Dogs get drug that's stockpiled for people

[shanti]

Dogs get drug that's stockpiled for people
Veterinarians use Tamiflu to treat viruses afflicting pets.
By Dorsey Griffith -- Bee Medical Writer

http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/medical/story/13967228p-14801309c.html

The drug being stockpiled by doctors and governments around the globe to prepare for a potential flu pandemic also is making its way into veterinary offices for treatment of dog flu and other illnesses.
Tamiflu, the antiviral medication manufactured by Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG, is marketed to lessen the impact of run-of-the-mill human influenza. It also is being touted as the only drug to help prevent or treat avian flu if it becomes a human-to-human killer and causes a worldwide pandemic.

The same drug has veterinarians buzzing about its use against the newly identified canine influenza and against more threatening diseases such as parvovirus. Vets are offering their findings on their Web sites and swapping Tamiflu anecdotes on the Veterinary Information Network, a members-only site for animal doctors.
Although the prevalence of canine influenza is not yet known, researchers at one university found a 15 percent infection rate among 2,000 symptomatic dogs tested.

"There is a great deal of interest in this drug," said Cynda Crawford, a veterinarian at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. "Vets are using it to prevent canine influenza virus infections and to treat dogs with what they think is influenza virus."

*snip*

[roguevalley]

1. they should use it. tamiflu doesn't prevent or help avian flu according

to reports I've heard lately.

[shanti]

3. yes, i heard that too

but tamiflu is still used for other flu viruses. i have mixed feelings about this.

[Ouabache]

2. just more proof that the US has gone to the dogs under Bu$h

nt