Hi Matt,


Very freaky ... I think I read about this not that long ago.  Anyway, I wonder
if it's also being seen overseas?  With warmer temperatures all over the
planet are we giving bugs/viruses/bacteria a nice place to live? :(

I guess the fact that we enjoy having 3 of the Labrador retriever-types (1
full-bred, 2 mixed breed) says that we're used to the mutts eating everything
and anything.  I don't think even their stomachs would be able to survive this
nasty one without treatment though. Forgive all the quoting of your original
message.. can't hurt I figure..

> 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 b
> 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 th
> 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.

Take care,
Janis

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