Dogs Dying of Mystery Disease in Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

A number of dogs have become sick and died  in Michigan in the last few months, and a little-known virus may be at the center of the problem, though scientists remain unsure.

Veterinarians at an Ann Arbor, Mich., animal clinic have treated numerous dogs brought to them with respiratory symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Dr. Lindsay Ruland, a vet at the clinic, told 950 WWJ Newsradio950 that the dogs were “coming in here and they're dying very quickly.”  According to Ruland, dogs that contract the sickness become severely ill within hours.

The culprit appears to be a little-known virus called circovirus, so named because its genetic material consists of small circular single-stranded DNA.  However, scientists at Michigan State University, who have been analyzing tissue samples from some of the animals, are not certain if circovirus is the only cause, or even the primary cause.

According to Thomas Mullaney, acting director of the university’s Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, “Currently, circovirus by itself is not associated with a specific disease process.”  He pointed out, however, that the virus is known to cause disease in some animals when combined with other viruses or bacteria.  As of October 6, two of the dogs from the clinic have tested positive for circovirus, but they also were infected with other organisms.  Thus, scientists remain unsure if the dogs died of the circovirus, the other infections, or some combination.

Still, something is causing the animals to become ill.  Ruland stated that 20 to 30 dogs have been brought to her clinic since August, and that six animals have died in the past month (September to early October timeframe).  In addition a few cats, rabbits, and one swan has been brought to the clinic with similar symptoms.

Ruland also noted that some of the pet owners themselves seemed ill with flu-like symptoms when they brought their pets in.  In addition, she said that she and some of her staff developed flu-like symptoms after treating some of the animals.  These symptoms included respiratory issues and abdominal pains.

Circovirus has been known in pigs for some time, however, canine circovirus was not reported until 2012.  It is known to have caused canine infections in California.  It was suspected in the deaths of several dogs in Ohio in August and September of this year, but has since been ruled out as the primary cause of death, according to the American Veterinary MedicalAssociation.

Scientists say that it is currently unknown how the dogs are becoming infected, though they point out that the greatest risk of transferring the disease is through contact with other animals, that are already infected.

The Diagnostic Center cautions dog owners not to panic.  It said that veterinarians should check for circovirus in animals only after ruling out more common causes for the same symptoms.

Ruland said that the symptoms can progress rapidly. She urged concerned pet owners to monitor their animals carefully, and not to hesitate to take them to an urgent care clinic or to the vet if symptoms develop.

Disclaimer:

This blog is provided as an informational resource only.  It is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem or medical condition and is not a substitute for expert professional medical care.  If you suspect you may have a health problem, please consult your health care provider.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this blog, no guarantee is made to that effect.  In addition, this blog does not endorse any drug, treatment, or therapy.