by Anne Cook
A virus that was once thought to affect only pigs and birds is now being found in dogs.
Dogs in Ohio, California, and southeast Michigan have been getting sick, and in some cases dying, due to the virus called the circovirus.
Because the symptoms are similar to other common viruses seen in dogs, veterinarians like Dr. Craig Brakeman at the Banfield Pet Hospital believe dogs may not be getting tested for circovirus.
He said pet owners don't need to be worried about the virus just yet, but should use "common sense" and should educate themselves on what to look out for.
He suggests making sure your dog is up to date on vaccines.
"If your dog is sick, don't take him to the park," said Dr. Brakeman. "The dogs that are to be the most likely to pick this up are the dogs that are not healthy."
Dr. Brakeman said he first became aware of the virus in dogs last summer. He says he has not heard of any cases in northern Michigan yet, but as of right now, there is no vaccine for the virus if any area dogs do become infected.
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