Canine Influenza Update 4/14/15 AM

An article dated 4/12/15 out of Cornell University by Joe Swartz, stated the Influenza outbreak in Chicago may be caused by a new strain of Influenza. The new strain (H₃N₂) is from Asia, and is currently in wide circulations in Southern China and Korean dog populations.

The outbreak was originally attributed to the H₃N₈ strain which was first identified in the US dog population in 2004 at Greyhound race Tracks and some boarding kennels.

Currently testing is being done at the National Veterinary Service Laboratories in Ames, IA, to see if they can determine if two different strains exist in the Chicago outbreak. The New H₃N₂ (Asia) strain has also shown to cause infection and respiratory illness in cats.

The fact that a lot of the dogs tested positive to the old influenza dog virus testing and some did not leaves them to suspect that two strains may currently be in Chicago.

I have personally talked to the spokeswoman at Cornell University and she said they should know in about two weeks whether the current vaccine we have will protect against both strains. The bad news is that if the canine influenza vaccine does not protect against the new strain, it would likely take several months to develop a new vaccine. Therefore the overall preventative advice is to avoid bringing your dog to places where dogs congregate such as dog parks, beaches, etc. until we know more. We will forward new information as it becomes available.

Summary

As it stands, we do not currently know whether the vaccine we currently have will protect against the current influenza virus that is going through Chicago, unfortunately it is the best we have until we know more.

The recommendations to avoid dog parks and areas where dogs congregate continue to be the best practice. We also continue to advise having your dog vaccinated for the strain we know about since it has not been confirmed if both strains are in the Chicago area.  As always we want what is best for your pets and will continue to keep you updated as we know more.

Thank you,

-Dr. Rex Bailey and Dr. Lauren Fairchild 

Canine Influenza Continued: A Message from Dr. Bailey

I wanted to address the seriousness of the Canine Influenza virus (CIV).  This virus is not like regular kennel cough.  It is much more serious.  CIV is one of the biggest threats to dogs in our area since the Parvovirus outbreak in the 1970’s.  The Chicago land area is seeing a large number of cases with 80% of the dogs tested being positive (Source: Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association).  Most of the boarding facilities in Chicago have closed.  One boarding facility in Chicago had 26 sick dogs being treated at one time. 

The Chicago land area is overwhelmed with sick dogs.  I believe that even the news has not correctly portrayed the speed at which it has spread nor the seriousness of the disease to your dog.  I personally know a veterinarian in Lincoln Park, who, for the first time in her 30 year career, cancelled all regular visits to exclusively see patients with CIV like symptoms on Saturday.  They are treating a lot of dogs for Pneumonia.  Because many families traveled over the Easter weekend, there is concern the virus may be spreading.  Please avoid dog parks and other areas where dogs gather.

Currently we have not yet seen any confirmed cases in our area, but I would recommend avoiding dog parks and other areas where dogs gather until they are fully vaccinated. 

Here at Michigan City Animal Hospital we are taking strict precautions to help keep your pet healthy.

Due to the hundreds of dogs in the Chicago area who visit our area, we are recommending all dogs be vaccinated for Canine Influenza starting this week.  All dogs boarding at our hospital must be vaccinated for Canine Influenza. 

Signs of CIV are similar to Kennel Cough and include:

• Dry hacking cough 
• coughing up a white foaming phlegm
• lethargy
• vomiting
• lack of appetite
• runny nose
• rapid breathing
• fever

A few dogs have died and the numbers of dogs being treated with pneumonia has risen so fast the veterinarians and pharmacies are struggling to keep up with antibiotics.  One client drove 30 minutes from Chicago to get the antibiotics.  I do not see this going away anytime soon.  This is not to scare anyone, but this is a real concern in our area.  There is no evidence that this disease can transmit to people or other animals.

Contact us today with any questions you may have: http://www.mcanimalhospital.com/


The following article was copied from ISVMA (http://www.isvma.org/)
UPDATED 4-4-15

7 Reasons To Act More Like Your Pet

Pets aren’t always easy to take care of, and they often require a substantial time commitment (something you’re all too aware of at, say, 3 a.m., when Bing Clawsby is finally ready to go outside and do his business). But pets provide an amazing return on that time investment, especially when it comes to your health. Case in point: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels than non-pet owners. But that’s not all. Pets also model many surprisingly healthy behaviors that humans would do well to emulate. Here are just a few, according to veterinarians, dog trainers, and other pet experts. 

