PrairieProf Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 (edited) I have longstanding plans to bring Cocoa to the Abilene gathering next week, and in the last 24 hours have realized that the current outbreak of serious canine influenza is more widespread than I had thought. It makes me realize that going to this or other gatherings with dogs coming together from widespread locations is really quite risky. I know that many serious dog show people are pulling their dogs out of shows for the present. Even if one starts the vaccination process now, it takes a vaccination and booster and what sounds like about 4 weeks total for a dog to be really protected. Any thoughts from other folks on this? No cases in Kansas so far but apparently the virus has been found as close as Missouri. http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/Canine-Influenza-Virus-Beyond-Two-Show-Dogs/ Cocoa is also on a mild immune-suppressant medication (Atopica) for her discoid lupus and I am wondering how much more vulnerable that would leave her. Going to try to talk to my vet this morning. Edited June 10, 2017 by PrairieProf With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 We've been talking about this here: http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/320909-influenza-vaccine/?do=findComment&comment=6014239 The Morehead City NC case mentioned in your link happened a few towns from me. My dogs don't go out in town other than nail trims and vet visits. This still has me worried. We have an appointment booked to get the first round of the vaccine next week. I think your concerns about Cocoa are valid unless your vet says otherwise. Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted June 10, 2017 Author Share Posted June 10, 2017 Yes, I saw the post about the vaccine. I am just aware that no one is talking about the implication for events, just as greyhound event season kicks into high gear. I am going with a friend and her two hounds and our hotel room is nonrefundable. My gut feeling at this point is to start the vaccination process (Cocoa does go to the dog park and out in the world a lot, no cases in Iowa yet but we are driving to NY soon) and stay away from other dogs as much as possible for an event, avoid communal bowls, etc. With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 I agree staying away from communal dog bowels is a good idea. I hope Cocoa does well and that the flu stays away from the event. Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaFlaca Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 The outbreak in Miami is so widespread that my vet's office has put big STOP signs on the doors warning anyone who is bringing in an animal with respiratory issues to ring the intercom bell and wait outside. A staff member then comes out and lets you in through a side door that is always kept locked. You and your dog are then placed in a separate little waiting room away from other pets and their humans. This current outbreak is no joke. I feel like putting a mask on my pup every time we go out. Be careful out there. Irene ~ Owned and Operated by Jenny (Jenny Rocks ~ 11/24/17) ~ JRo, Jenny from the Track Lola (AMF Won't Forget ~ 04/29/15 -07/22/19) - My girl. I'll always love you. Wendy (Lost Footing ~ 12/11/05 - 08/18/17) ~ Forever in our hearts. "I am yours, you are mine". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukasmom Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I have seen the warnings on vet offices in the Southwest side of Chicago. My friends all got the flu shots for their hounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 My vet doesn't even carry the vaccination as the flu is not in Iowa. He is not alarmist and thinks the epidemiological risk outside major outbreak areas is statistically tiny. This reminds me I've been to several midwest events since the Chicago outbreak in 2015 and it wasn't an issue. Unfortunately it will be impossible to avoid communal bowls and close contact if one uses the dog-sitting service in Sterl Hall at the Abilene event, which is necessary to do farm tours or anything else where dogs are not allowed. With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 My vet doesn't even carry the vaccination as the flu is not in Iowa. He is not alarmist and thinks the epidemiological risk outside major outbreak areas is statistically tiny. This reminds me I've been to several midwest events since the Chicago outbreak in 2015 and it wasn't an issue. Unfortunately it will be impossible to avoid communal bowls and close contact if one uses the dog-sitting service in Sterl Hall at the Abilene event, which is necessary to do farm tours or anything else where dogs are not allowed. Ditto. I agree with your vet. My dog(s) travel extensively-and have since the 2015 outbreak- without incident. It is my understanding that the vaccine is unproven at best. No shots for my guys at this point. I truly believe that Merck is just trying to make money by feeding peoples fears and misleading them to believe the vaccine will prevent it when they apparently can't actually show that it does? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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