What is the Difference Between the Canine Influenza Virus and the Parainfluenza Virus?
The canine influenza virus is not the same as the canine parainfluenza virus. Both are respiratory diseases that involve dry, or unproductive, coughing and nasal discharge. Both diseases can be mistaken for tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough. However, the canine influenza virus is a much newer disease than the canine parainfluenza virus. The canine influenza virus is thought to have been first discovered in greyhounds at a Florida racing track in 2004. The disease began spreading to other greyhound racing tracks throughout the United States. The canine influenza virus is similar to the equine influenza virus and may even be a mutation of it. The canine influenza virus can either be mild or severe. In the milder form of the canine influenza virus, the dog will have an unproductive cough, or a moister cough that can last up to a month. The milder form of the canine influenza virus may also include a discharge from the nose. A high fever and respiratory problems such as pneumonia are like
