Dogs in China Diagnosed with Swine Flu
Two dogs in Beijing have tested positive for swine flu in the second case of animals catching the disease in China along with pigs in the northeast, Chinese media said Sunday.
The A(H1N1) virus detected in the dogs was 99 percent identical to the one circulating in humans, the state-run Beijing Times reported, quoting China’s agriculture ministry.
The news comes 10 days after four pigs in China’s Heilongjiang province were diagnosed with the virus, which specialists said might have been caught from humans, the report said.
Countries including the United States, Canada and Chile have already reported cases of animals being infected with the A(H1N1) virus.
Citing an official at the Beijing municipal agriculture bureau, the report said the dogs probably contracted the virus from human sufferers who were in close contact with the canines.
An unidentified official said: “Dogs can infect nearby dogs after they catch A(H1N1) flu”.
Polluted Pets
Dogs and Cats Are Being Contaminated with Toxic Chemical
Pets concentrate environmental toxins more than we do because their exposures are different. They are lower to the ground, always cleaning their fur and paws, rolling in the dirt and grass, picking up more toxic chemicals. Also there are the toxins found in fire resistant couches, bedding, and toys. The linings on the lids of pet food cans, linings of pet food bags, also contribute to toxic levels of chemicals in the thyroid, skin, and other organs. We have been seeing more cancer in our patients than ever before, and have long suspected environmental causes. Now we have some evidence of this.
To read this article published last year, go to Environmental Working Groups.
(Thanks to Dr. Susan Wynn for pointing out this article to us)
Problems with Vetsulin* to Treat Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
FDA*s Center for Veterinary Medicine Alerts Veterinarians About Problems
with Vetsulin* to Treat Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
November 2, 2009
The Food and Drug Administration*s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health are alerting veterinarians and pet owners that Vetsulin*, a porcine insulin zinc suspension used to treat diabetes in animals, may have varying amounts of
crystalline zinc insulin in the formulation. Because this Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health product is out of specification it could cause a delay in insulin action and an overall longer duration of insulin activity. Products having significant problems with stability can affect the management of chronic diseases. Unstable insulin products can result in unpredictable fluctuations in the glucose levels of diabetic patients.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is unable to assure FDA that each batch of their product is stable.
FDA and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health request that veterinarians closely monitor their patients receiving Vetsulin* for any changes in onset or duration of activity, or for any signs of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
The classic signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and lethargy. The classic signs of hypoglycemia would include disorientation, unsteadiness, weakness, lethargy, and seizures.
While Intervet/Schering-Plough is working with FDA on resolving this issue, supplies may be limited.
Therefore, veterinarians should consider transitioning their diabetic patients to other insulin roducts.
In addition, FDA encourages veterinarians to report any adverse events.
ANIMAL HEALTH ALERT: Iowa Cat diagnosed with H1N1 influenza
H1N1 Influenza Virus and Pets
(The following information is from Karen Ehnert, DVM, MPVM, Senior Veterinarian, County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control)
November 4, 2009
What is the latest information about the H1N1 influenza virus in animals? On November 4, 2009 the Iowa Department of Public Health reported that a 13-year old pet cat had contracted the virus from its owners, who were also ill. Everyone in the household recovered completely. This was the first report of H1N1 influenza causing illness in a cat. There is no evidence that cats are carriers of the H1N1 influenza virus.
What other types of animals can catch the H1N1 influenza virus? The H1N1 influenza virus has been reported in pigs in 10 countries, turkeys in Canada and Chile, and ferrets in Oregon and Nebraska. In most cases, the infection appeared to cause mild signs. There is a separate strain of influenza that dogs can catch from other dogs called Canine Influenza H3N8. People cannot catch the Canine H3N8 Influenza virus.
What symptoms would I see in my cat if it developed H1N1 influenza infection?
Since only one cat has shown signs of illness, this question cannot be answered with certainty. Symptoms are expected to be mild and include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, and reduced appetite. Please note that there are many more common infections that can cause these same symptoms in cats and other pets.
Can I catch H1N1 influenza from my pet? At the moment there are no reports of any person contracting the H1N1 virus from a pet. Nonetheless, pet owners may take simple precautions to prevent transmission of the virus, especially if your pet is ill. Read below for details.
Can animals catch this virus from each other? Currently, there are no reports of this virus spreading from pet to pet. However, pet owners should read more below for simple steps can reduce the spread of any germs between pets.
How can I protect my pets and myself against H1N1? Good hygiene and sanitation help protect the whole family.
- Cover your cough with a sturdy tissue or sneeze into your elbow
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing, before or after touching your face, or before eating
- Wash your hands before and after handling your pet or your pet’s food bowl, water bowl, bedding, or other supplies
- Keep sick pets in a separate area, away from healthy pets
- Do not allow your pet to sit or sleep close to your face, especially if you or your pet are ill
- Contact your veterinarian or veterinary clinic if your pet becomes ill.
- Call your veterinary clinic before bringing your pet in to them
- Keep your pet’s bedding, food and water bowls clean
- Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and other preventative care recommended by your veterinarian
Can my pet be vaccinated against H1N1? No. There is no vaccine created for pets against this virus. Human vaccines cannot safely be used on pets.
VETERINARIANS – How can we get pets tested for suspected H1N1 influenza? Veterinarians that believe they may be examining an animal with H1N1 influenza should consult with their local public health authority. In Los Angeles County, veterinarians may contact the Veterinary Public Health Program at 877-747-2243 and ask to speak to one of the veterinarians. Veterinarians should advise clients that own such pets about basic hand washing and sanitation practices that can help prevent the spread of any infectious agent.
