Canine Distemper Virus is Here
An important canine virus that is becoming more prevalent in our wildlife is canine distemper virus. Many raccoons in Minnesota and even the Twin Cities area are infected with the virus. These raccoons may show similar signs to rabies, such as incoordination and muscle spasms. Unfortunately this disease also is highly fatal in both dogs and raccoons. Thankfully the distemper vaccine is highly effective at protecting our canine friends from the disease. The other good news (if there can be good news with a deadly virus) is that canine distemper virus does not affect people or cats. Basically the same general principles for protection of you and your family apply to canine distemper virus as to rabies virus.
Canine Flu Update
Reports of the Canine Flu Virus being in Minnesota have now been confirmed. Friday, June 19th, the Animal Humane Society in St. Paul has confirmed that one of their dogs has come up positive for the virus. Currently they are working on testing and treating all dogs that may have been exposed to the infected dog. To read more about the case at the St. Paul Animal Humane Society please click here.
Here at Skyline Veterinary Hospital we are recommending that if your pet(s) are showing any signs of coughing, fever, sneezing, or upper respiratory infection that you call (763-574-9892) and make and appointment and possibly have your pet tested for the Canine Flu. We are also recommending that you keep your dog up-to-date on Distemper (DHPP) and Rabies vaccines, as well as considering getting the Bordetella vaccine (for Kennel Cough) if your pet leaves your house and is around other pets. The Canine Flu is very contagious and we recommend that you keep your dogs out of dog parks and away from large groups of dogs where you do not know the health and/ or vaccine status of the other dogs.
For more information of the Canine Flu Virus please click here.
If you have any questions please call our staff at 763-574-9892