What is a coronavirus infection: how the disease progresses in adult dogs and puppies. Treatment for Respiratory Coronavirus in Dogs

Epizootology and pathogenesis: coronavirus is ubiquitous, antibodies to it are found in the serum of about 54% of dogs living in families, and in some populations kept in aviaries, this figure reaches 100%. Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible. The virus is isolated from the faeces of dogs with diarrhea and clinically healthy dogs. Its role as a primary pathogen is questionable. Although coronavirus is isolated from sick dogs, especially those 6–12 weeks of age, it may act as a secondary pathogen.

Lysis of enterocytes infected with coronavirus leads to epithelial loss and villous atrophy; crypt cells are not affected. The virus can infect colonic and alveolar epithelial cells, as well as mesenteric lymph nodes, although this does not appear to have clinical significance. The incubation period is 1-7 days. The virus is shed in environment within at least 16 days after illness; neutralizing antibodies are detected by the 5th day of infection.

Clinical signs: coronavirus infection usually associated with very mild or subclinical disease. If diarrhea develops, the feces are usually watery. Rarely develops more serious disease with signs of acute anorexia and depression, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. Bloody diarrhea, fever, and leukopenia are uncommon in uncomplicated corona. viral infection; such signs are indicative of other concomitant infections. According to the literature, up to 25% of dogs with enteritis can be infected with coronavirus and parvovirus type 2 at the same time (Evermann et al., 1989). Coronavirus may complicate parvovirus disease because the loss of epithelial cells and villi stimulates crypt cell replication, making them more susceptible to parvovirus infection. Spontaneous recovery occurs in 7-10 days, although sometimes diarrhea can last several weeks. Deaths are very rare, most of them related to neonatal infections. The prognosis for complete recovery is favorable.

Diagnostics: because clinical signs are mild and dogs respond well to symptomatic therapy, confirmation of the diagnosis is usually not necessary.

The final diagnosis can be made on the basis of:

Determination of viral particles using electron microscopy or virus isolation; examine fresh feces (no later than 48 hours). Virus particles are very unstable and break down when long-term storage so false negative results are common.

Paired serology showing a fourfold increase in antibody titers. This allows a retrospective diagnosis. Such test systems are not commercially available; however, feline coronavirus test kits can be used after minor modifications.

Treatment and prevention: specific treatment coronavirus infection does not exist. Supportive care may be required. Protection against coronavirus infection is provided by mucosal IgA, the secretion of which is stimulated by intestinal infection. General education antibodies stimulated by parenteral vaccination does not provide protection against infection, possibly because vaccination does not induce a sufficient immune response in the mucous membranes. Oral vaccines will provide protection with more likely, however, with low incidence and easy course There are no indications for vaccination against coronavirus infection.

Coronavirus in dogs is a pathology of animals infectious nature. A latent course is observed in adults. Occurs in the respiratory intestinal form, puppies are difficult to tolerate. Treatment is aimed at stabilizing the body and eliminating symptoms. specific medicines no from the coronavirus.

What is this disease?

Canine coronavirus (CCV) is similar to and dangerous to cats. When a coronavirus infection is diagnosed in dogs, all pets are isolated and tested for the possibility of infection.

The reservoir of Coronaviruses infection is sick pets with severe signs of the disease, or who are virus carriers with a latent course of CCV.

The virus is localized in the gastrointestinal tract, damaging the epithelium, provoking atrophy of the villi. Simultaneously with the change in the structure of the CCV epithelium of the large intestine, it acts on the mesenteric lymph nodes.

Coronavirus infection is widespread everywhere, antibodies to the disease are found in 60% of domestic dogs. In crowded conditions, CCV is detected in dogs regardless of breed and age.

Veterinarians consider coronavirus enteritis in a puppy as a secondary pathogen. There is doubt that CCV acts as a primary pathogen. Although it is isolated from sick animals.

