aCIRDC NHVDL Test Submission Form (1)
Dear Colleagues,
I hope this message finds you well. We are reaching out to inform you of an exciting partnership between our organization and Dr. David Needle, Senior Veterinary Pathologist at the University of New Hampshire. This collaboration aims to help identify the possible etiological agent in the ongoing Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) outbreak through an investigational diagnostic exercise (see-attached documents).
WestVet will act as a clearinghouse for these samples. Collected samples can be frozen and shipped to WestVet. WestVet will store the samples and ship them monthly to the lab at the University of New Hampshire. The utilized techniques are not currently validated so owners will not receive the results of these tests. We recommend continuing to pursue other PCR testing or other clinically appropriate testing for other causes of CIRDC.
Participation and Inclusion Criteria
Your expertise and participation in this endeavor are invaluable. We are seeking respiratory samples from dogs exhibiting clinical signs consistent with CIRDC, namely coughing and upper respiratory signs.
Sample Collection Guidelines
Please follow your standard procedure for collecting respiratory samples from dogs, using either nasal or oropharyngeal swabs, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), or Tracheal Wash (TW) fluid.
Sampling Materials:
- Synthetic swabs are ideal. Plastic swabs with cotton tips may be used. Wooden swabs are not recommended.
- Sterile, additive-free test tubes (i.e. white-top tube).
- Sterile saline
Nasal Swab Collection: Gently insert the swab tip as far into a nostril as possible and rub to collect epithelial cells. Most dogs will tolerate this procedure once. Open the tube, insert about one-third of the swab stick into it, then snap or cut the handle so that the swab tip falls inside. Securely close the tube.
Oropharyngeal Swab Collection: With the help of an assistant to open the dog’s mouth, vigorously swab the back of the oropharynx near the tonsils, avoiding the tongue and heavy saliva contamination. Open the tube, insert about one-third of the swab stick into it, then snap or cut the handle so that the swab tip falls inside. Securely close the tube.
Preparation: After collection, combine the swab with 1.5 ml of sterile saline in a sterile, additive-free tube (i.e. white-top tube). If necessary, trim the swab handle to ensure it fits into the tube. Securely recap the tube. Each sample tube should be labeled with the patient’s information. Freeze the sample immediately.
Shipping: Samples should be shipped directly from the freezer, packaged in a Styrofoam box with ice packs, and sent via overnight delivery to the following address:
WestVet
ATTN: Dr. Dan Hume
5024 West Chinden BLVD
Garden City, ID 83714
Your contribution to this investigation is crucial in the investigation to identify the etiological agent behind the CIRDC outbreak. This collaborative effort not only aims to enhance our understanding of the disease but also to improve the health and welfare of canine populations.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification on the sample collection and shipping process. We greatly appreciate your support and participation in this important initiative.
Warm regards,
Dan
Daniel Hume, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
Medical Director
Staff Internist and Criticalist
5024 W. Chinden Blvd. l Garden City l ID l 83714
Office 208.375.1600 Fax 208.375.1606