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Achilles Tendon Injuries

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 14:48:01 GMT

Achilles tendon injuries cause persistent and progressive lameness in dogs when not identified and treated appropriately.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon (also called common calcaneal tendon) is a tough band of fibrous tissue that is the aggregate of those structures to the heel bone or calcaneus. It is made up of tendons from five muscles of the hindlimb. These are the superficial digital flexor tendon, the gastrocnemius tendon, and combined tendon of the gracilis, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles.

How Does the Achilles Tendon get injured?

What are the signs of Achilles Tendon Injuries?

Signs of Achilles tendon injuries include varying degrees of lameness. Mild strains may result only in lameness, pain, and swelling. As the injury worsens, the heel of the injured limb appears progressively dropped when weight-bearing, and some may walk completely flat foot if the rupture is complete. These occur concurrently with an extended stifle. When the superficial digital tendon is intact, the toes can be curled downward in a crab claw stance that appears like the pet is trying to grip the floor. This is because the full weight and strain of weight bearing is applied on the superficial digital flexor tendon, which subsequently pulls the digits into flexion.

Bilateral injury is also possible, resulting in severe disability.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Achilles Tendon Injuries

Diagnosis of Achilles tendon injuries is made on physical examination. Palpation of the injured Achilles tendon may reveal a loss of continuity or thickening of the tendon structure. Other modalities for confirming and further characterizing the Achilles tendon injury include radiographs, ultrasound, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of Achilles tendon injury can be conservative (non-operative) or surgical. Conservative management consist of immobilization and rehabilitation and is best suited to acute injuries with partial rupture. Surgical treatment involves repairing the injury with sutures, followed by immobilization and then rehabilitation.

The treatment option chosen as well as the method of immobilization used will depend on the location and severity of the injury, the age, size, and temperament of the pet, the home environment, other co-existing injuries, and financial considerations. Immobilization may last up to 12 weeks, though there is a move towards making this shorter. It will involve frequent recheck evaluations and adjustment of immobilization devices. Following the period of immobilization, physical rehabilitation is usually necessary to re-establish an appropriate range of motion in the tarsal joint and continue to strengthen the Achilles tendon. The total duration of rehabilitation may be up to six months, with slowly increasing activities used to minimize the risk of repair failure and increasing the chances for an optimal outcome.

Potential complications include re-rupture of the tendon or breakdown of the surgical site, which can often be avoided with appropriate postoperative care and restrictions. The prognosis is usually favorable, with 70-94% of dogs having and acceptable level of function.

If you suspected your pet has an Achilles tendon injury, call our get a referral to our surgery service from your primary care veterinarian for an initial evaluation.

NGVS Educational Series – Basic Stretching and Massage Workshop

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 16:36:57 GMT

Open to all!

This is a 2-hour seminar comprised of a combination of lecture material and hands-on lab time (for those registering for working spots). Topics discussed will include basic muscle anatomy and physiology; the benefits of massage and stretching; the correct timing for massage and stretching; and basic massage techniques. Lab sessions will include videos detailing basic stretches and common areas of tightness in the forelimbs and hind limbs. Participants will be guided through the stretches and massage techniques with the assistance of trained staff members, and there will be time for questions throughout the seminar.

Audit Spots ($25 each) participants to attend the lecture and observe during the lab session.

Working Spots ($50 each) allow one handler and one dog access to the lecture and to participate hands-on during the lab sessions.

Note to Working Spot Attendees: Please bring a mat, blanket, etc. that can be placed on the floor for comfort during the lab portions of the seminar (we have a rubber floor in the facility) and treats (if needed) to help keep your dog focused during the lab sessions.

All dogs brought in for working spots must be able to crate quietly or lay by their owners during the lecture portions and must be able to work with their owner during the lab sessions with other dogs in the vicinity (there will be room to spread out a little during the lab). If an owner’s pet becomes disruptive, the owner may be asked to crate their pet in their car or another room.

Chairs for attendees will be provided, as well as water for both humans and dogs. Attendees should bring any snacks/food they wish and a small notebook or tablet for notes if d esired.

To register for the workshop, please access our NGVS Patient Portal . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Kathy Scull at 678-835-3300 x113 or kscull@ngvetspecialists.com.

