| Coronavirus Race Foster, DVM Marty Smith, DVM Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. |
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 overestimated 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.
Copyright © 1997-2004, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted from PetEducation.com.
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 overestimated 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.
Copyright © 1997-2004, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted from PetEducation.com.
| This site was created by and is maintained by Belinda Winters for BFH Bassets. If you have any questions or comments email belindawinters@bfhbassets.com |
