The Humane Society of Nebraska identified the infection that prompted the shelter to begin emergency surgery as pneumovirus. The shelter said the infection is an “increasingly common cause” of respiratory infections in shelter dogs and can lead to other complications, such as pneumonia. The Humane Society of Nebraska said two dogs were euthanized due to their symptoms. However, the Humane Society of Nebraska initially said the infection was a highly contagious bacterial infection called “Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus,” or “strep zoo.” However, test results revealed the cause of the respiratory infection was pneumovirus, which they said is basically a severe version of kennel cough. Previously covered: Humane Society of Nebraska Schedules Emergency Only Due to Possible Bacterial Infection According to the shelter, the infection cannot be cured with regular treatment and can cause pneumonia in some dogs, but the risk to humans and cats is minimal. “In dogs, it is contagious and spreads quickly,” the shelter said in a statement. Dr. Amber Horn, animal medical director for the Nebraska Humane Society, called it a “serious situation.” “Given the clinical signs we saw in the first patient who presented with severe pneumonia, I’ve never seen this particular combination here before,” Dr. Horn said. The Nebraska Humane Society said emergency surgeries will continue until further notice. The shelter said the main lobby and cat/animal adoption areas are not at risk for contamination and will begin cat/animal adoptions at 10 a.m. Saturday. If you adopted a dog from NHS after June 2, you should watch for symptoms such as respiratory illness, coughing, runny nose, loss of appetite and depression. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, contact your veterinarian. Horn recommended making sure your dog has up-to-date vaccinations and avoiding dog parks at this time. The shelter said veterinarians should contact the NHS medical team to report any suspected cases. Anyone who finds a lost or stray pet in the next three to five days is still encouraged to call NHS. For the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7, click here
The Nebraska Humane Society identified the infection that prompted the shelter to begin emergency surgery as a pneumonia virus.
The shelter said this is an “increasingly common cause” of respiratory infections in rescue dogs and can lead to other complications such as pneumonia.
According to the Nebraska Humane Society, both dogs had to be euthanized due to their symptoms.
The Nebraska Humane Society initially said it was a highly contagious bacterial infection called Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus, or “strep zoo,” but testing revealed the respiratory infection was caused by a pneumovirus, which the society said is essentially an aggressive version of kennel cough.
Previously reported: Nebraska Humane Society on emergency-only scheduling due to possible bacterial infections
The shelter says the virus cannot be cured with standard treatment and can cause pneumonia in some dogs, but poses minimal risk to humans or cats.
“It is contagious and spreads quickly in dogs,” the shelter said in a statement.
Dr. Amber Horn, veterinary medical director for the Nebraska Humane Society, called it a “serious situation.”
“The clinical symptoms that we saw in the first patient who presented with the severity of pneumonia, this particular combination has never been seen here before,” Horn said.
The Nebraska Humane Society said emergency operations will continue until further notice.
The shelter said the main lobby and cat/animal adoption areas are not contaminated and will begin cat/animal adoptions at 10 a.m. Saturday.
If you adopted a dog from the NHS after 2 June, you should look out for symptoms such as respiratory illness, coughing, runny nose, loss of appetite and depression. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, contact your vet.
Horn recommends making sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and avoiding dog parks for now.
The shelter said vets should contact NHS medical teams to report any suspected cases.
Anyone who finds a lost or stray pet in the next three to five days is still urged to call the NHS.
For the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7, click here