Open House at NGVS Rehabilitation and Performance Center

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 16:31:25 GMT

Save the date and spread the word! Join us for our Rehabilitation and Performance Center Open House! the festivities will be on Saturday, March 3rd from 2-4pm. Come out and meet the Rehab Team, take a tour of the facility, and enjoy the raffle and prizes!

North Georgia Veterinary Specialists Underwater Treadmill Conditioning Package

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:49:49 GMT

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to keep your working / sporting pet(s) in condition this winter! Call today to setup you and your pet’s initial evaluation session. The staff will evaluate your pet and teach / train you how to best use the UWTM to keep your pet in tip-top shape.

After this evaluation, you will be ready to schedule your on-going UWTM session

Act fast! Book by March 1st to get the introductory pricing!

Dermatology Continuing Education Dinner in June

Tue, 23 May 2017 17:00:31 GMT

Merck Animal Health cordially invites you to attend a dinner featuring: Michaela G. Austel, Dr. Med. Vet., DACVD who will be presenting “The Pruritic Patient – Today’s challenges and opportunities in an era of new treatment options.”

Pruritic patients can have a somewhat long and sometimes confusing differential list which can pose a challenge at times. The goal of this continuing education event is to highlight the necessary systematic steps to achieve a correct diagnosis for the pruritic patient. Possible diagnostic pitfalls are discussed along with strategies to avoid them. Several new and promising interventions for pruritic patients have become available over the past years. There specific advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in detail.

AVMA brochure shares tips on managing pet’s ideal weight

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 18:43:18 GMT

We often demonstrate love for our pets by giving them treats, but it’s easy to forget that pets have different nutritional needs than we do, and what may seem like an innocuous treat to us could be a calorie overload for our pets. AVMA’s Yor Pet’s Healthy Weight Brochure , provides tips for pet owners on how to manage and maintain their pet’ ideal weight.

PennHIP Hip Improvement Program for Hip Dysplasia Evaluation

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 18:43:17 GMT

What is PennHIP?

PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic screening method for hip evaluation in dogs. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures the hip joint laxity, which it the critical component of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is the most common orthopedic codition of the dog, causing joint inflammation an dsecondary oastarthritis, which leads to variable degrees of clinical discomfort. Hip dysplasia has a complets inheritance, meaning that multiple genes, combined with environmental influences, ultimately cause expression of the conditoin. Screening for the condition is recommended for dogs intended for breeding to eliminate affected dogs from the genetic pool and improve the quality of hips in the breed. It can also be done in dogs not inteded for breeding. Here, it is used to assess the need for prophylactic procedures for dogs with a severe form of hip dysplasia that can be predicted to cause severe clinical signs later in the dog’s life. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard, such as that from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of hip dysplasia (HD).

PennHIP is more than just a radiographic technique. It is also a network of veterinarians trained to perform the PennHIP methodology properly and, perhaps most importantly, it is a large scientific database that houses the PennHIP data. Radiographs are made by certified PennHIP members worldwide and are sent to the PennHIP Analysis Center for evaluation. The resulting data is stored in the database, which is continually monitored as it expands. As more information becomes available, the PennHIP laboratory is able to obtain more precise answers to questions about the etiology, prediction and genetic basis of hip dysplasia. Our practice has certified PennHIP members and we evaluate dogs using this methodology. We also perform prophylactic surgical procedures (Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis, Triple/Double pelvic osteotomies) in young dogs with severe hip dysplasia but without accompanying bony remodelling, an salvage surgical procedures (Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy, Total Hip Replacement ) in dogs that can no longer be adequately management by medical or conservative means.

To have your dog assessed, please call our hospital at (678) 835-3300 or email refer@ngvetspecialists.com. Your dog will be scheduled to be dropped off for the day as the evaluation involves the use of sedation for accurate results. We use of form of sedative that can be totally reversed, ensuring that you dog leaves the same way he/she was dropped off. A form detailing unique identification for your pet (microchip number, tatoo, AKC documents) will be filled out by you when dropping of your dog). The radiographs obtained by our practice are submitted to the PennHIP Analysis Center for evaluation. The result of the evaluaiton is sent to you and a copy is also sent to our practice for our records.

