Canine Infectious Respiratory Outbreak- (Canine Flu- H3N2)

As many of you may have heard, there has been a recent severe outbreak of a respiratory infection that has hit the Greater Charlotte region.

Clinical signs have been similar to Kennel Cough and may include-

• Hacking cough
• Nasal discharge
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Possible progression into pneumonia

Early testing Dilworth Animal Hospital  has done (funded by Elanco) has identified Canine Flu (H3N2) as the primary cause of this outbreak.

Treatment-

Since this is a virus, the treatment in most cases is supportive care. An antibiotic is prescribed to prevent secondary infection and a steroid to lessen coughing is added.

We are trying to prevent the upper respiratory signs from moving to the chest and causing pneumonia.

If your dog was vaccinated for the flu with the bivalent vaccine, this will be protective and lessen clinical signs, but will NOT necessarily prevent them from getting infected.

This virus is very infectious (by way of respiratory droplettes), so keeping away from other dogs that may be infected is the best prevention. Ideally, avoiding gathering places for other dogs is advised.

We do recommend that Post Infection (no more clinical signs) we recommend 2 weeks isolation from other dogs so they will not transmit the virus.

Vaccinations-

Due to the outbreak, daycares/groomers/boarding facilities are requiring the flu vaccine confirmation before allowing dogs back into their facilities.

They will likely not accept natural immunity from previous infection as proof of immunization.

If your dog is getting the vaccine for the first time, they are required to get the first shot and then be boostered by a second shot 2 to 3 weeks later. Until 2 weeks after the second shot, the dog will not have immunity.

Dogs getting boosters of the bivalent flu only need 1 shot to booster immunity. There is no timeframe required between vaccination and efficacy of immunity.

Unfortunately, even before the outbreak, availability of the bivalent flu vaccine was limited due to manufacturing issues. Since the outbreak, the vaccine availability has been reduced further and is on an allocation system by distributors. 

Until increase in supply, vaccinations can only be given based on availability.

Visit to the Veterinarian-

If your pet has been to a been to a groomer, day-care, boarding facility, or dog park and is showing ANY clinical signs, we would recommend your dog coming in for an exam. We would prefer to start treatment earlier to try to prevent more severe progression that is being seen without medications.

Please call ahead BEFORE coming to the clinic. Please STAY IN YOUR CAR with your pet when you get here. Call the front desk to check in and we will come to your car to discuss the next steps.

Thank you for your patience,

Matthew Wheelock, DVM/Owner

Dilworth Animal Hospital

We ask that all medication pick-ups call 24 hours ahead so we can try to limit your wait time.

Please drop off any medical samples Monday -Friday between 7:30am and 5:30pm

As always, we are happy to talk to you if any concerns arise.

Thank you for your interest!

In order to best serve all clients we have instituted a few policies to smooth the transition to our practice.

1- We need your pet's medical record prior to your visit in order to provide best care. Please provide us with either a copy of your records or the name of an animal care facility to contact to get your records at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.  If you are unable to get your pet's medical records, we may need to reschedule your visit to offer complete care.

2- Given the high demand for appointments at this time, we now require a $25 "no show" deposit for all new clients.  This deposit will be collected when you make your first appointment.  The entire amount will be applied to your first visit.  Should you elect to cancel your appointment your deposit will be refunded, as long as cancellation happens before the close of business the day prior to your appointment (Monday- Friday 6pm, Saturday 12pm.)  If you do not cancel or reschedule before the allotted time and then elect not to come to your scheduled appointment, the $25 will pay the "no show" fee.

 It is not our intention to be punitive, with the high demand for appointments, we are attempting to help as many animals as we can each day. Any “no show” appointments are a missed opportunity to help other furry(and scaly) friends. 

Our original home was a 1910 Bungalow that was largely destroyed in a fire Thanksgiving weekend 2019.  It was torn down in July 2021.  We still intend to replace the building once we have a plan that will meet historic district approval.

Our custom built modular animal hospital gives us exam rooms, reception area, medical treatment, extra storage and laundry space.  It will be with us until the replacement building for 814 is built.