1. They focus on what matters most. You may get grumpy after a bad day at the office, but your pooch never does. “Companion animals mostly care about food, love, and shelter (not always in that order). As long as they have those things, they don’t need much else,” Mary Gardner, DVM, a veterinarian and cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice tells Yahoo Health. “Pets also don’t complain much at all. People believe they hide their pain; I simply think they manage it differently.” If humans could model these behaviors, Gardner adds, we’d be healthier, happier, “and more people would want to be around us.” 

2. They practice portion control (even if not by choice). Snowball might not want to limit her kibble intake any more than you want to limit your tortilla-chip intake. Nonetheless, she typically eats reasonably sized helpings of nutritionally balanced food — and never gets to eat straight out of the bag. Follow her lead. “Both animals and people need structure and regulation when it comes to portion size,” says Jme Thomas, executive director of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue based in Redmond, Washington. 

3. They know how to de-stress. Your pooch doesn’t pour a glass of cabernet when the going gets rough (though, yes, it would make a very popular YouTube video if she did). She may, however, start begging for a walk or to play a game. Smart dog! “Actively seeking healthy activities — that function as de-stressors when stress levels are high — helps to reset people as well as dogs, and bring us back to a productive and functional status, from which many things feel a lot more ‘do-able,’” Marisa Scully, a certified dog behavior specialist in Philadelphia, tells Yahoo Health. 

4. They hit the hay. People don’t get enough sleep: According to a 2014 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 45 percent of Americans said that a lack of sleep had impaired their activities at least once in the previous week. Learn from your cat or dog, who knows just how important it is to get enough shut-eye, says Jeff Werber, VVM, president and chief veterinarian of Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles. “Whether it’s a lazy dog day afternoon, or a quick cat nap, you won’t find them burning the candles at both ends.” 5. They stretch! There’s a reason one of the most common yoga moves is named downward dog. Dogs (and cats) stretch constantly — and we should do the same, notes certified dog behavior consultant Russell Hartstein. Why? Stretching can improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury. 

6. They’re open to new things. Animals are naturally curious. “Open a box or empty a bag and before you know it, your cat will have climbed in to investigate. Walk your dog past a gardener planting flowers and chances are she will check it out before moving on,” Werber says. “And they’re always up for some fun. A game of catch, a walk, a visit — bring it on.” Since research has found that seeking out new experiences can keep people feeling young and healthy, we’d do well to follow suit.

7. They’re comfortable getting zen. Numerous studies have found a correlation between mindful meditation and reduced stress, decreased heart disease, and a stronger immune response — and that’s something your cat already knows how to do instinctively. “Each morning I sit on the sofa with my cat, Turtle, while I drink my first cup of coffee,” says Kristen Levine, a pet living expert. “We spend about 10 minutes together, her getting neck and head rubs, me enjoying her purring and having a few meditative moments at the start of the day.It sounds simple, and it can be, but depending on the activity, it can have a powerfully relaxing or invigorating effect for both human and critter.” 

Source: https://www.yahoo.com/health/7-health-lessons-our-pets-teach-us-112252958927.html

Protect Your Pet During Winter and Cold Weather

Keep pets indoors and warm 

The best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. 

Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. 

During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage. 

Take precautions if your pet spends a lot of time outside

A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. 

Help neighborhood outdoor cats 

If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats (ferals, who are scared of people, and strays, who are lost or abandoned pets) in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It's easy to give them a hand. 

Give your pets plenty of food and water 

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal. 

Be careful with cats, wildlife and cars 

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine. 

Protect paws from salt 

The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth. 

Avoid antifreeze poisoning 

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family. 

Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold 

If you encounter a pet left in the cold, document what you see: the date, time, exact location and type of animal, plus as many details as possible. Video and photographic documentation (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case. Then contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office and present your evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied. 

