Cat with H1N1 dies - third case

H1N1-infected cat dies in Oregon
Nov 18, 2009
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

"Lebanon, Ore. -- A cat testing positive for pandemic H1N1 influenza died, according to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.

"A week after a family member in the Oregon household exhibited influenza-like symptoms, one of the four cats in the household showed signs of labored breathing.

"The cat's owner brought the 10-year-old male to a veterinarian Nov. 4. The cat presented with a 101.7 temperature and a chest radiograph consistent with pneumonia.

"After the cat's respiratory rate worsened, the cat was admitted Nov. 5 and treated with oxygen and medication.

"The cat died Nov. 7.

"Laboratory results from Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the cat was infected with pandemic H1N1.

"This was the third confirmed case of H1N1 in a cat in the United States, with others surfacing in Iowa and Utah."

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Aksum Notes: What can we learn from these three cases of cats getting H1N1 from their owners, particularly this case? First, if you get the flu, treat your cats like you would a person in your family that you don't want to give your illness to. Second, if your cat is wheezing and especially if your cat has pneumonia, treat the illness aggressively as soon as possible at your vet. If your cat is sneezing or has an upper respiratory infection, take them to your vet for treatment right away before it gets worse.