Author: Rhea Morgan Publish Date: 5/15/2014 3:18:00 PM Pannus, also known as chronic superficial keratitis, is an eye disease that can result in blindness if it is not treated. Pannus is a lifelong problem that can typically be managed but not cured. Pannus is more common and more severe at high altitudes and in areas with severe air pollution. It is widely believed to be an immune-mediated condition, possibly as a response to exposure to ultraviolet light or other irritants. Genetic factors may be involved in the German shepherd dog (GSD) and GSD-mix dogs. A variation of pannus can affect the third eyelid, and is called nictitans plasmacytic conjunctivitis or plasmoma. Corneal pannus and plasmoma can occur together or alone. Pannus occurs most frequently in GSD and GSD-mix dogs, but it occurs sporadically in the greyhound, Rottweiler, Belgian shepherd, Belgian Tervuren, and several other breeds.Dogs 4 to 7 years of age are at highest risk for developing pannus. In German shepherds, the younger the dog is at diagnosis, the more severe and unresponsive the condition tends to be. Pannus tends to be milder and more responsive to treatment if the age of onset is after 5 to 6 years and if the affected patient lives at a low altitude.Both eyes are affected although one may look worse than the other. The cornea is the clear outer covering of the eye that attaches to the white sclera of the eye. Usually a pinkish film starts at the outer aspect of the cornea and conjunctiva and spreads towards the center of the eye. As the film spreads across the cornea, it becomes opaque. As time goes by, the cornea becomes dark or pigmented. An eye examination can diagnose pannus. Treatment Depending on the severity of the disease at diagnosis, aggressive treatment may be started to halt the progress and once the disease is under control, then therapy can be tapered to less frequent applications. In the beginning, eye drops and/or ointments must be given several times a day. Generally, a corticosteroid product is started initially. In severe cases or cases of plasmoma, cyclosporine or tacrolimus may be added to the steroid. When the dog is blind or near blind from the disease, subconjunctival injection of corticosteroids can be done at the onset of therapy in order to speed up response to the medications. The goal is to halt the progression of the disease and achieve remission. Flare ups are common and can occur at various seasons/times of the year. Periodic eye exams (3 to 4 times per year) are done to watch for signs of flare ups, so the treatments can be modified before the pannus becomes severe. Not every veterinarian is comfortable treating pannus. Discuss with your veterinarian whether referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist would be best for you and your pet. Prognosis Most dogs with mild to moderate pannus or that live at low altitudes respond well to topical medications. All dogs with pannus must be monitored carefully for flare ups, however. Dogs that live or work (such as military dogs in Afghanistan) at high altitudes can be much harder to treat. Cases that are not responding as expected or are poorly responsive to therapy should be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further evaluation and to determine if other options should be considered.

In late February, Dr. Baird flew to Guatemala with a World Vets veterinary team to provide much needed care for animals in the highland area. World Vets is a US based non-profit group that provides aid for animals throughout the world. This veterinary team went to the Lake Atitlan area for a pilot project to provide a large scale sterilization campaign. “Roaming” dogs are often a problem in this area as they travel in packs and are quite territorial. Our mission goal was to assist local efforts in humanely controlling the “roaming” dog population as well as contribute to the public health and safety of the communities around the lake. The mission was a great success and many dogs and cats were spayed, neutered, dewormed, vaccinated and treated for fleas and ticks. Surgery was performed in Santa Catarina and a nearby community, San Pedro. Below are photos taken from this mission. Dr. Baird hopes to have the opportunity to join World Vets for projects in the future as well. http://www.worldvets.org/ If you are interested in learning more about World Vetsor to donate or volunteer for a mission, please see their website at  http://www.worldvets.org . Videos –  These videos were filmed and produced by one the participants, Dr. James Ransom, a volunteer veterinarian from San Diego. The first is a teaser with a collection of shots followed by three separate videos of our time in Guatemala.

This Spay & Neuter project was on San Andres Island, Columbia in 2012. This was another World Vets project to provide medical and surgical care to dogs & cats whose owners have limited access to veterinary care. All services provided by World Vets are free to the community. To learn more about World Vets and the work that they do, just click on their name above.

