By DAN HEATH
PLATTSBURGH — Champlain Valley Veterinary Services wants to inform dog owners of the dangers associated with Canine Influenza.
Owner Dr. Jacquelyn Bentley said many people are unaware of the highly contagious disease.
"Not a lot of people have (heard about it) unless they're in the dog world," she said.
The disease was first noticed in Florida. Canine Influenza Virus — A H3N8 — was found in greyhounds in 2004.
The virus is a mutation of one that has affected horses for more than 40 years. It has now been found in 30 states, including New York.
The disease is extremely contagious, especially in settings such as dog kennels. It can be spread by direct contact between dogs, indirect contact such as from a food dish, collar, leash or kennel floor or through the air.
All unvaccinated dogs are at risk to contract Canine Influenza, and 80 percent are likely to develop clinical illness. Most will develop mild symptoms, but about 8 percent will die of complications such as pneumonia.
Brachiocephalics — breeds such as pug, Pekingese and shi-tzu — and dogs with other health concerns are at greater risk.
Jacquelyn said a vaccine to guard against Canine Influenza was introduced earlier this year. Champlain Valley Veterinary has been using it for the last five months.
Canine Influenza symptoms are similar to other canine respiratory illnesses, such as kennel cough. Those include coughing, sneezing, fever, nasal discharge and ocular discharge.
People who notice such symptoms are urged to isolate their dogs from others and arrange to have their pet examined by a veterinarian.
Vaccination is important because by the time a dog exhibits symptoms, Jacquelyn said, it has already been spreading the virus for seven to 10 days.
The uptick in boarding situations during the holiday seasons is another reason to consider having a dog vaccinated.
"This vaccine is very effective at preventing it," she said.
Champlain Valley Veterinary will hold another walk-in clinic on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their offices at 408 State Route 3, Plattsburgh. The vaccination costs $20, with no office visit charge.
Jacquelyn purchased the practice from Dr. Sheldon Hagar in 2001. Hagar opened its present location in 1961.
She continued Hagar's philosophy of providing excellent care for their clients' pets while adopting the newest technology. Her husband, Joe, has been the practice's office manager for about a year.
Jacquelyn said Hagar had always been at the forefront of new technology, and she has continued that trend.
One example is laser therapy to treat sore muscles and joints, degenerative joint conditions, neurological pain, inflammations and even chronic, non-healing wounds.
The practice's Cutting Edge MLS Harmony Laser unit uses both continuous and pulse laser emissions to combine the anti-inflammatory effects of the former with the pain-blocking abilities of the latter.
"They initially looked at it for chronic conditions, such as arthritis. They have found it works well for wound healing," Jacquelyn said.
Laser therapy has also been useful in treatment of hip and lower-back conditions as well as ear and sinus infections. She said it can allow older dogs who take daily pain medications to cut down or even stop taking medicine that sometimes cause side effects.
Champlain Valley Veterinary has three veterinarians and 14 other employees. It is a full-service animal hospital that focuses on cats and dogs.
Two of the doctors also provide attention to small animals such as ferrets, rabbits and birds, Jacquelyn said.
The Bentleys met while Joe worked for the U.S. Forest Service near Manchester, Vt., and Jacquelyn worked for a couple veterinary hospitals in that area. Jacquelyn then worked as a relief veterinarian, including some work for Hagar.
After about a year, he offered the chance to purchase the practice, and the Bentley's accepted. The couple now lives in Plattsburgh, a short distance from the practice.
"It's a nice community to do business," Joe said.
E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com