The incubation period for coronavirus is up to 7 days. Antibodies to CCV in the blood are detected on the 5th day. Coronavirus is actively released outside after 2 weeks. The first to be infected are dogs with low immune status who have undergone stress or are constantly in it, contained in poor conditions.

Ways of infection

More often, animals with the intestinal form of CCV come to the veterinary clinic, you can “catch” the virus when:

  • contact with a virus carrier;
  • sniffing marks and feces on a walk;
  • food and water intake after sick dogs.

RCoV infection occurs when the virus is shed when sneezing or coughing. Mass infection is observed in places of overcrowding of dogs, packs, kennels, overexposure. The virus enters the upper respiratory tract with subsequent localization in the small intestine.

CCV is able to bypass cell membranes, increase in numbers and negatively affect blood vessels. As a result, edema and hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract develop, digestion is disturbed. At endoscopic examination reveal foci of necrosis, erosion.

Coronavirus persists in the external environment for a long time without losing pathogenic properties. After the treatment of the disease, the dog's habitats, care items, personal items are disinfected.

Intestinal lesion

CCV - coronavirus enteritis, the pathogen is localized in 2/3 of the small intestine, gastrointestinal mucosa, in the mesenteric lymph nodes. In mild or latent form gastroenteritis occurs, sometimes other intestinal pathologies, then the severity of the course of the underlying disease is exacerbated. Mortality purely from CCV is rare.

Clinical picture infectious enteritis changeable, many signs are hidden. Observed:

  • anorexia;
  • apathy;
  • nausea;
  • rarely - a feverish state.

Sometimes there is simultaneous vomiting, diarrhea with yellow-green feces, watery, often with an orange tint.

Prolonged diarrhea with the development of dehydration is observed in debilitated dogs with low immunity. The condition is dangerous for puppies, if left untreated, it occurs death.

Respiratory damage

It is designated by the abbreviation RCoV, it was first identified at the beginning of the 21st century, it has no dangerous course. It is transmitted by coughing, sneezing in puppies and adult animals. This “cog” in the complex of infections is grouped by veterinarians into the pathology group “kennel cough in dogs”.

During the examination, herpes, adenovirus, parainfluenza, mycoplasmosis, streptococcus, bordetelliosis are found.

Symptoms of the respiratory form of coronavirus are similar to SARS, but are not diagnosed as a single disease.

The reservoir of the virus is sick animals, they must be isolated in quarantine, the room where they were disinfected. The carrier of RCoV is people caring for dogs, the virus can be on hands, shoes, clothes.

Coronavirus in puppies and dogs from a year is manifested by symptoms:

  1. Discharge from the nose (catarrhal, purulent).
  2. sneezing;
  3. Cough.

Temperature increase - rare symptom, associated with joining bacterial microflora or a complication of RCoV pneumonia. Dogs with strong immunity Outwardly they look healthy, but the virus is actively released into the external environment.

No exact timing latent period for RCOV. In fact, it takes 2-3 days for the development of the respiratory form of coronavirus. easy current the disease ends within 7-14 days.

Treatment options for RCoV have not been defined. Specific antiviral therapy has not been developed, symptoms are often relieved, alleviating the condition of the dog and minimizing the spread of the virus within the pack.

Antibiotics are effective for complications (pneumonia, etc.), the dog is isolated for up to 3 weeks, if necessary, placed in a hospital in a separate box.

Coronavirus: diagnosis and examination

The main disadvantage of coronavirus infection is the diversity of symptoms and the similarity of the clinical picture with many diseases. Differentiate coronavirus from canine distemper parvo viral enteritis by using the methods of ELISA, PCR, IHA. They are highly sensitive and in 95% of cases the diagnosis is not difficult.

Without examination of faeces, isolation of virions and electron microscopy data, a conclusion cannot be made.

Treatment for coronavirus in dogs

Treat the animal begin at the first sign of malaise. Puppies up to 4-5 months old are placed in for 2-5 days, especially with sporadic cases of diarrhea and vomiting. Severe dehydration requires the use infusion therapy otherwise stabilize water balance difficult.

