CUVS Performs a CT Scan on Arizona, a Galapagos Tortoise

Arizona, a Galapagos tortoise, arrives at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in Stamford, CT.

We had quite a unique event this past week when Arizona, a 300-pound Galapagos tortoise, came into the hospital for a CT scan. Arizona's owners, who live in Westchester county, noticed that he was not putting weight onto one of his hind legs. Arizona's regular vet, Jeremy Sabatini, DVM of the Pleasantville Animal Hospital, referred Arizona to CUVS so that we could perform a detailed computed tompography (CT) scan. Dr. Sabatini was on hand to lend his expertise while we performed the CT scan.

Positioning a 300-pound tortoise takes many helping hands, including those of CUVS CMO Dr. Susan Hackner (right).

First we positioned Arizona on the CT scanner's motorized bed. Then we anesthetized him with gas, using an anesthetic mask which is more commonly fitted on the muzzle of a dog or cat patient. After Arizona was sedated, we backed him up to the CT and positioned his affected limb so the images could be taken.

Arizona, sedated and on the CT scan.

While preparing Arizona for this procedure took some time, the CT scan itself did not take long. Soon after, Arizona was waking up and on his way back to his sanctuary home. While CUVS frequently treats exotic species, this particular visit did garner quite a bit of media attention. You can find other articles about Arizona's visit here.

A Study of the 9/11 Search & Rescue Dogs

In the spirit of the 9-11 commemoration, we recognize the efforts of the almost 300 search-and-rescue dogs called into service following the attacks. A recently published study, funded by the AKC, evaluated 95 search and rescue canines for health issues post 9-11. Results showed these magnificent animals did NOT develop the common respiratory issues seen in many of the human responders and workers. Several of these brave dogs are still alive 10 years after the attacks on the World Trade Center:

Rescuer lauds dogs' work after 9/11: wishtv.com

CUVS will be open and fully staffed during the storm

Cornell University Veterinary Specialists will have doctors, technicians and staff staying at the hospital for the duration of Hurricane Irene. Care will continue around the clock for all current patients, and we have generators in place in case of a power outage. If you have an animal emergency during the worst of the storm, our Emergency Department will be open. Please call us at (203) 595-2777 to give us a heads-up as you leave for the hospital. If anything changes with the status of the hospital, we will put up another post.

Keep a close eye on your pets during the storm; this type of weather is very dangerous for dogs and cats.

Join the Million Heart Challenge to support heart disease research

Would you like to help support research for dogs with heart disease? The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) helps support ongoing research for congenital and acquired heart disease throughout the United States and Canada. Click this link to see how you can support ACVIM's mission of enhancing animal and human health by advancing veterinary internal medicine.

Q & A: Canine Influenza Virus

What is Canine Influenza? 

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is a respiratory virus of dogs. It has been identified in several states, including Connecticut and New York. A relatively small number of cases have been reported in Hartford, New London and Fairfield counties.
Influenza virus was first identified as an infectious disease of dogs in 2004. The first isolation of the virus was done at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University involving racing greyhounds. Within a year of the discovery, CIV was found in pet dogs in Florida and in the New York City area. Since that time the virus has been found in different areas of the US. CIV continues to move slowly through the canine population. It is highly contagious. Risk factors for the infection are having dogs in closely confined conditions such as in boarding kennels, day care setting and animal rescue shelters. Animals being relocated from the rescue shelters seem to be a main source of the movement of the virus to new locations.

How do I know if my dog has CIV? 

The clinical signs associated with the infection are indistinguishable from the traditionally defined “kennel cough”, now more appropriately referred to as acute respiratory disease. They include coughing, nasal discharge, fever and often inappetance. These symptoms are not unique to CIV, so it is important that the dog be thoroughly evaluated and tested. CIV infection compromises the normal defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract so that secondary bacterial infections (such as pneumonia) are common sequelae.

How is CIV diagnosed?