 SOURCE: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/protect_pets_winter.html 

National Cat Week: Protect Your Cat This Season

It's National Cat Week! As the days start getting shorter and cooler, your outside cat, as well as other cats in the neighborhood, may be looking for warm places to spend the night. A common place for cats to go for warmth is under the hood of cars, because engines retain their warmth long after the car has been driven. If a car is started under these circumstances, great injury, or even death, can occur for the cat. Protect your outside cat, and your neighbors’ cats, by knocking on the hood every morning before you start your car.

Unlikely Friends

Pets and Trucks

Did you know that riding in the back of trucks is not safe for your pet and in some states it’s actually illegal?  While any dog would love the wind blowing through its fur, other things are blowing through that wind too.  This increases the risk for you dog to get hit with flying debris which might cause injury that you might not even be aware of.  Keep your pet in the cab of the truck, preferably in a crate that will not slide around with sudden stops.  

Proper Way to Remove a Tick

We would like to remind you to never leave your pet alone in a car during hot weather. Even if parked in the shade with a window open, temperatures can quickly soar to 120 degrees. This type of heat can result in heatstroke and severely harm your pet. Signs of heatstroke include panting heavily, staring, anxious expression, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and collapse. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.  Bring them inside where it is cool and be sure to provide access to plenty of fresh, clean water.  

Spring is the perfect time to play with your pet outdoors… but before you grab that Frisbee and dog to go to the park, talk to us about annual examinations and vaccinations and heartworm preventatives. Schedule your pet for their annual vaccinations and yearly heartworm check so that you two can have a great spring season.

We Have Three New Groomers

Michigan City Animal Hospital is proud to now have three groomers on staff. Our ...groomers are: Stacy Cochran, Sharon Romero, Debra Hora. A basic groom service includes: Standard Breed Cut, Bath, Ear Cleaning and plucking, Nail trim, and Anal gland expression. Schedule your pet's grooming appointment with us today! 

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week!

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane Association’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same. While Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, we should strive to always be kind to animals every day. What is the kindest thing you've done for your pet today?

 

Pets & Flowers

We would like to remind you that there are many toxic plants and flowers that begin to show up in the spring. Common poisonous flowers include lilies, azaleas, hydrangeas, hemlock, rhododendrons, gladiolus, oleander and hibiscus…all causing vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes death if ingested in large enough quantities. Remove all plants where pets roam unsupervised and, if decorating the inside of your home, please consider using pet-friendly silk flowers instead. 

Avoiding Easter Hazards!

With the arrival of the holiday season our pets are often prone to new un thought of risks. Nothing makes a holiday more memorable than a panicked trip to the vets. But pet owners need not fret. Here's what you need to know to have an emergency-free celebration this Easter.

Festive Foods:
One of the biggest risks to pets at Easter time is "CHOCOLATE". The canine nose is an expert in sniffing out all the lovely sweet goodies in an instant. And birds, cats & dogs alike are drawn to the bright colours & shiny wrappers. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that can be toxic to dogs, cats and parrots. Baker's chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine. How a pet reacts to chocolate depends on its size, as well as the amount and type of chocolate eaten. Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of chocolate toxicosis, and while rare, too much chocolate can even be fatal. Carob chocolate is a natural, delicious and pet friendly alternative.

Foil packaging, ribbon and pretty sparkly plastic wadding are irresistible to cats and birds, while a big shiny Easter egg appears as a fun ball for a dog.  Pets love to play with these items and they will sometimes swallow them. Known as linear foreign bodies in vet speak, they are indigestible and can cause a partial or complete obstruction. They are often sharp and run the risk of cutting through the wall of the intestinal tract which can cause peritonitis.

While we all love our pets and wish to include them in the festivities, it is important to remember that now matter how much they beg, what they want may not always be what is best for them. Rich fatty foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or even pancreatitis in the extreme. Onions either raw or cooked can be poisonous to cats and dogs. As little as one bite of an onion can cause some of the red bloods cells to be destroyed (haemolytic anaemia) symptoms can include pale gums, reddish urine and lethargy.

It is important to remember never to feed your pets cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal damage. The same applies to feeding your pets fish which might contain bones. Bowls of nuts and raisin-laden fruitcakes or chocolate covered sultanas are also common holiday treats. Macadamia Nuts are toxic to dogs. Although one nut is not likely to harm your dog, a number of them could require a trip to the emergency ward. Dogs who ingest macadamia nuts could suffer weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.

