[Dailydrool] Kennel Cough/Influenza

[Pam Farris]

Sadly we have been dealing with this strain of kennel cough/ influenza for years down in the Miami Dade area.  It is highly contagious and it hits them very hard.   Many, many vets won't allow the dogs from the shelters into their office because it is so contagious and most of the ones from Miami Dade come out of the shelter (at least the few that do make it out through rescues) with it.  It takes them about a month to get past it and during that time they don't want to eat so many of them are absolutely emaciated by the time they are well.  I've become quite proficient in doing in house nebulizer treatments so that the antibiotics can get into their lungs, Sub Q fluids and hand feeding little bits of whatever I can get them to eat.  Oral antibiotics and pain relievers for the body aches are about all you can do.  So far I haven't lost any to it and so feel very blessed.
 
This is nasty, nasty and I am sad to see it spread.  Many of the rescues from around here will no longer pull from the Miami Dade shelter because of it,  leaving a few of us to try and do what we can.  I understand why they don't - it stops the process of finding new homes for any other dog that is exposed to it - we can't risk sending a dog that might get sick from it into an adoptive home. 
 
Best wishes to all of those going through this.  My advise is to assume any dog pulled from those areas that shows any symptons whatsover has this and to consult with your vets right away.  Quarantine any dog you pull from a shelter and I mean strict quarantine.  
 
If anyone wants any more info on our experience,  please let me know.
 


 
Pam Farris
Basset Rescue of Florida, Inc.
www.BassetRescueFlorida.com