Posts tagged "swine flu"

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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Camouflage Animals

Madagascar Day Gecko
The green Madagascar Day Gecko lives in the dry regions of forests in Madagascar and neighboring islands. They usually grow to be between four to six inches long. Their tail makes up almost half of their length.

Getty Images

Camouflage Animals

Argentine Horned Frog Reptiles
The Argentine Horned Frog, also known as the Horned Frog or Pacman Frog, originated in South America. The green and black amphibian, which can grow up to six inches long, is a popular pets and can live for as long as 10 years.

Camouflage Animals

Walkingstick
The Walkingstick takes its camouflage abilities to the next level by creating the appearance of a stick or twig to hide from predators. While they normally stand still, these insects are able to walk around as though they were a twig caught in the wind. They can be found in tropical forests or woodlands all across the world.

Camouflage Animals

Dwarf Puff Adder
Found in Nambia, the venomous Dwarf Puff Adder hides from the hot desert sun by burying itself in the sand, where only its eyes show.

Camouflage Animals

Stonefish
Often resembling a rock, the brown colored Stonefish camouflages itself perfectly in the ocean. With 13 venomous dorsal spines on its back, the Stonefish can cause tissue damage and respiratory distress, which can lead to cardiovascular shock if left untreated.

Camouflage Animals

Chameleons
Chameleons, the quintessential color-changers, can transform their skin color when their mood, temperature or the amount of light around them is altered. Their hue, which can vary from yellow and pink to brown and black, is also altered when they communicate.

Camouflage Animals

Green Anole
Often confused with chameleons, Green Anoles turn brown when they're stressed or sick. Found in the trees and shrubs of the Southeastern United States, these lizards are popular pets.

Camouflage Animals

The Eastern Wood Frog
The Eastern Wood Frog tricks competitors by changing colors to match its surroundings. Found in North American woodlands, the frog also has a dark black patch from its eye to the base of its front limb that can change colors.

Camouflage Animals