Canine Influenza Treatment

Signs Of Canine Influenza: The signs in an infected dog are similar to Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterial infection commonly called Kennel Cough. Canine Cough and Infectious tracheobronchitis. Coughing and gagging for up to three weeks is seen in Canine Cough and in the newly emerging canine disease Canine Influenza. Fevers as high as 106 Fahrenheit  can occur. Increased signs of cough may be triggered by exercise or excitement. Nasal discharge may be evident, as well. The dog may act much quieter than usual or seem depressed and display a disinterest in its environment.

Treatment For Canine Influenza: Keep in mind that viruses are not usually affected by antibiotics used against bacterial infections. Antiviral drugs such as amantadine and Tamiflu have been used but are not licensed for use in dogs the information base on the success of antiviral therapy is still small. Antibiotics for both Gram negative and Gram positive organisms may be needed due to secondary invasion of damaged lung tissues from opportunistic bacteria. Fluid therapy for debilitated dogs could be required to give support to these patients while their own bodies create defensive immune factors to assist in warding off the infection. Older puppies and young dogs may be at greatest risk for treatment failure. X-rays may be needed to evaluate the severity of pneumonia. In spite of vigorous in-hospital therapy, some dogs simply will not respond and will succumb to the disease.

Tests For Canine Influenza:
Veterinarians can send blood samples for tests. Nasal swabs may be submitted to a veterinary pathologist for evaluation and virus isolation but the sample must be taken very early in the course of the infection, usually within 72 hours after signs develop in the dog. Any dog that displays a persistent coughing, hacking or gagging should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Coughing, hacking or gagging are actually non-specific signs and therefore can not be used to identify any single cause. Do not assume your dog has canine influenza just because it is showing signs of a respiratory disorder. These signs may be due to a variety of disorders such as tonsillitis, fungal disease such as Blastomycosis, Congestive Heart Failure, Heartworms, tumors, infiltrative immune disorders of the bronchial structures, foreign body obstruction and other disorders. A diagnostic workup may be needed to positively identify the cause of the dog's difficulty. Ask your veterinarian about vaccinating your dog against the Bordetella organism that is associated with Infectious tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough), the common and familiar respiratory disorder Affecting unprotected dogs.