Posts tagged "SwineFlu"

First Case of Swine Flu in Dogs Reported

by Paul Ciampanelli (Subscribe to Paul Ciampanelli's posts): Dec 23rd 2009 4:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News, Pet Health

Photo: AP

The spread of the virulent H1N1 flu strain (a.k.a. swine flu) continues as the virus apparently has made the transition from humans to dogs. The AP is reporting the first case of a canine swine-flu infection coming out of White Plains, N.Y. this week, with the diagnosis confirmed by two separate labs. The unfortunate victim is a 13-year-old mixed-breed dog who currently is recovering in an animal hospital.

The incident has taken experts by surprise. Until now there has been no evidence of H1N1 spreading from humans to dogs, but it appears that the dog contracted the virus from its owner, who had been ill with swine flu. The virus previously has been seen to transition from humans to cats and ferrets.

Be aware of symptoms in your dog such as breathing problems, sneezing, and vomiting. If your dog is exhibiting these symptoms, don't wait to bring it to the vet, but don't panic either; it remains very unlikely that your dog will have been infected with swine flu. Any number of more common illnesses is more likely the culprit.

And of course, "Don't play kissyface with your dog," advises Ann Hohenhaus, spokeswoman for the Animal Medical Center in New York. "You wouldn't with your kids if you were sick, so don't do it with your pet."

Iowa Cat Catches Swine Flu

by Kirsten Taylor (Subscribe to Kirsten Taylor's posts): Nov 10th 2009 12:00PM Filed Under: Cats, Pet Health

Cat catches swine fly. Sugar Pond/Flickr

A cat in Iowa has the unlucky distinction of becoming the first feline to catch the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) reported.

The 13-year-old orange cat became lethargic and stopped eating, drinking, and cleaning himself, the New York Times reported.

The kitty's vets at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa State University initially suspected pneumonia, AVMA spokesperson Michael San Filippo told Paw Nation. But after ruling out other common cat diseases -- and discovering that two of the human family members had recently been sick -- the vets decided to test for swine flu. They confirmed that the cat had swine flu.

"As far as we know, this is the first case of H1N1 in cats," San Filippo said. The case is especially surprising, he said, because cats aren't usually susceptible to influenza.

Cats have been known to develop H5N1 bird flu after eating infected birds, but until now they've never picked up a flu virus from infected people. "There's really no evidence that they've gotten regular seasonal flu that humans get," he said.

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Miniature Dogs

Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.

David McKelvey/http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgmckelvey/3748491903/

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Daschund, only 11 pounds or under, is not a separate classification of the Daschund -- it's just a smaller version of the Standard. The miniature dog, with its long bodies and strong sense of smell, are both hunters and lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German descent and was originally bred to be a small farm dog. The most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a attentive, lively and a favorite among celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore and Bill Cosby. The strongly built miniature dog is between 12 to 14 inches, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Bull Terrier
Just like the playful Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, who originated in England, has a similar personality. Don't let its size fool you – the Miniature Bull Terrier is strong, energetic and audacious. Miniature Bull Terriers are between 10 to 15 inches and can be solid white or colored, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is one of three separate categories of the American Eskimo Dog. Between 12 to 15 inches, the bright white dog is loving, protecting and sociable. Now a great companion dog, the miniature dog was once a circus dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Pinscher
Also known as the "Min Pin," the Miniature Pinscher is a German Breed whose ancestry includes the Daschund, Italian Greyhound and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The quick, curious dog is the perfect apartment dog. Despite its small size, the compact pooch makes a wonderful watchdog. The spirited miniature dog, about 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches, can be red, black, or chocolate with tan, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs