North Shore of Long Island Virus alert!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I just took Quincy to our vet for his ears and the vet mentioned to me that there is a wicked virus going around this area. He said he had calls from all the local pet care facilities and some groomers, etc.  He recommended that we avoid dog parks and cancel tomorrow's planned day care. It causes severe cough and is treated with antibiotics and cough suppressant.  

So- if you are in my neck of the woods and follow his advise there will be no play dates at public meeting spots for a few weeks!  bummer!  Over the long weekend, we did  "sneak" down to our local "No dogs allowed" beach towards evening when no one is there, so I guess we will do that again.  Last time the Harbor Patrol squad car pulled up was and I figured we would get a ticket, but he did not get out of his car.  

We just did his ear wash- can't exactly say cooperative, but he was a tolerant doodle, not really fond of it.  I hope it helps as he shakes his head about every minute-must be itchy.  I guess that is from the late night swims at the "no dogs allowed" beach!  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I wonder if this virus is in other parts of the country and could be responsible for those dogs we heard about here last week who suddenly sickened and died, especially the one who died after being boarded. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

yikes- Quincy was at day camp yesterday, so we will be extra vigilant.  I did not quiz the vet all that much, but when I asked about camp tomorrow, he was pretty definite and he is a very low key kind of guy.  He said he would stay away from camp and dog parks for a few weeks.  

Let me also correct my use of the term virus- I am not sure he said that since he indicated that he has been prescribing antibiotics and cough suppressants left and right for all the calls. I said "bordatella"? and he shook his head leading me to believe it is something else.  I know sometimes antibiotics are prescribed prophylactically even if it is viral, but I honestly am not sure he called it a virus versus bacterial.  I am never good at listening when I am talking to a doctor about someone I love!  just ask my son's pediatrician1 

[F, Calla & Luca]

But they vomited and there was no mention of a cough so I wouldn't think so. Any dogs die , Lori?

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

he did not say anything about deaths.  He was quite clear about advising  that we stay away from parks and camp etc. He also stated that he was getting calls from all over the area.  When I ask about symptoms, he only said that it was a bad cough and when I asked about what I should do if I noticed this, he said to call and he would prescribe antibiotics and cough suppressant.  He also said that the incubation period is a few days, so that day care etc. do not necessarily know they have contagious dogs.  

In retrospect, I wish I had asked more questions, but didn't.  I just thought, crap, Quincy went to day camp yesterday and that  I needed to call and cancel tomorrow.  

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

Interesting Scarey..

A tip about the er cleanser we warm it- place bottle in hot water. Chester seems to tolerate them a little better.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

oh- thanks, that is a good idea.  more soothing than cold solution right into the ear.  thanks! 

[Adrienne]

Thanks for the info.