For RCoV and CCV, symptomatic treatment, suppress the negative effect of the virus on the pet's body and alleviate its condition.

With RCoV give:

  • vitamins;
  • mucolytics, expectorants;
  • immunomodulators;
  • hyperimmune sera;
  • use saline.

Be sure to humidify the air, ventilate, viruses do not like clean rooms and air movement. The addition of secondary microflora is excluded, antibiotics are sometimes prescribed.

With CCV give:

  1. Drugs that protect the gastrointestinal tract.
  2. Antiemetics.
  3. Medications that relieve pain and spasm.
  4. Stimulating immunity.
  5. Anti-edema drugs.

Antibiotics are prescribed according to indications, with severe dehydration and malnutrition, droppers with solutions of electrolytes, glucose, etc. are used. parenteral nutrition include when the dog refuses food for 2-3 days.

There is no clear treatment regimen for coronavirus in dogs. Vaccines have not been developed, and there is essentially no need for vaccination due to the low risk of death. In some cases, they make "Multican", "Duramune MAX 5 L4 CV". In RCoV, CCV vaccines are not effective.

A dog with coronavirus is not dangerous to humans, although a breeder can become an unwitting carrier of the virus to a pet. Simple Rules keeping sick dogs and timely appeal to the veterinary clinic to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A specific canine infection, from which no member of this family is immune from infection. Consider how an infection occurs, its symptoms and how you can protect your four-legged friend from this disease.

General information and pathogenesis

Coronavirus is an infectious virus that tends to spread rapidly with a large crowd of animals. The disease can be of two types:


  • intestinal enteritis;
  • respiratory.
The virus enters the body of an animal, attacks the nasal mucosa or small intestine. After passing through the cell membrane, the infection quickly begins to grow and destroy the body inside, affecting blood vessels intestines. Because of this, the mucous membrane swells strongly and ceases to function normally - the digestion of food is disturbed. Erosions form on the inflamed mucosa, which are a good bait for the development of other bacteria, which are already enough in the intestine. Hence there is a clinical picture, the main symptoms of which are diarrhea and vomiting.

Did you know? In 1971, German researchers discovered a coronovirus infection in guard dogs. In the nursery where they were kept, were visible characteristics enteritis, which took place in all animals equally.

Intestinal infection can occur in three forms:

  • acute- the most common. At first poor appetite, then complete failure from food, but high fluid intake. The animal vomits stool With bad smell, become watery with green tint. If you do not start treatment, the puppies begin dehydration, which ends with the death of the pet. To establish preliminary diagnosis you need to know that with this form of the passage of the disease, the feces first become mushy, and then liquid;
  • hypersharp- occurs rarely, unless there are other viruses in the body, joint action which can lead to death. This form is dangerous for puppies under the age of 10 weeks - 100% death within two days, even if treatment is started on time. Also for pregnant dogs and very malnourished;
  • hidden- it is difficult to establish a diagnosis, because the dog is in normal condition. Sometimes diarrhea occurs, the animal loses weight, but at the same time it does not refuse food, it is in an apathetic state. This form is typical for those who are chronic carriers of the infection.


The respiratory type of virus is only spread by airborne droplets, and the main foci of infection are nurseries where a large number of dogs. Since bacteria multiply in the nasopharyngeal region, animals often begin to sneeze and cough.

Did you know? In 2003, English virologists accidentally discovered a respiratory type of coronavirus, known abroad as CRCoV.

Ways of transmission and causes of the disease

Knowing how the coronavirus can be transmitted, you need to take necessary measures to prevent the onset of the disease. The infection is transmitted in several ways:

  • close contact with a sick dog - during sniffing;
  • contact with feces - grass may be soiled, the animal nearby licked the wool and licked something that a person can touch, and then the virus will appear in the house.


