Category: Health

November 16, 2020

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Stelfonta (tigilanol tiglate injection) to treat dogs with non-metastatic, skin-based (cutaneous) mast cell tumors (MCTs). The FDA is also approving Stelfonta to treat non-metastatic MCTs located under the dog’s skin (subcutaneous), in particular areas of a dog’s leg. Stelfonta is injected directly into the MCT (intratumoral injection). Stelfonta works by activating a protein that spreads throughout the treated tumor, which disintegrates tumor cells. Continue reading FDA Approves First Intratumoral Injection to Treat Non-Metastatic Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

Canine influenza in South Dakota: link 
Warning to dog owners: the canine influenza virus continues to spread to various states. Dogs should not frequent dog parks, group gatherings, doggie daycare as much as possible.

The influenza virus incubation is 7-10 days and dogs may not show symptoms but can transmit the virus to other dogs.

Pet Owners Urged to Remain on Heightened Alert due to Canine Influenza Virus

Chicago, IL – The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association strongly recommends dog owners to remain on heightened alert and take precautionary measures to prevent their dogs from exposure to the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).

Dr. Donna Alexander, Director of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, indicates severe canine respiratory cases are not diminishing at this time throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, that to date more than 1,700 have been reported to her. In April 2015, two more deaths from CIRDC were reported bringing the number to eight known fatalities.

Due to the extremely contagious nature of the canine influenza virus, all dogs are at serious risk of infection when exposed to this virus. Even dogs exhibiting no signs of illness can be contagious, asymptomatic carriers to other dogs.

According to Chicago Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Anthony Coronado,

“The crisis is not over; however, the protocols enacted during the outbreak have helped to slow the development of new cases. It is imperative to continue to embrace these same measures to prevent a relapse. It is important to remember that Canine Influenza Virus is a new disease in the canine world, and much like the human influenza, there are multiple strains. This is illustrated by the fact that the recent outbreak has been attributed to the H3N2 strain and not the H3N8 strain in the current vaccine. While new vaccines are forthcoming, all unexposed dogs are at risk. Those that did not contract the disease during the initial outbreak are still very susceptible. If we relax the protocols now, before the crisis is fully past, we risk a similar rise in cases that we experienced during the beginning of the outbreak. It is the current recommendation of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association to continue to exercise protective measure to prevent exposure and spread of the disease.” Continue reading Canine Influenza Virus

Cornell University Press Release

http://mediarelations.cornell.edu/2015/04/12/midwest-canine-influenza-outbreak-caused-by-new-strain-of-virus/

APRIL 12, 2015 BY JOE SCHWARTZ
ITHACA, N.Y. – The canine influenza outbreak afflicting more than 1,000 dogs in Chicago and other parts of the Midwest is caused by a different strain of the virus than was earlier assumed, according to laboratory scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin. Researchers at Cornell say results from additional testing indicate that the outbreak is being caused by a virus closely related to Asian strains of influenza A H3N2 viruses, currently in wide circulation in southern Chinese and South Korean dog populations since being identified in 2006. There is no evidence that it can be transmitted to humans.
The outbreak in the Midwest had been attributed to the H3N8 strain of virus, which was identified in the U.S. dog population in 2004 and has been circulating since. The H3N2 virus had not been previously detected in North America. The outbreak in Chicago suggests a recent introduction of the H3N2 virus from Asia.
Testing of clinical samples from the outbreak conducted at The New York State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell indicated that the virus was Influenza A. Further testing led researchers to believe a new strain was at fault. Subsequent testing, carried out with the assistance of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, identified the new subtype as H3N2. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, IA is sequencing two isolates from this outbreak, which were isolated at Cornell, to facilitate rapid complete characterization of the viruses.
Both Influenza strains can cause high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Symptoms may be more severe in cases caused by the H3N2 virus. Some infected dogs may not show symptoms at all. Continue reading Midwest Canine Influenza outbreak caused by new strain of virus