Moist Cough and Runny nose- does my dog have the “Swine Flu”?

Moist Cough and Runny nose- does my dog have the “Swine Flu”?  Not likely.  There have not been any recognized cases of swine flu, H1N1, in dogs in the United States, only 2 cases in dogs in China as of December, 2009.  There have been many cases of the Canine influenza virus, H3N8, in dogs since it was first recognized in 2004.  In the mild form, the most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Most dogs have a soft, moist cough, whereas others have a dry cough that is similar to that induced by a kennel cough like infection. Many dogs have a purulent nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. The nasal discharge is usually caused by secondary bacterial infections.  Some dogs are more severely affected with clinical signs of pneumonia, such as a high-grade fever (104°F to 106°F) and increased respiratory rate and effort.  The death rate has ranged from 0% to 5%.  Higher case fatality rates have been reported in small groups of racing greyhounds that developed hemorrhagic pneumonia during outbreaks.

In May 2009, the USDA approved the licensure of the first influenza vaccine for dogs developed by Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation. The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus of H3N8.  We are not currently recommending use of the vaccine at DNVH but would change that recommendation if changing conditions warranted.  In the four years since the virus was first recognized, we have not diagnosed any cases of canine influenza at DNVH, nor have any other local hospitals.

inks to more information about canine influenza
Control of Canine Influenza in Dogs: Questions, Answers and Interim Guidelines (AVMA)
Canine Influenza: Podcast by Dr. Cynda Crawford (AVMA)
Key Facts about Canine Influenza (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Canine Influenza: Frequently Asked Questions by Dog Owners (University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine)
Canine Influenza Fact Sheet (Iowa State University)
Canine Influenza (University of California-Davis Shelter Medicine Program)
Canine Influenza Virus: Detection, Sampling and Statistics (Cornell University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory)