolation."
Crawford explains that the CIV virus has altered somewhat, but not mutated to the extent that human flu viruses often do. She adds that the vaccine doesn't require any adjustments at this time and remains effective.
The vaccine offers only some protection until a booster shot is given two or three weeks following the initial vaccine. Like the human flu vaccine, the canine vaccine may prevent a dog from getting sick all together, or lessen the severity of symptoms. Importantly, the canine influenza vaccine offers protection against pneumonia. That's important because most CIV deaths follow complications resulting from pneumonia.
Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate is between you and your veterinarian. For social dogs who reside in urban areas, Alexander notes, "Perhaps we ought think more seriously about utilizing this vaccine more often."
You're right that veterinarians are concerned about dogs traveling out of the Chicago area carrying the virus with them, particularly now, as many owners are hitting the road for spring break.
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