• deadly dog virus hits michigan

    From Matt Munson@1:218/109 to All on Fri Oct 4 20:13:00 2013

    Hello everybody!

    from:
    http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/10/deadly-ohio-dog-virus-hits-michigan/

    Dog owners of the midwest, beware: theres a deadly disease striking dogs, and it may be spreading to them by their owners. Flu-like symptoms may be present, and can be fatal within 12-24 hours of contracting it.

    Cases of the virus similar to circovirus (typically associated with pigs) have been reported all across Ohio, and now six Michigan dogs have died from it. There is no name for the mysterious illness, because veterinarians and scientists arent exactly sure what it is yet.

    The laboratory confirmation is important because the virus is newly isolated, however we are not prepared at this time to confirm that canine circovirus is the cause of the dog illnesses, said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey. Because the symptoms being exhibited can also be linked to other known illnesses, additional analysis and information is needed to determine if this virus alone or in co-infection contributes to illness and death in dogs.

    Symptoms can include lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and most notably, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Dogs displaying these symptoms should be
    rushed to a vet, especially if someone theyve been in close contact with is also under the weather. Dogs can be saved, but only if they are treated immediately.

    Usually within about 12 to 24 hours of it starting, said Dr. Lindsay Ruland of the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor.

    It is unknown how the virus is transmitted, but it may be spreading through saliva and feces. No humans or other animals are believed to have died from the
    virus, but doctors are recommending that people wash their hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and hot water before and after touching their pets and their pets food, bedding, toys, etc. For the time, none of these items should be shared between animals, especially if people around them have had flu-like symptoms, and contact between dogs should be limited, or avoided altogether if it is known that a dog (or its human) has been sick recently.

    Traditionally we dont pass viruses to our pets. This year, I think that there is potential that we are passing it to our pets, Dr. Ruland said.



    Matt


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  • From Janis Kracht@1:261/38 to Matt Munson on Sun Oct 6 22:31:56 2013
    Hi Matt,


    Very freaky ... I think I read about this not that long ago. Anyway, I wonder if it's also being seen overseas? With warmer temperatures all over the planet
    are we giving bugs/viruses/bacteria a nice place to live? :(

    I guess the fact that we enjoy having 3 of the Labrador retriever-types (1 full-bred, 2 mixed breed) says that we're used to the mutts eating everything and anything. I don't think even their stomachs would be able to survive this nasty one without treatment though. Forgive all the quoting of your original message.. can't hurt I figure..

    from:
    http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/10/deadly-ohio-dog-virus-hits-michigan/

    Dog owners of the midwest, beware: theres a deadly disease striking dogs, and
    it may be spreading to them by their owners. Flu-like symptoms may be present,
    and can be fatal within 12-24 hours of contracting it.

    Cases of the virus similar to circovirus (typically associated with pigs) have
    been reported all across Ohio, and now six Michigan dogs have died from it. There is no name for the mysterious illness, because veterinarians and scientists arent exactly sure what it is yet.

    The laboratory confirmation is important because the virus is newly isolated, however we are not prepared at this time to confirm that canine circovirus is the cause of the dog illnesses, said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey. Because the symptoms being exhibited can also be linked to other known illnesses, additional analysis and information is needed to determine if this virus alone or in co-infection contributes to illness and death in dogs.

    Symptoms can include lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and most
    notably, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Dogs displaying these symptoms should b
    rushed to a vet, especially if someone theyve been in close contact with is also under the weather. Dogs can be saved, but only if they are treated immediately.

    Usually within about 12 to 24 hours of it starting, said Dr. Lindsay Ruland of
    the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor.

    It is unknown how the virus is transmitted, but it may be spreading through
    saliva and feces. No humans or other animals are believed to have died from th
    virus, but doctors are recommending that people wash their hands thoroughly
    with antibacterial soap and hot water before and after touching their pets and
    their pets food, bedding, toys, etc. For the time, none of these items should be shared between animals, especially if people around them have had flu-like
    symptoms, and contact between dogs should be limited, or avoided altogether if
    it is known that a dog (or its human) has been sick recently.

    Traditionally we dont pass viruses to our pets. This year, I think that there is potential that we are passing it to our pets, Dr. Ruland said.

    Take care,
    Janis

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