First dog to test positive for COVID-19 in the U.S. has passed away

A German shepherd in the U.S, precisely in New York that was the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in a dog in the U.S. has died.

 National Geographic stated that Robert and Allison Mahoney of Staten Island told them that their 7-year-old shepherd, Buddy, developed breathing problems in mid-April after Robert had been sick with the Coronavirus for numerous weeks. A veterinarian tested Buddy in May and discovered him positive for the virus.

Buddy’s health declined steadily after he developed breathing problems and thick nasal mucus in April. He was euthanized on July 11 immediately he began vomiting clotted blood, the Mahoneys told National Geographic.

 According to what veterinarians told the family, it’s unknown if the coronavirus played a role in his death. Blood tests indicated Buddy likely had lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system,

A spokesman for the New York City Department of Health said arrangements were made to take the dog’s body for a necropsy but when the instructions were shared with the veterinarian, the body had already been cremated.

A USDA database of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in animals in the United States includes 12 dogs, 10 cats, a tiger, and a lion. The agency says there is currently no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the coronavirus but it appears the virus can spread from people to animals in some situations.