Canine infectious respiratory disease has always been somewhat complicated but has suddenly become significantly more complex as we see apparent “outbreaks” of respiratory infection that seem much more severe than our usual pattern. CIRD, as we recognize it, can result from multiple organisms, and occasionally more than one is present during any particular episode of illness. The list at the end of this article shows all of the known organisms that have been associated with CIRD but the ones that we see most commonly when we test with PCR are Mycoplasma cynos, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Canine Influenza (two strains). To add further confusion, some common infectious organisms can often be detected in perfectly healthy dogs, and this has been verified in multiple studies of well animals in various locations. These infectious agents remain active and many dogs who present with typical upper respiratory symptoms will be suffering from one or more of these pathogens. In a normal, healthy dog, the majority will recover relatively easily and often with no involved treatment. CIRD, previously known as “kennel cough complex,” typically affects dogs of all ages and typically presents with a dry, hacking cough. However, despite this nasty-sounding cough, the pet remains active and alert and often continues to eat fairly normally. The cough may worsen with activities like barking, exercising, or being excited. Some of these dogs may require treatment for the cough or coinfections. It is advisable to isolate them, as they will likely be contagious for a few weeks depending on the specific organism(s). It is important to note that a small percentage of dogs may become seriously ill, especially those who are very young, old or have a weak immune system. What we are seeing since midsummer in Oregon is a vastly different patient profile. There are 3 common presentations: typical symptoms of upper respiratory infection with a prominent cough, but the cough does not resolve and becomes chronic (weeks to a few months) with little or no response to antibiotics upper respiratory symptoms that progress to bronchitis or bronchopneumonia which, while not life-threatening, remain chronic and poorly responsive to antibiotics and may persist for weeks to a few months an acute syndrome in which the hallmark is rapidly progressive pneumonia that is also poorly responsive to antibiotics. In the acute syndrome, the patients can become desperately ill in just 24 to 36 hours after the initial cough. Clearly, the dogs that are presenting in these 3 categories are very different from what we are accustomed to in our patients with CIRD.  There are scattered reports of similar respiratory outbreaks prior to Oregon, possibly as long as a year ago, and a few different geographic locations have been reported. Multiple laboratories are at work trying to isolate the organism or organisms that may be the cause of this new outbreak. Early information from the New Hampshire veterinary diagnostic lab suggests this may be a very tiny bacterium that does not culture readily and is being identified via DNA sequencing. It has not been isolated sufficiently even to permit characterization of the bacterium. As expected with any newly recognized organism, there is no test to determine its presence nor a clear treatment protocol that is consistently successful. Some dogs that have been quite sick over the last 3 to 6 months have tested positive for more traditional agents such as Canine Influenza virus, and Mycoplasma cynos. As noted earlier, dogs can be completely asymptomatic and healthy and still carry some of these respiratory organisms, which will trigger a positive PCR test. Multiple studies have determined that normal healthy dogs are often colonized with one or more of these infectious species that are known to cause respiratory disease in susceptible pets. Given how early we are in this process, accurate testing will not become available in the near future and immunizations to protect our pets from this organism will take even longer. Since respiratory organisms often work in concert, it is imperative that we prevent infection with our known respiratory agents as much as possible. Influenza vaccines for dogs, like humans, are designed to reduce the severity of the disease but will not necessarily prevent infection 100%. We do know that the presence of canine parainfluenza virus can significantly increase the severity of infection with other agents as it causes damage to the lung tissue directly. We can, and should, vaccinate our susceptible population to try to reduce the risk of Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine influenza viruses. Combined with the new infectious agent, any of these would undoubtedly worsen the outcome. The veterinary labs that are attempting to research this organism are requesting that samples be provided directly from the veterinary hospitals prior to the initiation of any medications as they may reduce the ability to culture this suspected bacterium. Given that some dogs are becoming severely ill very quickly, it is also recommended to have these animals examined very early in an attempt to intervene before the pneumonia becomes severe. PCR testing is still recommended as many dogs that are presenting with canine cough and respiratory symptoms actually still have one of the better-known organisms that cause respiratory disease. PCR testing is most accurate early in the disease. Delays can cause false negative results. Co-infection will still be a concern if the PCR is positive and the dog is severely ill or presenting with one of the three syndromes associated with this new infection. Canine respiratory outbreaks tend to wax and wane and pop up in different locations from time to time. There are often isolated but significant outbreaks of respiratory disease in relatively small geographic areas that then move to another area, causing a different outbreak. This has been happening for years but without the severity of the outcomes