First confirmed case of H1N1 in a dog

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and IDEXX Reference Laboratories have confirmed the first US case of the 2009 H1N1 influenza in a dog in New York state. In November 2009, the Chinese press reported two canine cases of H1N1, but news reports were not confirmed by the AVMA or any US disease center specialists.

In the New York case, the patient is a 13-year old mixed breed neutered male dog. As with the other species who have become ill with H1N1, the dog became sick after his owner was sick and confirmed with H1N1 infection. It is thought that humans are transmitting this virus to animals.

The dog was seen by his regular veterinarian after several days of not feeling well. After the initial course of antibiotics and anti-inflamatories did not help, his owner took him to an emergency clinic. According to the IDEXX case report , the dog presented with a dry cough, not eating, lethargy and a fever of 103.6°F.

Case treatment summary from IDEXX:

• The dog was hospitalized, placed on intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
• In addition, the dog received saline nebulization and coupage four times daily.
• The dog improved with treatment and was released after 48 hours of hospitalization and supportive care.
• The dog is reported to be doing very well at home and is scheduled for a recheck visit with repeat thoracic radiographs this week.

The emergency veterinarian used the IDEXX H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR™ Test and confirmed presence of the virus. A test for canine influenza virus (H3N8) was negative. The H1N1 test results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory.

H1N1 and pets
This dog, like the ferrets, cats, cheetahs, turkeys and most swine, have contracted the H1N1 infection from humans. Keep your pets safe by:

• taking them to the veterinarian at the first signs of illness
• keeping ill humans away from pets
• covering your coughs
• practicing good sanitation of the environment
• practicing good personal hygiene (wash hands)

News archive and timeline: H1N1 and Pets

H1N1 testing kits available for veterinarians
The IDEXX H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR™ Test is now included in the canine and feline upper respiratory disease RealPCR panels at no additional cost. Stand-alone H1N1 test kits are also available. Test results are available in 72 hours for most cases.

Image: Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) of Novel H1N1 virus virions in a tissue sample by CDC/ C. Goldsmith and D. Rollin