Basically, the virus appears in the body of an animal from dirty water and products, in windy weather with dust in which there are feces. Virologists are inclined to believe that if an animal has been ill with a coronavirus, then its feces can be contagious for another six months after recovery. The version that the infection enters the DNA of intestinal cells and at any time adverse conditions may begin to develop - also takes place.

Important! A sick dog excretes the infection with its feces within 15 days and most of all - on the 6th day of infection.

Incubation period and signs of dog infection

At the beginning of infection with coronavirus, the symptoms of the disease in dogs are often invisible, and incubation period lasts up to 9 days. The animal becomes lethargic, lies a lot and eats poorly. After a few days, the symptoms of the disease become apparent:

  • complete refusal of food and high water intake;
  • excreta yellow color, without blood and fetid odor;
  • vomiting only a few times a day;
  • the oral cavity has a pale appearance.


Examination of a dog by a veterinarian and diagnosis

At the first symptoms that indicate the presence of a coronavirus, you need to contact a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe treatment. To make a diagnosis, the doctor must ask the owner of the dog all the most frequently recurring symptoms of the disease. For a more accurate diagnosis, it is necessary conduct laboratory tests:

  • fluorescent study of fresh feces gives exact result within 2 hours;
  • it is necessary to take blood from the animal to check the content of antibodies in it;
  • immunographic analysis - based on the reaction between an antigen (a foreign substance in the body) and an antibody (a protein that is produced in the body after the introduction of the antigen).

Treatment regimen for coronavirus in dogs

Treatment of the virus is supportive with mandatory control of cases of vomiting and diarrhea:


  • serum with immunoglobulin is injected;
  • use vitamin preparations to support the body;
  • the use of droppers for intravenous administration of saline solutions that restore water and salt balance;
  • the use of drugs that relieve spasms, and adsorbing substances;
  • the use of antibiotics to prevent the recurrence of the disease;
  • diet.

Important! For animals that have suffered enteritis, any physical activity is contraindicated for a month.

Prevention

To prevent your pet from getting an infection, must be respected elementary rules:

  • personal hygiene - at room temperature, the virus dies within two days, disinfectants this is helped, and from boiling water he dies instantly;
  • the room where the animal is kept must be clean - weak disinfection of the room immediately kills the virus;
  • on a walk, watch what the dog sniffs;
  • get vaccinated annually.
These rules are obligatory for all dogs, but especially for visiting places general training and exhibitions, in nurseries, where there may be large cluster animals. and a person is completely safe, because in the external environment he quickly dies and elementary hygiene rules help this process.

When purchasing a four-legged friend for ourselves, we must know that dogs, like people, are susceptible to all sorts of infections. One of them is coronavirus - 55% of the number of dogs suffer from it. Knowledge of the signs of the disease, timely vaccinations and Attentive attitude to a pet will help you avoid contracting the virus, but if this happens, contacting a specialist in a timely manner will help you quickly cope with the disease.

Infectious diseases of dogs

Coronavirus in dogs: description, symptoms, treatment

Parvovirus-like coronavirus in dogs - description, symptoms, treatment and prevention. Intestinal and respiratory forms of coronavirus infection.

Viral diseases are currently under deep study. Veterinary and medical virologists are constantly discovering new pathogens as they develop. modern technologies and gain new knowledge in this area. Coronavirus in dogs is no exception. This variety of the causative agent of a viral infection was discovered in 1971, in Germany, when researchers drew attention to the characteristic clinical signs of enteritis in sentinel shepherd dogs, which proceeded in the same way in all animals within the kennel. Let's take a closer look at this disease.

General information about the disease

Like coronavirus in dogs, it affects the cells of the mucous epithelium of the small intestine, but unlike its relative, it is not characterized by a severe course and in most cases is asymptomatic. However, in some very common cases, parvovirus and coronavirus simultaneously infect an animal, mutually exacerbating the pathological effect of each other. In addition, it happens that the intestinal form of coronavirus can develop separately in dogs and leads to classic symptoms viral enteritis - diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting and weight loss of dogs.