PennHIP publishes its findings in scientific journals. Published information is disseminated to all PennHIP members; it is also shared with interested breed clubs and routinely appears in publications within the dog fancy.

PennHIP is composed of three major components:

A diagnostic radiographic technique
A network of trained veterinarians
A medical database for scientific analysis

PennHIP at a Glance

The PennHIP method is a novel way to assess, measure and interpret hip joint laxity . It consists of three separate radiographs: the distraction view , the compression view and the hip-extended view . The distraction view and compression view are used to obtain accurate and precise measurements of joint laxity and congruity. The hip-extended view is used to obtain supplementary information regarding the existence of osteoarth ritis of the hip joint. (The hip-extended view is the conventional radiographic view used to evaluate the integrity of the canine hip joint.) The PennHIP technique is more accurate than the current standard, and it has been shown to be a better predictor for the onset of osteoarthritis. At our practice, we perform the PennHIP radiograph under sedation and your dog can go home the same day. We also help you with interpreting the result obtained from the analysis and help you with making decisions for your dog based on the results.

To summarize, PennHIP method:

Obtains osteoarthritis readings from the standard hip-extended view
Obtains hip joint congruity readings from the compression view
Obtains quantitative measurements of hip joint laxity from the distraction view

PennHIP Brochure

14 Most Helpful Questions about Total Hip Replacement

Sun, 18 Oct 2015 18:43:15 GMT

Veterinary Surgeons at North Georgia Veterinary Specialists offers Total Hip Replacement procedure for dogs and cats of all sizes and age. Total Hip Replacement is the only salvage procedure known to predictably restore normal range of motion and activities to hips that have non-neoplastic and non-infected injuries or disease, that cause pain and disability of the hip joint. Contraindications exist for our Total Hip Replacement procedure. These include other orthopedic diseases such as cranial cruciate ligament rupture, neurologic diseases, bacterial pyoderma, and in cases were medical management of the hip pain is effective. An initial appointment will need to be scheduled for diagnostic procedures to determine if a pet is a suitable candidate for th the total hip replacement procedure. Following this initial evaluation, the Total Hip Replacement procedure will then be scheduled. The most common questions about our Total Hip Replacement procedure, and their answers,, are as follows:

Q: What is canine Total Hip Replacement (THR)?

A: Total Hip Replacement is a surgical procedure in which the arthritic hip joint surfaces are replaced with a new prosthetic ball and socket in the femur and acetabulum, respectively. The prosthesis is designed to fit precisely and mimics the anatomy of the original joint. The arthritic joint is pain free after total hip replacement.

Q: Why has THR been recommended for my pet?

A: Total Hip Replacement has been recommended for your pet to alleviate the pain and/or disability associated with hip pathology. Specific common indications include arthritis secondary to hip dysplasia, traumatic hip luxation that cannot be maintained in place following reduction, fractures of the femoral head or neck that do not have a good prognosis following surgical repair, and developmental problems such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head that leads to arthritis. The goal in all cases is to provide a pain-free joint and to restore normal joint function.

Q: What is hip dysplasia?

A: Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development and growth of the hip joint. Both hips are usually affected but symptoms may be more severe on one side. The onset of clinical signs does not always occur in both hips simultaneously. Hip dysplasia is manifested by varying degrees of laxity (looseness) of the hip joint with instability and malformation of the joint components. Arthritis is the long-term consequence of hip joint laxity. It is one of the most common reasons why a pet will need total hip replacement.

Q: What are the clinical signs of hip dysplasia?

A: The signs of hip dysplasia may be subtle. They can include the presence of lameness in one or both hind legs and the reluctance to climb stairs or jump. Dogs that are affected often become less active and less playful. They may be reluctant to go on walks and their gait may be a “bunny hop” at certain speeds. Most of this clinical signs can be alleviated with conservative mangement under the supervision of a veterinarian. Some dogs may become refractory to such treatments and will need total hip replacement to alleviate their signs.

Q: What does THR surgery entail?

A: Total Hip Replacement involves removing both the arthritic ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) and replacing them with an artificial ball and socket joint. The surgical procedure is precisely planned using several radiographic (X-ray) views and specialized templates that match the available implant sizes. Preoperative templating allows the surgeon to accurately determine the appropriate size femoral and acetabular implants to match the patient’s femur (thigh bone) and acetabulum (socket in pelvis).

