"There is no recognized treatment for the virus itself," she said. "Usually treatment consists of supportive care."
The Midwestern outbreak sickened thousands of dogs and killed at least eight in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. It is unknown how the virus came to the United States, but Dr. Cook says it probably traveled with an animal from East Asia. It spreads because it's airborne.
"When a dog coughs it fills the air with infectious virus particles, and if another dog is in that air space and infections particle land on the nose, eyes or mouth, that dog could get the infection," Dr. Cook said.
Symptoms include cough, fever, loss of appetite and laziness.
"I would stress that if people are concerned about their dog they should reach out to their regular vet as soon as they can and not just sit and watch the dog get sicker," Dr. Cook said.
NUTTY NEWS APPs: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch – Android
Nutty News Today – Nutty Videos – Pinterest Nutty News - Nutty News Magazine - Facebook - Nutty News on Twitter - Nutty Videos on Twitter - Strange Facts – Strange Crimes - Politics USA Today –Today’s Nutty Joke - Technology News - True Crime Stories Updated 24 Hours A Day – Your Local News - Submit Nutty News
