Chocolate lab is being walked by a female outside on a brick path.

The Animal Foundation Seeing Spike in Canine Respiratory Diseases Among Dogs in the Las Vegas Valley

Nov 7, 2023 November 7, 2023Most of the shelter dogs exposed to Strep

November 7, 2023

Most of the shelter dogs exposed to Strep Zoo were released from their quarantine last week. Fortunately, there hasn't been any new cases of Strep Zoo at the shelter since Wednesday, October 24.

The Animal Foundation takes in an average of 61 animals every day, with many dogs arriving as strays, so the veterinary team does not know their medical histories. The team remains cautious, aware that any animal entering the shelter may be harboring an illness. Some dogs may be actively shedding diseases while appearing perfectly healthy, which is common for many infectious diseases. The Animal Foundation is vigilant in assessing animals and taking prompt action when there are signs of illness in the shelter.

October 25, 2023

Since Sunday, October 15, five dogs have had severe clinical signs consistent with Strep Zoo. Of those five, two were humanely euthanized and three died.

On Wednesday, October 24, two additional dogs tested positive for Strep Zoo. Both dogs are being treated with antibiotics and are doing well.

October 24, 2023

STREP ZOO UPDATE: Our veterinary team has started treatment for all the dogs in our care with an antibiotic to prevent the spread of Strep Zoo.

Our greatest need right now is for ADOPTERS and FOSTERS.

We currently have 110 dogs that need to get out of the shelter as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the highly contagious bacteria. Taking a dog out of the shelter can make a major difference in whether they are affected by an infectious respiratory disease.

Since Sunday, October 15, five dogs have had severe clinical signs consistent with Strep Zoo. Of those five, two were humanely euthanized and three died; test results are still pending for 3 of these dogs.

All the dogs at the shelter who are known to have been exposed to the dogs with Strep Zoo have been placed in quarantine for 7 days.

Signs of Strep Zoo include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, labored breathing, and coughing blood. Clinical signs can quickly progress to pneumonia and may result in sudden death. If your dog is showing symptoms of Strep Zoo, please contact your veterinarian for immediate care.

Interested in adopting a dog? Please come directly to our adoptions building Tuesday through Sunday from 11 to 7. You can view adoptable and available animals here: https://bit.ly/2O2yDW7

If you can foster a dog, please fill out an application at https://bit.ly/3ZnwZ3F and then email [email protected] as soon as you’re ready to bring a dog home. We're only asking for a two-week commitment. We have dogs of all sizes waiting for you. We provide food, leashes, and a crate if you need one.

October 20, 2023

Veterinarians at The Animal Foundation are seeing an increase in dogs with the highly contagious Strep Zoo and Canine Pneumovirus. All known exposed dogs at the shelter have been placed in isolation for 10 to 14 days.

Strep Zoo is a bacteria that’s prevalent even in healthy animals, but symptoms usually appear when an animal’s immune system is already compromised. Signs include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, labored breathing, and coughing blood. Clinical signs can quickly progress to pneumonia and may result in sudden death.

A dog showing severe symptoms of a respiratory disease was humanely euthanized on Sunday, October 15. Test results for that dog later returned positive for Strep Zoo. Since then, a second dog in the shelter has died from Strep Zoo.

All dogs at the shelter who are known to have been exposed to the dogs confirmed with Strep Zoo have started a course of antibiotics and are currently doing fine.

Canine Pneumovirus is a virus that is highly contagious to dogs. There is no preventative vaccine and dogs do not have natural immunity to it. Clinical signs include coughing and nasal discharge and can even progress to pneumonia.

“These diseases are highly contagious and spread from dog to dog through kennels because of the large number of dogs in one location. In a shelter setting, it’s crucial we promptly isolate sick dogs for 10 to 14 days so we can prevent the spread of the disease to the rest of the shelter population,” said Dr. Casey Miller, Chief Veterinarian at The Animal Foundation.

In addition to immediate testing and prompt treatment, we’re continually monitoring our shelter population.

The Animal Foundation wants to make sure pet owners are aware that this is something that could be circulating in the community. If your dog is showing symptoms of Canine Pneumovirus or Strep Zoo, please contact your veterinarian for immediate care.

We’re hosting an urgent adoption event on Friday and Saturday, October 20-21. Adoption fees are waived for ALL adoptable dogs in the shelter.

We need to get as many dogs out of the shelter as possible to prevent the spread of Strep Zoo and Canine Pneumovirus.

Taking a dog out of the shelter and into a calm environment can reduce their stress and keep them healthy. This can make a major difference in whether they are affected by an infectious respiratory disease.

Please come directly to our adoptions building from 11 to 7. Team members will be ready to assist you. Please do not call or email as our team will be busy assisting people in-person at the shelter.

About Canine Strep Zoo: Canine Strep Zoo, short for Canine Streptococcal Zooepidemicus, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects dogs. This highly contagious condition is caused by the Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus bacterium and can lead to a range of symptoms, including fever, lethargy, coughing, and respiratory distress in affected animals. It's crucial for pet owners to be aware of this disease and take appropriate measures to prevent its spread, such as proper hygiene and immediate veterinary care when symptoms are observed.

About Canine Pneumovirus: Canine Pneumovirus is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads easily and rapidly in populations of dogs in shelters and boarding facilities. Most dogs do not have pre-existing immunity to this virus and there is no vaccine, meaning nearly all dogs are susceptible to infection.