Hello everybody!

from:
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/10/deadly-ohio-dog-virus-hits-michigan/

Dog owners of the midwest, beware: theres a deadly disease striking dogs, and
it may be spreading to them by their owners. Flu-like symptoms may be present,
and can be fatal within 12-24 hours of contracting it.

Cases of the virus similar to circovirus (typically associated with pigs) have
been reported all across Ohio, and now six Michigan dogs have died from it.
There is no name for the mysterious illness, because veterinarians and
scientists arent exactly sure what it is yet.

The laboratory confirmation is important because the virus is newly isolated,
however we are not prepared at this time to confirm that canine circovirus is
the cause of the dog illnesses, said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey.
Because the symptoms being exhibited can also be linked to other known
illnesses, additional analysis and information is needed to determine if this
virus alone or in co-infection contributes to illness and death in dogs.

Symptoms can include lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and most
notably, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Dogs displaying these symptoms should
be rushed to a vet, especially if someone theyve been in close contact with is
also under the weather. Dogs can be saved, but only if they are treated
immediately.

Usually within about 12 to 24 hours of it starting, said Dr. Lindsay Ruland of
the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor.

It is unknown how the virus is transmitted, but it may be spreading through
saliva and feces. No humans or other animals are believed to have died from
the virus, but doctors are recommending that people wash their hands
thoroughly with antibacterial soap and hot water before and after touching
their pets and their pets food, bedding, toys, etc. For the time, none of
these items should be shared between animals, especially if people around them
have had flu-like symptoms, and contact between dogs should be limited, or
avoided altogether if it is known that a dog (or its human) has been sick
recently.

Traditionally we dont pass viruses to our pets. This year, I think that there
is potential that we are passing it to our pets, Dr. Ruland said.



Matt


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