Dear Dr. Forsythe: Is there a new flu vaccine for dogs? Is it the same as swine flu? Should I get it for my dog? I was also wondering if people can catch it from the dog or if the dogs can catch it from people?
Afraid of the Flu
Dear Afraid: Yes, there is a vaccine available for CIV, canine influenza virus. It is manufactured by Schering Plough. People have been concerned about this “dog flu” after there were several cases of a mysterious severe upper-respiratory disease reported on the East Coast this past summer. It is not the same strain as swine flu, so you do not have to run out and buy a mask, Hazmat suit or barricade yourself and your pet in the house for the near future. The disease is not the same as swine flu, H1N1, but was first discovered among racing greyhounds in 2004 and is closely related to equine influenza. Symptoms in dogs include severe cough, fever, runny-nose and loss of appetite. The outbreaks have occurred in clustered “hot spots” most commonly on the East Coast. If we were in a small town in Florida with a recent outbreak, I would certainly recommend the vaccine. Since we are not in an endemic area, I don’t believe the vaccine is warranted. You still may want to check with your physician about a flu shot for yourself this winter, but you needn’t worry about catching CIV from your dog or giving it to him. Thanks for a good question!
Dr. F.
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My dog has demodex mange on her head and then it spread wider and now there are some spots on her feet too. I have tried giving her baths and even put Neosporin on it because I couldn’t afford the medicine from the vet. Do you recommend anything I can do to get rid of it? The vet also said I should spay her but I wanted to breed her because full-blooded coon hounds are rare. What should I do?
BB in Sonoma
Dear BB: First of all, I am always amazed when a person uses the term “full-blooded” to describe a pet that is “purebred.” What is the alternative? Partially-blooded? Sorry to be so picky but it is a pet peeve of mine!
Now regarding Demodex, there are a few different treatments that veterinarians use to treat demodectic mange in dogs. These include oral ivermectin, Goodwinol topical ointment, and Mitaban dips. As far as I know, Neosporin has never been used effectively to kill these tiny and irritating mites that burrow inside the skin. I don’t really know of any other successful home remedies for this severe skin problem we often think is associated with pets that are immunosuppressed. I agree with your veterinarian your pet needs appropriate veterinary treatment to treat this skin problem. I also think it would be appropriate to spay a pet with this form of mange: it can be passed onto the litter and if she has a weak immune system, she would be better off taken out of a breeding program, even if she is “full-blooded.”
Dr. F.
Be First to Comment