Mystery Dog Illness May Soon Be In New Mexico

It sounds like a kind of doggy coronavirus and it's spreading across the country. It can be fatal and it may soon start hitting dogs in New Mexico. Then, possibly, Texas ...

New Mexico state veterinarian Dr. Samantha Uhrig is warning New Mexicans that it's "only a matter of time" before the mysterious, potentially deadly virus gets to NM.

It's already been reported in 14 states, including New Mexico's neighbor, Colorado. That means it's knocking at the land of enchantments door and Texas could be next.

“Certainly with neighboring states experiencing this, it does put New Mexico at risk,” Uhrig said. “At this time, we have no confirmed cases, and we do rely on our veterinarians in private practice to report those cases to us.”
Because so much is unknown, it’s determined dogs have the virus when tests for other known respiratory illnesses are negative. kob.com

Dr. Uhrig says dog respiratory infections are pretty common and, (usually), easy to treat. This one's not responding to treatments well though and no one knows why.

The Virus May Start Spreading Faster Over The Holidays.

With the holidays ahead, a lot of people will be traveling with their pets, exposing them to other animals and places that could allow the spread of the disease to pick up speed.

Many other peeps board their animals when they travel which puts them into even closer, and less well ventilated, contact with other dogs who may have whatever this is.

If you fall into either of those categories, Dr. Uhrig suggests you get vaccines from your vet now so, if your pup does get it, you're ready to start administering them ASAP.

Early diagnosis and early treatment are critical.