seen in this current small population, who are affected much more gravely than expected historically. In summary, if indeed there is a new organism causing these outbreaks, isolation of this new organism may prove difficult, and the ability to test for it specifically is probably long in the future. Dogs presenting with respiratory symptoms should be examined and treated as early as possible during the disease. PCR testing done early can still be informative and should be performed. Since co-infection may worsen the prognosis, it is recommended to ensure all dogs are current on their Canine Parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and canine influenza immunizations. The assumption is this organism is probably airborne but may also be carried from dog to dog by fomites which includes potentially grooming tools, leashes, collars, and probably direct human contact. When possible, avoid areas where unfamiliar dogs tend to congregate, such as dog shows, canine sporting events, dog parks, doggie daycare, boarding and grooming facilities. These are areas where you are most likely to encounter dogs of unknown health and immunization status. Dogs you know personally, their health, immunization status and recent travel or exposures, are often relatively low risk by comparison. Watch the local news for any indication that the infection has reached your local area. While it may not always be practical to isolate your pet from all other dogs, attempt to reduce direct contact with unfamiliar dogs and sanitize your own hands carefully after touching any other dogs.  If your pet is sick with a cough, please call your veterinary hospital before arriving and they will advise you on protocol to help prevent exposure to the other pets in the facility.  If your dog has been ill with respiratory symptoms, the current recommendation is a minimum of 3-4 weeks isolation from other dogs. It is likely that we will gain much more information in the coming months, but concrete answers may require patience if this truly is a new organism not previously isolated and described. The current list of known canine respiratory pathogens: Viral pathogens include  canine distemper  (CDV),  parainfluenza  (CPIV), adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2),  influenza  (CIV, two strains),  herpesvirus  (CHV-1), respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), pantropic coronavirus, reovirus, and pneumovirus (CnPnV). Other emerging viral pathogens associated with CIRD are canine  bocavirus , hepacivirus, and picornavirus. Bacterial pathogens include  Bordetella bronchiseptica ,  Mycoplasma  spp., and  Streptococcus equi  subsp.  zooepidemicus .   For more information on this rapidly changing situation: https://www.avma.org/news/oregon-dealing-respiratory-illness-incidents-dogs https://www.today.com/health/mystery-dog-illness-2023-rcna125553 https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/?s=respiratory+dogs https://colsa.unh.edu/new-hampshire-veterinary-diagnostic-laboratory/canine-respiratory-outbreak https://www.facebook.com/groups/338634178658223/media www.K9illness.trupanion.com

From The American Veterinary Medical Association Updated June 11, 2020 SUMMARY AND CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS Despite the number of global cases of COVID-19 surpassing the 7 million mark as of June 8, 2020, we are aware of only a handful of pets and captive or farmed wild animals globally that have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. In all cases, the source of the infection for pets was presumed to be one or more persons with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. At this point in time, there is also no evidence that domestic animals, including pets and livestock, play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people. Therefore, the AVMA maintains its current recommendations regarding SARS-CoV-2 and animals. These recommendations, which are supported by guidance from the  US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  and  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) , are that: Animal owners without symptoms of COVID-19 should continue to practice good hygiene during interactions with animals. This includes washing hands before and after such interactions and when handling animal food, waste, or supplies. Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household. Keep cats indoors, when possible, to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people. Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals. Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather. Until more is known about the virus, those ill with COVID-19 should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just as you would restrict your contact with other people. Have another member of your household or business take care of feeding and otherwise caring for any animals, including pets.  If you have a service animal or you must care for your animals, including pets, then wear a cloth face covering; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them, and wash your hands before and after any contact with them. At this point in time, there is no evidence to suggest that domestic animals, including pets and livestock, that may be incidentally infected by humans play a substantive role in the spread of COVID-19. Routine testing of animals for SARS-CoV-2 is NOT recommended. Veterinarians are strongly encouraged to rule out other, more common causes of illness in animals before considering  testing for SARS-CoV-2. Human outbreaks are driven by person-to-person transmission and, based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. Accordingly, we see no reason to remove pets from homes even if COVID-19 has been identified in members of the household, unless there is risk that the pet itself is not able to be cared for appropriately. During this pandemic emergency, animals and people each need the support of the other and veterinarians are there to support the good health of both.

