Introduction
Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a caused by an influenza virus that was unheard of as little as four years ago. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection, and the canine influenza virus is extremely similar to the equine influenza virus. At the onset of this epidemic, diagnostic procedures to test for canine influenza simply did not exist. Today there are a number of tests that can be used to conclusively diagnose canine influenza, and some of the more recent tests have proven to be quicker and more effective.
Testing for Canine Influenza
Once veterinarians realized that a canine influenza epidemic was occurring, there was a rush to try to isolate the virus in order to find a way to test for the disease. In the beginning, viral cultures from the lungs and tracheal tissues of deceased dogs was the only way to test for canine influenza. Over time, a blood serum antibody test for the disease was developed. The problem with this test was that it could not be used to diagnose the disease until a week after clinical symptoms appeared. The length of time it took to conduct a blood serum test interfered with providing the right treatments to dogs suffering from canine influenza.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology
In 2006, the University of California developed a new test for diagnosing canine influenza. This test uses PCR, or polymerase chain reaction technology, to rapidly identify canine influenza as soon as symptoms appear. The test involves using a cotton swab to gather cells on the dog’s throat and then look for small pieces of the genetic code of the virus. It is a very sensitive and accurate test, and results can be obtained in 24-48 hours.
If your dog is displaying any symptoms of canine influenza, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. The PCR test for canine influenza should be conducted within a 72 hour time frame after the first symptoms appear.