Ferrets and Swine Flu (H1N1 influenza virus) Infection

CASE SUMMARY

On October 5, 2009, a client brougth a ferret to a Portland, Oregon veterinary hospital. The ferret has been exhibiting weakness followed by sneezing, coughing and elevated body temperature. Because the client and her children previously had symptoms compatible with influenza, the attending veterinarian consulted with the Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, and both agreed to test the ferret's nasal secretions for influenza. On October 8, 2009 the Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory presumptely diagnosed pandemiac influenza H1N1 using a PCR test on the nasal secretions of the ferret. On October 9, 2009 the diagnosis of pandemic influenza H1N1 was confirmed at the National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The ferret is recovering from this condition.

TRANSMISSION

Ferres owners should be cautious as we enterthis year's flu season. Ferrets are generally suceptible to influenza A viruses under which H1N1 is classified. In this case, it is believed that the owners transmitted the virus to the ferret. Up to today, there is not evidence that a ferret can transmit the disease to humans.

SIGNS

If your ferret start to exhibit signs of a respiratory illness or lethargy, the animal should be examined by a veterinarian. Because of the immunosuppressive effects of influenza, bacterial infections may be of concern. If discharge from the nose or eyes becomes discolored (yellow or green), or if your ferret is coughing, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

TREATMENT

As with people, treatment is supportive, which means treating the signs and letting the virus runs its course. Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian may be able to suggest medications to make your ferret more comfortable. You must also ensure that your ferret remains hydrated. If your ferret is very lethargic and not eating or drinking, treatment with fluids and /or force feeding may be necessary.

A NOTE ON DOGS AND CATS

Neither dogs or cats are considered to be suceptible to swine flu (H1N1 influenza virus). Canine influenza, which is a different influenza strain (H3N8) is not known to be transmissible to humans. Other animals as pigs and birds are suceptible to H1N1 influenza virus.

PREVENTION

Standard techniques to prevent the spread of influenza are recommended. These include hand-washing and using alcohol-based hand cleaners, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, and avoiding touching your yes, nose and mouth. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and stay home from work or school if you are sick.

VACCINES

Until this moment, there is not a vaccine available for domestic animals, such as ferrets, pigs and birds.

TESTING

The Oregon State Univeristy Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is able to test nasal secretions of ferrets, pet pigs and birds as requested. testing should be done in animals whose owners have had influenza-like illness prior the illness of their pet(s). Your pet should also exhibit signs of fever, cough and nasal discharge before considering doing the test.

Sources: American Association of Swine Veterinarians, news reports, and the Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian.

2009 Atlanta Dog Jog

We are happy to report that the 2009 Atlanta Dog Jog will be this coming Saturday (October 24,2009) and that the event registration for this year is looking extremely healthy. They have an amazing field of dogs and runners for this year Dog Jog. The one mile race starts at 9:00 am and the two miles race starts at 9:30 am. The race starts in Piedmont Park by the swim center below the tennis court. What better opportunity to try out the new parking deck in Piedmont Park that aroused so much controversy? Parking deck acess is at the Botanical Garden entrance from Piedmont Drive or off Worchester Drive from Monroe Drive.

If youwant to see the preview video for the 2009 Atlanta Dog Jog click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=655jRtqToB4

For more race information go to http://www.atlantadogjog.org/

Halloween Safety Tips

I want to share with all of you this interesting article from the Affordable Pet Care Plan Newsletter.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

1. No tricks, no treats. Chocolate can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, but tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed as well. All candies or gum sweetened with xylotol is toxic and should be kept away from your pets. If your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, contact your veterinarian immediately.

2. Popular halloween plants, such as pumpkins and decorative corn, are considered relative nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset if your pet ingest them.

3. Wires and cords, from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of pets reach. If chewed, your pet can experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic. They can also receive a life-threatening electrical schock.

4. Dress-up can be a big mess-up. Pets should not be put into costumes unless it's known that he or she loves it. Wearing a costume can be very stressful for your pet.

5. When your pet is wearing a costume, make sure the costume is safe. It should not constrict your pet's movement, vision, hearing or impede the ability to breath or bark. Watch for those small, dangling or easy to chew pieces of the costume that your pet could choke on.

6. All pets, unless extremely social, should be kept in a separate room during prime trick-or-treats hours. Too many starngers wearing costumes may be scary and stressful for your pets.

7. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, watch that your cat or dog doesn't escape. Repeatedly opening doors to greet trick-or-treaters can increase the chances of your pet running out. Keep an eye on their whereabouts at all times. If feasibe, keep cats in a secure area or closed room when opening your front doors.

8. ID's please! Always make sure that your pets have proper identification. If your pet escapes and becomes lost, an id tag in his collar with your phone number inscribed on it can increase the chances of your pet being returned to you. A microchip offers the safest and more effective permanent form of identification. Ask your veterinarian about micro-chiping options.

9. No candles por favor! Pets are naturally curious and may be attracted to the bright ligths or a flame in dark areas. Dogs and cats could either burn themselves by the flame or knock the candle over, starting a fire.

Source: Affordable Pet Care Plan Newsletter. Issue 38. Volume 3 Year 2009. Page 8.

Low Cost Vaccines Clinic

The Veterinary Medical Center of Clayton is offering a low cost vaccination clinic during the month of October. For more information please call (404) 366-4370 and ask for vaccine clinic offers.

Dog Vaccines Packages

Puppy Pack Series 1 & 2 ......$48.00

Includes: Free Exam; Distemper; Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza vaccines. Also includes dewormer for hookworms and roundworms.

Puppy Pack Series 3 & 4 .....$58.00

Includes: Free Exam; Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Bordetella and Rabies vaccines. Plus dewormer for hookworms and roundworms.

Adult Dog Pack 1 .........$62.00

Includes: Free Exam; Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Bordetella and Rabies vaccines.

Adult Dog Pack 2.....$90.00

Includes: Free Exam; Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Bordetella and Rabies vaccines. Also includes fecal exam and heartworm test.

Extra Care Pack ......$129.00

Includes same as Adult Pack 2 plus CBC, Bochemical Profile, Thyroid Test and Urinaysis. Ths package is recommended for dogs over 5 yrs of age.

Rabies vaccine only....$12

Cat Vaccine Package

Kitty Pack Series 1 & 2.....$40.00

Includes: Free Exam; FVRCP vaccine and dewormer for hookworms and roundworms.

Kitty Pack Series 3 & 4 ....$40.00

Includes: Free Exam; FVRCP and Leukemia vaccines plus dewormer for hookworms and roundworms.

Adult Cat Pack 1 .....$40.00

Includes: Free Exam, FVRCP, Leukemia and Rabies vaccines.

Adult Cat Pack 2.....$64.00

Includes: Free Exam, FVRCP, Leukemia and Rabies vaccines. Also includes Leukemia/FIV test.

Extra Care Pack ......$140.00

Includes same as Adult Care Pack 2 plus CBC, Bochemical Profile, Thyroid Test and Urinaysis. This package is recommended for cats over 5 yrs old.

Rabies vaccine only.........$12