Coronavirus Infection in Dogs
General Information
Canine coronavirus (CCV) affects the intestinal tract of dogs. The length of time between swallowing the virus and showing signs of illness is 1-5 days. Signs include depression, vomiting and diarrhea. Illness may continue for 2-10 days.
The CCV is transmitted through feces, and dogs may shed the virus for 2 weeks after signs of infection have ended. Dogs that have recovered develop some immunity, but the duration of immunity is unknown.
A vaccine is available for prevention of CCV infection. Annual booster vaccinations are recommended.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Treatment varies according to the severity of the disease, and the age and condition of your pet. Intravenous fluid therapy and hospitalization are often required, since dehydration readily occurs in this illness.
2. Strict sanitation is required, especially if your household contains more than one dog. All animal waste should be disposed of daily, and feeding and watering utensils should be properly sanitized.
3. Diet: Follow the instructions checked.
____Feed the normal diet.
____Feed as follows: ____________________________________________________
4. Water: Follow the instructions checked.
____Unlimited access to fresh drinking water.
____Limit water intake as follows: ___________________________
5. Activity: Restrict activity for _____ days. Gradually increase
daily activities thereafter.
6. Give all medication as directed. Call the doctor if you cannot medicate your pet.
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:
* Your dog refuses to eat.
* Your dog repeatedly vomits and has diarrhea.
* Your dog becomes weak and depressed.
Understanding your pet's diagnosis
Canine Coronavirus
Canine Coronavirus (CCV) is the second leading viral cause of diarrhea in puppies with canine Parvovirus being the leader. Unlike Parvovirus, Coronavirus infections are not generally associated with high death rates. Canine Coronavirus is not new to the canine population; it has been known to exist for decades. Most domestic dogs, especially adults, have measurable Coronavirus antibody titers indicating that they were exposed to canine Coronavirus at some time in their life. Its importance as an infectious disease and killer of dogs has probably been over estimated by vaccine manufacturers and some veterinary authorities.
Canine Coronavirus is a single stranded RNA type of virus with a fatty protective coating. Because the virus is covered in a fatty membrane it is relatively easily inactivated with detergent and solvent type disinfectants. It is spread by virus shedding in the feces of infected dogs.
What are the symptoms?
The primary symptom associated with canine Coronavirus is diarrhea.
As with most infectious diseases, young puppies are more affected
than adults. Unlike Parvovirus, vomiting is not common. The diarrhea
tends to be less profuse than that associated with parvovirus
infections. Although canine Coronavirus is generally thought of
as a milder cause of diarrhea than Parvovirus, there is absolutely
no way to differentiate the two without laboratory testing. Both
Parvovirus and Coronavirus cause the same appearing diarrhea with
an identical odor. The diarrhea associated with Coronavirus usually
lasts several days with low mortality. To complicate the diagnosis
many puppies with a severe intestinal upset (enteritis) are affected
by both Coronavirus and Parvovirus simultaneously. Mortality rates
in puppies simultaneously infected may approach 90 percent.
What are the risks?
As previously stated, canine Coronavirus has been widespread among
the canine population for many years. Many dogs, especially adults,
are either naturally immune and not susceptible or develop a very
mild, oftentimes unnoticeable, case of the disease. Puppies less
than twelve weeks of age are at the greatest risk and some especially
weaker ones will die if exposed and infected. Most puppies, however,
will recover after several days of mild to severe diarrhea.
What is the management?
As with canine Parvovirus there is no specific treatment for canine
Coronavirus. It is very important to keep the patient, especially
puppies, from developing dehydration. Water must be force fed
or specially prepared fluids can be administered under the skin
(subcutaneously) and/or intravenously to prevent dehydration.
Vaccines are available to protect puppies and adults of all ages against canine Coronavirus. In areas where canine Coronavirus is prevalent, dogs and puppies should remain current on Coronavirus vaccinations beginning at or about six weeks of age. Sanitation with commercial disinfectants is highly effective and should be practiced in breeding, grooming, kennel housing and hospital situations.
The information on this page was obtained from the site
www.peteducation.com