Foods that are healthy for us may not be so good for our beloved pets. Raisins and grapes are toxic to cats and dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure and even death. While avocadoes are harmful to dogs, cats, birds and Guinea pigs. They contain a toxic fatty acid called persin which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, congestion, respiratory disease, fluid accumulation around the heart tissue and may cause death, especially in small animals and birds. So please be careful when serving fruit platters or salads this Easter.

One very real concern to pets are products containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol. This absolutely needs to be avoided. It will cause low blood sugar if ingested in toxic amounts and has been known to cause fatal liver failure.
During the festive season it is easy to forget the dangers of leaving alcoholic drinks within reach of our pets. It may seem harmless enough to offer your best mate a frosty cold one to celebrate alongside the humans. But alcohol poisoning is a very real danger to our pets. Problems equate to the amount of alcohol ingested compared to weight. Even a very small amount of alcohol can cause severe poisoning in a small pet. The yeast contained in beer can also lead to bloating and abdominal pain.

The good news is there is now a specially designed non alcoholic doggy beer on the market called *Paw Rex* It is made with beef stock so dogs love it and even comes in a six pack.

It is also important to remember that most cats and dogs are lactose intolerant so avoid giving them any dairy products. Specially designed lactose free animal products are an available alternative.  It's up to us to make sure hazards are kept out of reach and that visitors or children know the risks. Remember prevention is better than cure. For healthy Easter treat alternatives to spoil your best friend, please visit our Pet Gourmet section in this special Easter addition of Pet Scene Magazine.

Unexpected Hazards:
With all the coming and going and busy rush that comes with the holiday seasons it is easy for opportunities to arise to get our pets into trouble. It is not uncommon for visitors who are not used to pets to leave gates or doors open. This welcomes the opportunity for your pet to flee the house with all its strange new smells, noise and people. An open window makes for a great escape root for cats or free flying birds. Many pets wind up getting lost or struck by vehicles as a result of this careless mistake. If you have a pet that becomes nervous around new people or strange activity it may be a good idea to plan in advance to have area of the house or yard which is separate where they can feel safe and secure. Visitors who aren't used to living with pets may inadvertently leave their medications within reach. This brings opportunities for serious problems. Dogs are not deterred by childproof caps and can quickly find themselves in a world of trouble. Warn guests to keep medications well out of reach.

Traveling with pets:
If your going out of town with your pet this Easter there are a few things to remember:

* Make sure your pet is in a cool well ventilated position and never left alone in a closed car, temperatures can sore very quickly.

* Make sure your pet is secured in either a pet crate or safety harness.

* If your pet suffers from motion sickness it's recommended that you consult with your vet prior to travel to arrange an appropriate treatment.

* Make sure you plan for toileting and drink breaks. Our pets need to refresh too. 

* If you are planning to go out on the water these holidays be sure to pack your pet a life vest.

* If you are going on holiday this Easter with your pets, be sure you have a full supply of any medications they may be taking with you.

The humble Easter Lily
Many cat owners will be surprised to learn that lilies ( Liliaceae) are extremely toxic to their feline friends. The exact cause is unknown, however even the smallest amounts if ingested by cats can  be fatal, while dogs who ingest large amounts only develop signs of mild gastrointestinal upset. Early warning signs of Lily toxicity include vomiting, depression and a lack of appetite. There is no antidote, but with early detection and aggressive treatment the cat stands a better chance of survival. Cats may sometimes appear to be improving after the first onset of symptoms, but 24-72hrs later crash and become critically ill as they go into acute renal failure. If you suspect there is a chance your cat may have ingested this plant it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated cats die within 3-7 days. Cat owners should never grow Lilies in the garden and should ensure that lilies are never part of floral arrangements. This is important to remember these holidays with the popular Easter Lily appearing  in most flower arrangements.

We hope that these tips will help you and your pets have a happy and safe
holiday season.

The weather is getting warmer and it is the time when we start to fire up our barbeque grills. We want to remind you that barbeque and picnic foods should not be fed to pets.  Please bring plenty of food and treats for your pets so that they can join in on the fun, food and sunshine.