During surgery, the arthritic femoral head is removed, the arthritic acetabulum is prepared, and the acetabular component (socket) is implanted. Next, the femur is prepared, and the femoral component is implanted. The femoral head (ball) is placed on the femoral stem, and the new joint is articulated by placing the femoral head (ball) within the acetabulum (socket) to create the new prosthetic ball and socket joint. The average length of a THR procedure is approximately 75 minutes. Click here for a video of the procedure.

Q: What are the alternatives to THR?

A: For pets with hip disease, the alternatives to Total Hip Replaceement include revisions to their currentmedical management strategies, or another surgical salvage procedure called a femoral head ostectomy (FHO). Medical management of hip dysplasia can include any or all of the following: optimization of body weight, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nutritional supplementation, implementation of a rehabilitation program, as well as any other method to manage pain. The Femoral Head Ostectomy surgical procedure removes the femoral head and neck from the femur which severely alters the biomechanics of the hip joint.

Q: What are the benefits of THR over a FHO?

A: Pain relief following THR is more predictable than after FHO. Pets with THR are expected to be pain-free for life. Research has shown objective evidence that dogs return to normal function in three to six months following THR. FHO is less predictable and the joint may remain painful. Dogs that have had successful THR surgery do not require long-term drug therapy. In addition to significant cost savings, this will eliminate the potential problem of long-term complications associated with chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Q: What are the risks of THR?

A: Total Hip Replacement, like all surgeries, carries a low risk of anesthetic and infection complications. Additional risks can include femur fracture and luxation of joint components. In rare instances, the sciatic nerve can be injured during the surgery. Sciatic nerve problems are usually transient and recovery occurs within a few weeks. If complications arise, they can usually be resolved successfully.

Q: Are there reasons why my pet shouldn’t have THR?

A: Total Hip Replacement is not performed on pets with cancer or other major medical problems of higher priority for treatment. Pets with lameness caused by problems other than hip pain including problems affecting the knee joint or spine must be carefully evaluated before Total Hip Replacement is performed.

Q: How common are THR in dogs?

A: The first Total Hip Replacement in a dog was performed in 1957. Our practice uses products from BioMedtrix for our total hip replacement procedure. BioMedtrix introduced the CFX® (Cemented Fixation) total hip system in 1990 and the BFX® (Biologic Fixation) in 2003. Since then, over 37,550 procedures have been performed using these implants. Total Hip Replacement can be performed on dogs ranging from 3 pounds through 170 pounds. Total Hip Replacement can also be performed in cats.

Q: What is the success rate for THR procedures?

A: The success rate is very high. More than 95% of the patients who receive a Total Hip Replacement should be able to use the new hip for the rest of their life.

Q: How long will the implant last?

A: Total Hip Replacement implants are expected to last a lifetime.

Q: How long will my pet be in the hospital following THR surgery?

A: We usually keep patients for two to three days following Total Hip Replacement surgery. In some rare instances, high-risk patients may be hospitalized for longer periods to provide additional assistance or to protect the stability of the new prosthetic joint.

Q: What is the typical recovery time for THR and what is involved?

A: Pets often begin using their operated limb on the day of surgery. Most dogs use their operated leg quite well within a couple of weeks but activity is supervised and limited to leash walks for approximately six weeks after surgery.

9 Ways to Help Cats and Dogs Get Along Better

EarlGerald.Lapuz@thryv.com (Earl Gerald Lapuz) — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 19:26:05 GMT

These nine things will help your cat and new dog overcome the language barrier and find love.

I don’t buy into the idea that cats and dogs naturally hate each other. Why should I, when I saw the two species enjoying one another’s company — and occasionally even snuggling together — every day of my formative years? Dogs and cats do speak different languages, though, and they need us to help them understand one another. Here are nine things you can do to help your cat and a new dog live in harmony.

1. Prepare your home

Create a safe space for your cat by putting a baby gate on the door to his favorite room. This will allow him to get away from the dog if he needs a break. Put your cat’s litterbox in that room and feed your cat in a place out of the dog’s reach. Give your cat some tall furniture so he can watch the dog from above.

