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Canine Influenza Virus After the earliest outbreak of Canine Influenza, the virus was identified as H3N8, a virus that has been well known in horses for 40 years. Generally viruses cannot cross the species barrier, but over time some viruses will mutate and infect other species. The avian virus or “bird flu” we’ve been hearing a lot about recently is one of those viruses. That virus has mutated and is now able to cross the species barrier. So too has the H3N8 virus and it is now able to infect dogs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that there have been no cases of the H3N8 virus in humans. As of early October 2005 positive canine influenza cases have been reported in Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington, DC. Symptoms can mimic “kennel cough” but are more serious and require veterinary attention. The most common sign of Canine Influenza Virus is a cough that may last as long as three weeks. Most patients have a soft, moist cough while others have a dry cough. Many patients have a nasal discharge and fever. The incubation period is 2-5 days. An infected dog, whether or not they show symptoms, can shed the virus, infecting other dogs, for seven to ten days. Ongoing research has shown that infection rates may be as high as 100% in dogs exposed to the virus, but clinical signs are only present in about 75%. Among this 75%, about 20% have more severe symptoms and an increased chance of developing pneumonia. Some fatal cases of pneumonia have been reported but the rate is probably below 5%. Some internet and media reports have overstated the severity of this disease. According to Dr. Tom Graves of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, “The important thing is that people not panic over this. Canine flu is a new disease, so there is a lot we don't know about it, but the mortality rate is very low, and many dogs don't even get sick from it. It made a huge splash in the press because the molecular genetics part of the story established such a clear cross-species transmission of an influenza virus-not because it is a new, deadly disease of dogs. The virulence of this virus has been greatly exaggerated by some." Continuing Education Dr. Tom has also been busy teaching continuing education courses in Columbus, Lancaster, Port Clinton, Westerville, and New Albany, OH, Pittsburgh and Hershey PA, and Orlando FL. Interesting Research
In the winter, Arctic Ground Squirrels can lower their core body temperatures, sometimes below freezing, to drastically reduce their metabolic rate. In this state, one that would kill most animals, the squirrel’s proteins and lipids (fats, such as cholesterol) redistribute themselves to preserve cell function. The researchers feel that this will lead to safer storage and transportation of organs and tissues used for transplant. They are also finding that the information they are collecting could help humans become more resistant to stroke. In the frigid north, wood frogs freeze solid but revive quickly upon thawing. The frogs can survive this by pumping their cells full of glucose – nature’s antifreeze – to control the formation of ice crystals. The researchers have discovered that the frogs can survive this freezing as long as no more than two-thirds of the water in their bodies turns to ice. This discovery will also lead to better preservation capabilities of transplant tissues. Let’s explore animal clichés “Quiet as a mouse” – While most mice are very quiet except when they are frightened, there is an exception. Although they weigh less than one-half ounce, the grasshopper mouse is a fierce predator, eating insects, scorpions, and sometimes even other rodents. This mouse declares dominion over his territory by unleashing long, high-pitched squeals, not unlike a howling wolf. “Eats like a bird” – Personally, I would be offended if someone told me that I eat like a bird. Birds are voracious eaters consuming 25-50% of their body weight each day. The hummingbird probably has the best metabolism. They must eat about twice their body weight daily. While that may not seem like much since they are so tiny, it would be the equivalent of a 150 pound person eating about 1,000 quarter-pound hamburgers every day – bun and all. “Wise as an owl” – Actually hawks and crows are thought of as the cleverest members of the bird world. The owl’s reputation for wisdom can probably be traced to Greek mythology. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, traveled with an owl on her shoulder. “Blind as a Bat” – Actually all bats can see but about 70% of the bat species augment their vision with echolocation. Most bats have tiny eyes which may have given rise to the cliché but even if they couldn’t see they would function normally by emitting high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, back to the bat, telling them what lies ahead. Fruit bats do not use echolocation however. They have large eyes and see very well finding their fruit trees by sight. Do you know what the fastest insect is? According to the World Almanac, the dragonfly can fly 36 mph!
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Each year the doctors and staff at East Hilliard Veterinary Services attend conventions and seminars around the country. We thought you might like to hear about our travels this year. In January 2005 Beth Watercutter and Kim Sparks went to the North American Veterinary Conference held in Orlando, FL. In March, Rita Miller, Stephanie Pepper, and Drs. Tom and Sue Klein attended the American Veterinary Medical Association annual convention in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Chris Kabalan attended the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners meeting in Washington, DC in May. Drs. Tom and Sue Klein attended the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association’s annual meeting in Hershey, PA in August. And in October Dr. Tom Klein and Kay Price attended the 19th Annual Veterinary Dental Forum (held this year in conjunction with the World Veterinary Dental Congress) in Orlando, FL. The entire staff has also attended meetings held here in the Columbus area covering a variety of veterinary topics.
Black bears can snooze more than half the year yet lose very little weight or muscle mass. The researchers have found that the hibernating bears recycle 98% of the urea that would normally be discharged in urine thus preventing muscle protein loss. They also shiver and perform muscle contractions about four times a day. The result of this behavior is equivalent to a ten-minute workout on a stationary bike four times a day.