Dr. Corey Shagensky and his wife Jennifer, West Hartford residents and owners of Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) in Avon, will host a vaccine clinic for H3N2 Strain of the canine influenza virus with all proceeds donated to the ASPCA.

Submitted

Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) of Avon will be hosting a vaccine clinic for the H3N2 strain of the Canine Influenza Virus on Monday, March 7, 2016 from 5 -7 p.m. PAW will be offering the initial vaccine and its subsequent booster at the reduced total cost of $40. All proceeds will be donated to the ASPCA.

Canine Influenza H3N2 (CIV H3N2) is the virus responsible for the April 2015 outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 1,000 dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Cornell University CIV monitoring site, the virus has spread since then affecting more than 2,000 dogs in over 25 states, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New York and New Jersey. With 2015 being the first year the H3N2 CIV strain was seen in the United States, nearly all dogs currently lack immunity.

While this virus has shown less than 10 percent mortality, recovery can take two to three weeks and dogs remain contagious during that time. Eighty percent of infected animals will show some clinical signs of infection including lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, runny nose and cough. Signs of a severe infection include a high fever and clinical signs of pneumonia including difficulty breathing and supportive measures for recovery can prove costly. CIV is contagious and spread by nose to nose contact or contact with infected droplets from coughing or sneezing. Dogs that are frequently in a group setting such as daycare, kennel, or grooming salons are most at risk.

Until now, the only CIV vaccine available was not effective against the new strain. Fortunately a new vaccine against CIV H3N2 has just been approved for use in Connecticut.

PAW feels it is important to provide this vaccine to dogs at risk. No appointment is necessary, but vaccines will be limited to the first 50 patients. Pets need not be current patients at PAW, but a current rabies certificate must be provided. Vaccination certificates will be provided.

About Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW)

Progressive Animal Wellness (PAW) is a personal veterinary clinic in Avon, CT that merges traditional animal medicine with the high-tech benefits of an animal hospital. As one of the most technologically advanced practices in the region, PAW strives to bring veterinary medicine into the 21st Century by providing the best care at a great value in a way that’s convenient and efficient for pet owners. Progressive Animal Wellness is located in the Fairways Plaza on Route 44 in Avon. For more information visit PAW at www.progressiveanimalwellness.com, connect with PAW on Facebook, Twitter (@progressivevet), Instagram (@PAW_vet), or call 860-325-2124.