2. Consider each animal’s age

A puppy may be a better choice for a cat household. The size difference is less pronounced than with an adult dog, and the puppy will quickly learn the cat’s boundaries and limits: There’s nothing like a claws-out swat on the nose to tell a dog “enough is enough!”

3. Know the dog’s background

If you adopt your dog from a shelter (and I highly suggest that you do), be as sure as possible that the dog is familiar with cats and will interact safely with them.

7. Keep the dog on a leash when she meets the cat

It’s crucial to restrain the dog when you introduce her to the cat. Interspecies meetings can be tense because of differences in body language. A wagging tail can mean “nice to meet you, let’s play” in dog language, but the same “wagging” tail means something very different to a cat. Dog play gestures can also be intimidating to a cat.

8. Train your dog

As soon as possible, teach the dog to respond instantly to safety commands like “come,” “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “drop it.” And, of course, the more training you give your dog, the happier she — and you — will be.

9. Watch for signs of strife

If your cat is always hiding when you’re home or if the dog is becoming aggressive with your cat or other people and pets, get help from a dog trainer or a behaviorist.

4. Know your cat’s background, too

If your cat has been socialized to understand and live with dogs, you’ll be much more likely to succeed as a “bi-petual” household. On the other hand, if your cat was attacked or otherwise traumatized by dogs, you may want to avoid bringing one into your household.

5. Keep in mind that some dog breeds (and breed crosses) work better than others

When a cat feels threatened, his natural instinct is to flee, and if the dog’s natural instinct is to chase, the results can be tragic. Some breeds are more likely to chase than others — sight hounds and terriers, for example.

6. Exercise the dog before introducing her to your cat

Take the dog on a nice, long walk or engage her in an energetic game of chase-and-retrieve before you bring her home. If the dog has used up all of her extra energy, the odds are better that she won’t freak your cat out with her enthusiastic greetings.

Yes, you can have a harmonious multi-species home. It takes some work, for sure, but it’s well worth the effort if you’ve dreamed of getting a dog brother or sister for your cat.

Original article by JaneA Kelley Posted in Catster Tips .

Dermatology Continuing Education

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:00:21 GMT

Snake Bite Basics

Sat, 08 Aug 2015 19:02:19 GMT

Snake Bites

Dogs, and sometimes cats, are most often bitten by copperheads. Copperheads are more common than rattlesnakes, and more likely to live in close proximity to people. In North Georgia, there are rattlesnakes as well. The rattlesnakes seen in this area are timber rattlers and pygmy rattlers. These snakes all belong to the same Family, Viperidea, often called pit vipers.

Dogs get snake bites more than cats. They are most often bitten on the face (because they are tormenting or investigating the snake), and legs (because they didn’t see the snake and inadvertently stepped on it). Cats are almost always bitten on the front leg(s), because they are swatting at the snake or investigating it by pawing at it.

What determines how severe will a snake bite be?

Snake factors:

The snake has just killed prey and doesn’t have a lot of venom built up
The snake hasn’t killed prey and does have a store of venom
The snake is a juvenile without much control over venom delivery (they inject all they have).
The snake is only mildly annoyed, possibly inflicting a “dry bite”, or it’s very annoyed, injecting a significant quantity of venom.
Species of snake. Rattlers have venom nearly 50 times more deadly than copperheads. However, copperhead venom remains active in the tissues for up to 72 hours.

Victim factors:

Cats are much more resistant to the effects than dogs.
Small dogs get relatively larger doses compared to their body weight.
Location of the bite-areas rich in blood supply, such as the tongue, lips, nose are more serious bites than more poorly supplied areas such as the leg. A bite to the tongue is equivalent to intravenous injection of venom and can be deadly even in copperhead bites. Additionally, bites on the head and neck can cause enough swelling to affect breathing, while bites on the legs are far less likely to cause breathing problems.
General health of the victim.

What happens after a snake bite?

Snake bites are immediately very painful, and tissue swelling begins within minutes.
Tissue swelling can continue to progress for 36 hours.
Rattlesnake venom is hemotoxic, as is the venom of copperheads. Both types of venom cause blood clotting abnormalities and tissue death.

What should you do if your pet is bitten by a Venomous snake?

