Canine Coronavirus

CANINE CORONAVIRUS -

Canine coronavirus is a contagious disease that affects the intestinal tract of dogs.  Puppies are most susceptible. It is contracted by ingesting the stool of an infected dog. The virus prefers to replicate in the epithelial cells of the intestinal tract, but not in the same “crypt” cells that the parvovirus infects. When the intestinal epithelial cells become infected, the crypt cells will start to multiply to compensate for the loss and the diarrhea is self-limited. It is possible for a dog to have a parvovirus and coronavirus infection at the same time.

Symptoms

Mild, self-limiting diarrhea. It may contain a small amount of blood. As with any type of gastrointestinal inflammation, there may be associated diarrhea.

Diagnosis

The test for coronavirus is expensive and not all laboratories have the equipment. We will rule out parvovirus, intestinal parasites and perform bloodwork to see the extent of dehydration and anemia.

Treatment

We will withhold food and water until vomiting ceases and then offer a highly digestible diet. We may offer intravenous or subcutaneous fluids as well as medication to control vomiting.

Prevention

This vaccine is given at 8, 12 and16 weeks of age. If you have an unvaccinated older dog, it will receive two injections three weeks apart. Boosters will be recommended by your veterinarian on an individual basis. It is important to keep your dog away from other dogs and anywhere it may come into contact with the stool of an unvaccinated dog.