In 2003, a new strain of canine coronavirus was discovered by UK veterinary virologists, which was later classified as the second, or respiratory type of infection (CRCoV). This type of coronavirus does not develop the intestinal form of the disease, but is localized exclusively in the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract. It is believed that the ancestor of the coronavirus in dogs of the second type are viruses of cattle and humans, which cause similar cold symptoms. Since this respiratory infection It is transmitted from dog to dog only by airborne droplets, re-infection of animals is possible only when they are crowded. It is for this reason that the phenomenon has received the name "kennel cough of dogs" - like people, animals infect each other with a similar "cold", where characteristic symptom is coughing and sneezing.

To date, there are two separate forms of coronavirus infection in dogs - intestinal and respiratory.

Intestinal form of coronavirus infection

The nomenclature of viral diseases in dogs has changed since the discovery of the respiratory form of the coronavirus. It is possible that in the near future other forms of pathogens will be discovered that explain the symptoms in this species of animals, which have not yet been identified.

With regard to the intestinal form of coronavirus in dogs, over the past nearly 50 years, researchers have been able to obtain some information about this disease.

General information about canine coronavirus enteritis

The incubation period of the disease is one to three days. Coronavirus is highly contagious and is spread through the feces of sick dogs, which typically continue to shed the virus for six to nine days, but in some cases up to six months after infection, regardless of symptoms and treatment of the infection. Infection of a healthy animal is possible with direct contact with the excrement of a sick dog or household items that could be stained with feces.

The coronavirus is found in dogs all over the world. This pathogen is specific to the entire canine family, both domestic and wild. Among pets, all breeds are susceptible, regardless of age and gender differences. Other species of animals and humans do not get sick with canine coronavirus, they are not carriers.

The virus multiplies inside the cells of the mucous epithelium small intestine and is limited to the upper two-thirds of this organ and adjacent lymph nodes. Infection is generally considered to be relatively mild illness with sporadic symptoms or asymptomatic when compared with a similar canine parvovirus infection. However, if the coronavirus infects a dog at the same time as parvovirus or other enteric pathogens, the consequences can be much more serious. Only a few deaths among puppies have been registered from the pathological effect of the coronavirus infection alone.

Coronavirus enteritis in dogs - symptoms

The symptoms of the infection are variable and atypical for any given dog. In adult animals, most cases of the disease are asymptomatic, so owners often do not notice any changes in their pet. Sometimes, symptoms coronavirus enteritis the dog may present with a one-time vomiting, and after a few days - an explosive, but short-lived diarrhea. The feces are watery, yellow-green or orange in color. Fever is usually very rare, while anorexia ( strong weight loss) and loss of activity of the animal are more common symptoms of an enteric-type coronavirus infection.

Dog coronavirus. Symptoms characteristic of the disease - explosive diarrhea without blood impurities.

IN rare cases, a dog infected with coronavirus may experience mild respiratory problems associated with a general weakening of the immune system. Puppies often have symptoms of prolonged diarrhea and dehydration. In general, this age group is most at risk of developing serious complications associated with the development of coronavirus. Severe enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) in puppies, in some cases can cause death.

Among other things, in a dog with coronavirus enteritis, provided there is no additional infection, the following symptoms are distinguished:

  • Loss of playfulness, lethargy.
  • Decrease or complete absence appetite.
  • Frequent urge to vomit.
  • Watery, offensive diarrhea.
  • Weight loss due to general dehydration.

Features of the diagnosis of coronavirus enteritis

When contacting a veterinary clinic, the doctor first of all pays attention to the symptoms. As it has become clear, the symptoms of coronavirus in dogs are similar to many intestinal infections, for example, a particularly dangerous parvovirus infection, which often occurs in combination. If veterinary clinic it is possible to carry out complex and expensive diagnostic measures on the differentiation of viruses, then it is better to agree to them. In this case, it will be immediately clear what can be expected in the prognosis, and the treatment for coronavirus enteritis will be much less aggressive.