UPDATED: JUNE 5, 2017 Canine Influenza update: There have been over 12 cases of canine influenza diagnosed as the H3N2 strain by the University of Florida. All the diagnosed pets attended dog shows in Perry, Georgia on May 19-21 and/or Deland, Florida the following weekend or were in contact with dogs that attended those two dog shows. To date, this has not spread beyond this population of show dogs. While vaccinations are now available for this strain, it does require a series of two vaccinations 2 to 4 weeks apart and the vaccinated dogs are unlikely to have a protective level of immunity for at least 4-6 weeks. Given the limited population affected thus far and the delay in acquiring protective immunity from vaccination, we are not yet recommending vaccination for our normal non-showing pet population. Show dog owners are being advised to keep their pets at home for at least four weeks to decrease the risk of spreading the virus. Asymptomatic dogs can still be contagious if they have been exposed. We will update this information here and on Facebook should the situation change appreciably. -Dr Baird Please see this link for information from the University of Florida with more information. What you need to know…… The canine influenza virus first appeared in 2004 & 2005 in several Florida racing greyhound track facilities. Research since this suggests this virus mutated from the equine influenza virus. Influenza antibodies, however, have been found in samples from the 1990’s, suggesting a milder form likely predates this one. There is no evidence to suggest this virus can be transmitted to humans. In the years since it first appeared, the feared deadly epidemic never occurred. We did have a scare in Chicago and in Atlanta in 2015 with many cases of influenza, which thankfully was far milder and had less impact than the original strain that was so dangerous at the dog tracks in the previous decade. Interestingly, these 2015 outbreaks were of a different strain, H3N2, so likely more mutation has occurred, or it is a completely different origin, perhaps Asia. To the best of our knowledge, the Canine Influenza Vaccine originally developed for the H3N8 strain, is not effective in preventing this new strain, H3N2. Crowded housing facilitates the spread of the virus from dog to dog, as is typical of most contagious respiratory diseases, so the best prevention is to reduce exposure to other dogs during an outbreak such as occurred in Chicago. Of those dogs exposed to the virus, it is estimated 20-50% will show no visible evidence of disease. Evidence suggests that perhaps 50% of infected dogs develop antibodies without ever showing any clinical disease at all. The remainder will have symptoms typical of infectious respiratory disease including cough, fever, decreased appetite and lethargy. Approximately 1% of infected dogs will develop serious complications as a result of canine influenza, most typically secondary bacterial pneumonia. These patients do require intensive treatment, preferably early in the course of the disease. In 2009, a Canine Influenza vaccine was released. The vaccine carries a conditional license by the FDA, indicating that efficacy has not yet been proven although safety studies have been performed in over 700 dogs. The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with Canine Influenza virus infection. Although the vaccine is not expected to prevent infection altogether, efficacy trials have shown that the vaccination may significantly reduce the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval; therefore, vaccinated dogs that become infected develop less severe illness and are less likely to spread the virus to other dogs. Locally, there have been no reports from our specialty hospitals of any Canine Influenza cases in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco counties. Given the frequency with which pets travel, this certainly could change in the future. At this time, we heartily recommend vaccination only for dogs traveling to areas with known risk of Canine Influenza, particularly if this travel will include exposure at dog shows, boarding or grooming facilities. Since the influenza virus is only causing problems in certain regions within certain states, it is advisable to check with veterinarians in that specific area prior to travel to determine if there is a known risk locally. The initial dose of vaccine requires a booster 2 to 4 weeks after the first dose is given, and the second dose should be given at least 7 days prior to the dog entering the at-risk situation (boarding kennel, dog show, etc.) , so the vaccine series should be started at least 4 weeks prior to travel. Links for Canine Influenza …. www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plxwww.cdc.gov/flu/canine/http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=3610https://veterinarypracticenews.com/?s=canine+influenza