As Cayman’s human population grapples with local transmission of COVID-19, the jurisdiction’s canine community is also seeing a spate of dog respiratory infections.
Island Vets told the Compass, in an emailed response to questions, that the symptoms of the virus range from “mild, such as sneezing, to more moderate symptoms of cough and purulent nasal discharge”.
Posting on Facebook, Island Veterinary Services reported one such case of ‘upper respiratory virus’ that led to a test more commonly conducted on Cayman’s two-legged population: the PCR test.
Melanie Hulse’s dogs all showed respiratory symptoms reported recently by many dog-owners on island, including lethargy and reverse sneezing, but Petal (above and right) had more severe symptoms including a green nasal discharge, which prompted Hulse to ask for professional advice.
“I just couldn’t believe how bad it was,” Hulse told the Compass.
Petal was sedated and a PCR test conducted, which involved swabs being taken from her eyes, nose and throat.
The vets advised the PCR test result was positive “for a coronavirus specific to dogs only”.
In the Facebook post, the vets noted, “Thankfully Petal and all her siblings have made a full recovery and are happy, healthy pups again! If your dog is coughing, sneezing and/or feeling under the weather… it’s best to not socialize for a few days!”.
Island Vets explained that dogs and cats have a multitude of coronaviruses that can cause disease in those species.
When asked about any incidences of COVID-19 in animals, the vets stated, “We have not tested any animal for covid 19 as it is extremely rare in those animals.”
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of animals spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to humans is considered “low”. It adds that more studies are needed to ascertain how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
The CDC’s FAQs further state that “there is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets”.
Meanwhile, Island Vets are advising any concerned pet-owners to contact their veterinarian for further advice if their dog exhibits signs of respiratory infection.
The vets said that some dogs may require treatment, but the majority of cases will not require intervention.
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“If your dog is coughing, sneezing and/or feeling under the weather… it’s best to not socialize for a few days!”.
OMG HAVE WE REALLY COME TO THIS???!!!!! Seriously, when did the world think NO ONE and NO THING was ever sick or got ill……..we have totally messed up future generations of kids for expectations and how they will live in fear. God help us all.
This sensationalist headline does not help with the current hysteria around COVID 19.
Response from a local vet service: Whilst this virus is the coronavirus family it is species-specific meaning it ONLY occurs in DOGS.
It is NOT related to Covid-19, it is NOT transmittable to humans and poses no risk to the pet owners, their families or any person in the Cayman Islands.
Typically Canine CoronaVirus causes a brief/transient illness and requires little treatment unless a secondary infection develops. If any owner is concerned that their dog is showing any signs of coughing, sneezing, snorting or has nasal discharge then please contact your veterinarian for advice.