If it is not possible to differential diagnosis, the veterinarian will proceed from the most severe variant of the disease - a combination of corona-, parvovirus and canine distemper, so as not to miss the chance to provide timely help. In addition, it will be very useful for the specialist to know whether the dog has been vaccinated against viral diseases, including coronavirus and others.

Treatment of the intestinal form of coronavirus in dogs

Puppies infected with coronavirus show the most severe course diseases and related symptoms, so this age group dogs should be given maximum attention. Veterinarians know what they are at first glance simple symptoms coronavirus in dogs, like vomiting and diarrhea, can lead to the death of a young animal in just a couple of days. Today, a puppy may continue to frolic and even eat a little food, and tomorrow it may no longer be.

Most adult dogs are able to recover from a coronavirus infection on their own without the need for medication. But such an approach is possible only if accurate diagnosis And veterinarian it will be known for sure that in addition to the coronavirus, the dog has no other infections.

In some cases, diarrhea can last up to 12 days, followed by soft stools for several weeks. If the infection causes inflammation of the small intestine (enteritis), respiratory problems, and blood poisoning (sepsis), which may occur when secondary bacterial infection Antibiotics will become an integral part of dog treatment.

Severe diarrhea and dehydration will cause intravenous administration additional nutritional saline solutions. The need for these drugs is confirmed by appropriate blood and urine tests.

Once a dog has recovered from the coronavirus, there is usually no need to further monitor its health. However, the owner should be aware that the animal can still be a source of the virus, which it releases into the environment through its feces. This phenomenon is due potential danger infection with coronavirus enteritis in other dogs.

Disease prevention

There is a vaccine to protect dogs from enteric coronavirus, which is administered to animals in young age, in accordance with the instructions. There is no deficiency in this product, it can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy or clinic. Practitioners tend to prefer the type of vaccine that has proven itself in their own experience. It is worth emphasizing right away that it is better to purchase vaccines against coronavirus in pharmacies or directly in clinics. Purchasing through online distributors is strictly not recommended.

Because canine coronavirus is a highly contagious infection, the best prevention for him is the immediate isolation of dogs that either show general symptoms disease or diagnosis they have already been made earlier. It is important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, trying not to allow the dog to come into contact with the feces of other animals during the walk.

Respiratory form of the disease

Although canine cornavirus type 2 has been identified relatively recently, the course of the disease is not characterized by a complex or dangerous current. Compared to humans, dogs show all the signs cold infection. Let us consider in more detail the coronavirus infection of dogs of the respiratory type.

General characteristics of the virus

Canine coronavirus type 2 (RCoV) is capable of causing acute respiratory infection in this animal species and is part of a complex of viruses and bacteria associated with a group of canine infectious diseases. respiratory diseases wearing common name"kennel cough of dogs". This type of virus rarely occurs alone, more often I diagnose it along with others. pathogenic microorganisms such as parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, plague virus, herpes, influenza, bordetellosis, mycoplasmosis and streptococcosis.

How do dogs get infected?

The risk of contracting a respiratory coronavirus infection is very high in cases where a large number of dogs are placed together in a cramped room. Therefore, animals begin to “catch a cold”, as a rule, when they are kept in nurseries, shelters, after visiting exhibitions, and so on. Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to the respiratory coronavirus. Other species of animals and humans do not suffer from this disease. For humans, there is a different kind of coronavirus that can cause cold symptoms.

Like other respiratory infections, "respiratory" coronavirus is transmitted by direct contact from dog to dog, airborne droplets and contact with a contaminated environment. The most effective transmission occurs through direct contact with sick, coughing and sneezing dogs, as the coronavirus is shed in large quantities. Although this type of disease is not dangerous to humans, canine respiratory coronavirus is often found in hand washings, which is transmitted to healthy animals when they try to lick their hands.

Symptoms of Respiratory Coronavirus in Dogs

Most dogs infected with coronavirus infection show benign symptoms:

  • Cough.
  • