Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) Outbreak Reported in Chicago Area, Veterinary Pharmacy Has Medications Available To Assist In Treatment
Scottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) April 30, 2015 -- The recent outbreak of canine influenza in the Chicago area (as well as other parts of the Midwest) has now been reported by CBS News and other sources to have afflicted more than 1,000 dogs. Contrary to initial findings, the virus is currently being associated with a different strain than had previously been thought. According to scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin who have conducted additional tests, the cause of the outbreak is now believed to be due to a virus that’s closely related to Asian strains of influenza A H3N2 viruses.
The strains of the virus believed to be the cause of the recent influenza outbreak are commonly found in dogs located in South Korea and southern China, since first identified in 2006. Prior to this recent outbreak, the H3N2 virus has not been seen before in North America, suggesting that the virus has recently been introduced to the Chicago area dog population from Asia. While the CDC notes that there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans, the large number of affected canines has caused much concern.
Treating Canine Influenza With Medications From Diamondback Drugs
At this time, there is in fact no single treatment for this particular strain of canine influenza. However, veterinary specialists like Diamondback Drugs are available to provide general supportive care for affected dogs. In some cases, for example, Doxycycline can be used to treat any underlying secondary bacterial infections, while medications like Hydrocodone/Homatropine may be used for non-productive cough.
Given the many years of veterinary medicine experience at Diamondback Drugs, the Arizona-based company has offered an array of wide spectrum antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections and treatment of the cough per individual canine owner’s veterinary recommendations.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), signs that a canine may be affected with influenza include “cough, runny nose and fever,” while the agency also warns that dogs may be infected via “direct contact with […] respiratory secretions from infected dogs [or by] coming into contact with contaminated objects.” The agency advises that treatment for canine influenza “largely consists of supportive care” which assists the dog in mounting an effective immune response. For dogs experiencing a more mild form of influenza, this may include mediation to make the animal feel more comfortable, as well as fluids to ensure proper hydration.
The CDC further notes that “broad spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed by [a] veterinarian if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.”
About Diamondback Drugs
Scottsdale, Arizona-based Diamondback Drugs specializes in the art and science of veterinary compounding. They offer home delivery, and stock the widest range of medications, chemicals, bases and flavors. Learn more about Diamondback Drugs at their website: http://www.diamondbackdrugs.com/ or call them direct at 866-578-4420.
Melissa Hofberger, Diamondback Drugs, http://www.diamondbackdrugs.com, +1 480-747-1711, [email protected]
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