Keep the animal as quiet as possible-activity increases the distribution of the venom.
Do NOT use a tourniquet, ice pack or apply or give any medications at home.
Do NOT use any type of cutting or suction device – this just makes tissue damage worse and doesn’t change the severity of the snake bite.
Seek veterinary care immediately.
Appropriate veterinary care include pain management, infection prevention, anti-inflammatory therapy, antivenin administration, and management of any other concurrent problems such as open wounds or blood clotting disorders.
Veterinary observation is recommended for several hours to ensure the animal is not worsening despite treatement of the snake bite.

Complications:

The most severe complication involves clotting abnormalities which can be severe and life-threatening. Antivenin reverses these changes if given quickly after a snake bite – sooner is better. Blood transfusions may be needed in severe cases particularly if the pet did not receive antivenin.

Your pet’s best chance at a successful outcome includes prompt veterinary care, antivenin, and appropriate pain control. Enjoy getting out to hike as the weather cools off and keep your eyes open so the snakes can enjoy it as well!!

What You Need To Know About Canine Influenza

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:09:44 GMT

What You Need To Know About Canine Influenza

The outbreak of Canine Influenza (dog flu) in the Atlanta area has owners worrying about what this means and how it will affect their pet. The University of Georgia’s Veterinary Diagnostic laboratory has confirmed over 80 cases throughout the Metro Atlanta Area. We want all our clients to know the best defense against dog flu is educating yourself about what it is, how to recognize it, how to avoid it, and what to do if your pet may already have this infection.

Canine influenza virus (CIV) is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is easily spread among dogs through direct contact, nasal secretions, contaminated surfaces, and b y people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. It is important to understand that CIV is NOT spread “through the air.” This means that your dog can’t become infected just by being on a leash in the same room as an infected dog- the infected dog must sneeze droplets onto your dog, or an item the infected dog sniffed must be sniffed by your dog. Dogs are most contagious in the first five days of infection, often before they ever show any signs of being infected. CIV has several strains that vary in disease severity. The virus that is currently causing the outbreak in the Atlanta area is not the typical strain (H3N8). Instead, it is a strain previously reported only in Asia, specifically Korea, China, and Thailand. This is the H3N2 strain . This same strain was previously identified in an outbreak a few years ago in the Chicago area.

Dogs that are infected with CIV may show a variety of signs including a combination of cough, reduced activity level, decreased appetite, mild fever, sneezing, and nasal and/or eye discharge. New onset of any of these signs is a reason for you to talk to your primary care veterinarian. Dogs with severe forms of the disease might go on to develop high fevers and pneumonia, which cause increased respiratory (breathing) rates and effort. If you and your primary care veterinarian determine that your pet may have become infected, it is extremely important your pet is evaluated promptly.

When you arrive at the veterinary clinic, pets that may have CIV infections should stay in the air-conditioned car with an owner. (Never leave anyone in a hot car!) On checking in at the veterinarian, you will be informed about the current protocol for examining and/or treating dogs potentially exposed to CIV. At North Georgia Veterinary Specialists, we recommend nasal swabs that are sent to the diagnostic laboratory for identification of the presence of the virus. Until the results of your pet’s nasal swabs return, it is best to prevent spread of the infection by not exposing your pets or any members of your household to other dogs. Avoid going to places where dogs congregate, such as dog parks or pet stores. The current dog flu vaccine available today was created to protect against the common H3N8 stain. It is unknown whether this vaccine will protect against the news H3N2 stain. However, just like you keep your child away from other sick kids, you should keep your dog away from other dogs that are coughing or sneezing.

There is no evidence that dog flu is transmissible to people, though limited reports of the H3N2 strain infecting cats, guinea pigs, and ferrets exist.

Most dogs with dog flu will recover quickly with supportive care. Since CIV is a virus, there is no veterinary medication to directly treat the infection. Rather, pets must receive support to help them feel better while their own immune system fights off the virus. Often this includes intravenous (IV) fluids, anti-inflammatory medications, oxygen, and antibiotics if there is a concurrent bacterial infection. These will likely make them feel better and provide the best chance of a speedy recovery. Pets with severe cases may need further care including hospitalization. Hospitalization for CIV can range from overnight to two weeks. With more knowledge about this virus, there can be quicker recognition and a hopefully better outcome.