Friday, October 11, 2013

Circovirus Update

There has been a lot in the news lately about a new canine viral outbreak (circovirus) in the Midwest.

There is a lot of information and misinformation being circulated in the press about this topic. It is a complex topic, especially since the exact cause of the illnesses and deaths are still fuzzy.

Here is an update on the situation where officials from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Indiana State Board of Animal Health, and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine are interviewed: http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131010/LOCAL/310109950/1002

Hopefully this article will calm some fears.

For those of you who are not aware of the situation, here is an article by Dr. Patrick Mahaney to help get you up to speed: http://www.pawnation.com/2013/10/08/circovirus-linked-to-multiple-deaths-of-michigan-dogs/

Dogs that were taken to the vet when signs first appeared had the best outcomes. Signs included: vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, and vasculitis which can manifest as skin lesions.

If you see any of these signs in your pets, see your veterinarian.