West Nile Virus in Oregon
Dr. Pamela Tate
We have all heard about the westward progression of West Nile Virus (WNV), which causes a neurological disease in affected animals and humans. It has not yet been detected in Oregon and Idaho, but it has been reported in neighboring Washington and California. Mosquitoes transmit the virus.
It primarily affects birds but horses and humans are also susceptible, and rarely, other mammals. Even some captive crocodiles in Florida are believed to have contracted this virus. It was believed that dogs were not susceptible to the virus; recently, however, antibodies to WNV were detected in 4 dogs in Louisiana having clinic signs consistent with the virus. While there is a vaccine available for horses, it is unlikely that one will be developed for dogs, or even necessary, due to their limited susceptibility. Serologic testing for antibodies has shown that dogs can develop a positive titer after exposure to the virus, but not actually develop the diseases. The same can happen in horses and humans, most of whom develop mild flu-like symptoms rather than encephalitis. So what do we look for in an affected animal?
They may have a high fever, be depressed and have a poor appetite. They may West Nile Virus in Oregon? Dr. Pamela Tate be painful, unable to stand or to walk normally or have other nervous system problems caused by encephalitis or meningitis. For our pets, and us the only protection at this time is to prevent exposure to mosquitoes. Repellants, door and window screens, and mosquito netting, and eliminating stagnant water in yards do this. For the dogs specifically, there is a combination topical therapy now available, which offers great promise. It is called K9 Advantix, and is for use only in dogs. It combines the active flea control ingredient in Advantage, Imidacloprid, with a low dose permethrin, which works against ticks and mosquitoes. Permethrin has been utilized for many years as topical therapy for external parasites but is has been shown to work together with imidacloprid to be more effective against parasites than when used alone.
For dogs that join their families in flea, tick, and mosquito-infected areas, this can offer immense relief from these pesky parasites. PLEASE remember - cats are not to be treated with this medication, since they do not tolerate permethrin in a highly concentrated form. If your cat enjoys grooming your dog, we recommend keeping them separated after applying this medication until it has been completely absorbed.
Data suggests that the risk of this disease in dogs is very minor, compared to the prevalence in horses and humans. So, thankfully, it appears that our canine companions will have a very low risk of contracting this illness. If we take some of the steps discussed, we can reduce the risk even further, and make our pet companions more comfortable, and happy happier, as a result. Becker helped the students read the X-ray to determine additional internal injuries. Students became actively engaged in the diagnostic process, and also viewed actual samples and specimens from surgeries.