About Us

NORTH MAIN STREET VETERINARY CLINIC is a full-service veterinary medical facility, located in BROCKTON, MA . The professional and courteous staff at NORTH MAIN STREET VETERINARY CLINIC seeks to provide the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for their highly-valued patients.

We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. NORTH MAIN STREET VETERINARY CLINIC strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to BROCKTON, MA and surrounding areas.

Please take a moment to contact us today, to learn more about our veterinary practice and to find out more information about how NORTH MAIN STREET VETERINARY CLINIC can serve the needs of you and your cherished pet.

 

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CANINE INFLUENZA FAQ'S

1.  What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza (CIV) is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza A subtype H3N8 virus that was first discovered in 2004.

2.  Where has canine influenza been found?
Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia.  At this time, the canine influenza is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, New York and Pennsylvania.

3.  What are the clinical signs of canine influenza?
CIV causes flu-like illness consisting of coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge.  Virtually all exposed dogs become infected; about 80% develop flu like illness, while another 20% do not become ill.
Fortunately, most dogs recover within 2 weeks without any further health complications.  However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections.  The mortality rate is low, however the secondary pneumonia can be life threatening.

4.  Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
Because this is a novel virus to the canine population, all dogs lack immunity to the virus.  Dogs of any breed, age or health status are susceptible to infection.  Canine influenza is most likely to spread in facilities where dogs are housed together and where there is a high turnover of dogs into and out of the facility.  Dogs in shelters, boarding and training facilities, day care centers, dogs shows, veterinary clinics, pet stores and grooming parlors are at the highest risk for exposure to CIV.  Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood would be at LOW risk.

5.  Can canine influenza be passed to humans?
CIV does not infect people, and there is no documentation that cats can become infected by exposure to dogs with canine influenza.

6.  How is canine influenza treated?
Dog owners should contact the North Main Street Veterinary Clinic if they think their dog has canine influenza.  Treatment consists of supportive care such as fluid therapy and nursing.  Infected dogs can shed the virus in their respiratory secretions for 7-10 days, during which time the dog is contagious to other dogs.  Infected dogs that do not show clinical signs are also contagious.

7.  Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
As of May 2009, the USDA approved a vaccine for canine influenza.  The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of the disease associated with CIV infection.  Although the vaccine may not prevent infection, studies have shown that it significantly reduces the severity and duration of clinical illness.  

The canine influenza vaccine is a "lifestyle" vaccine, in that it is intended for dogs at risk for exposure to CIV, including those that participate in activities with many other dogs.  We are recommending that dogs that are routinely vaccinated for kennel cough (bordetella) also be vaccinated for canine influenza.