The diagnosis of CIV necessitates the identification of the virus in the acutely infected dog (via PCR testing) or demonstrating antibodies in the later stages of the clinical event (via serologic testing). Samples for PCR testing should be taken within 4 days of onset of clinical signs and the sample of choice is a nasal swab. For serologic testing, an acute and convalescent sample (10-14 days apart) are optimal, but in areas of low CIV prevalence, a single sample taken > 7 days after acute onset may be sufficient. Both PCR and serologic testing are performed by The Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University.

What is the prognosis for dogs with CIV? 

Since CIV is a relatively new (novel) disease, few dogs have natural immunity built up to protect them. As a result, a high proportion of dogs exposed to the virus become infected; approximately 80 percent develop symptoms, while another 20 percent do not become ill. Fortunately, most dogs recover within two weeks without any further health complications. However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections. This is frequently curable with appropriate medical care. Dogs are generally free of CIV by 7 days post onset of clinical signs. They may cough for several weeks beyond this, but they are not contagious at this time.

Is my dog at risk?

The risk of infection is increased by exposure to other dogs. Dog shows, dog parks, kennels, grooming salons, dog day care centers, or anywhere dogs gather increase risk of CIV infection. Risk also depends on the prevalence of the virus in the area in which the dog lives or travels.

How do I prevent CIV infection?

CIV is best prevented by avoiding unnecessary contact with other dogs, particularly if your dog is particularly young or old, or has a compromised immune system. A vaccine is now available, that is effective in preventing CIV-related symptoms.

Should my dog be vaccinated against CIV?

The vaccine should be considered for dogs whose lifestyle puts them at greater risk (see above). Due the contagiousness of this virus, some kennels and grooming salons now require this vaccination to prevent an outbreak. Aside from these situations, the decision to vaccinate should be discussed with your primary care veterinarian, taking into consideration your dog's risks and the CIV prevalence in the area in which you live or to which you will be traveling.

Can humans or other pets get CIV?

In spite of monitoring by the CDC, the transmission of CIV to humans or to pets has never been demonstrated scientifically.

For more information on Canine Influenza Virus, please go to: http://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/news/civ.cfm

-Susan G. Hackner, BVSc, MRCVS, DACVIM, DACVECC

Chief Medical Officer & Chief Operating Officer

A Better Lyme Disease Test Developed at Cornell University

Researchers at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center of Cornell University have developed a new test to better diagnose Lyme Disease in dogs.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection of dogs and humans, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, and spread by ticks. According to data collected by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 30,000 humans were diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2009, a prevalence that is increasing in the US. The vast majority (95%) of Lyme Disease cases occurred in just 12 states, mostly in the Northeast. Although similar information is not available for dogs, we know that many dogs are exposed to the infection, and that the geographic prevalence is similar to that seen in humans.

Typical signs of Lyme Disease in dogs are lameness, joint pain and swelling, and fever. A smaller proportion of dogs develop Lyme nephritis, a serious kidney condition characterized by urinary protein loss and progressing to kidney failure. These disease signs are not specific for Lyme disease and can occur in myriad other conditions. Accurate diagnosis, therefore, is paramount. Unfortunately, traditional tests for Lyme disease have important shortcomings. These are largely overcome by the newly developed Lyme Disease Multiplex Test. The blood test measures antibodies produced by the dog in response to 3 parts of the Borrelia bacteria. Advantages of the Multiplex test over other tests include:

• The ability to distinguish natural infection from antibodies that occur in response to vaccination.
• Sensitivity to detect early infection. The Lyme Multiplex Test can detect antibodies within 2-3 weeks following infection, whereas other tests only detect antibodies 4-6 weeks post-infection.
• The ability to distinguish recent from chronic infection.

The Multiplex Test is now available at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, and a growing number of veterinary practices. Additional information can be found here.

Marnin A. Forman DVM, DACVIM
Staff Internist

CUVS Drs. Forman and Kramer Interviewed on Pet Talk TV Show

CUVS internist Dr. Marnin Forman and surgeon Dr. Alon Kramer, with host Lauren Collier, discuss the benefits of minimally invasive procedures on a recent episode of "Pet Talk."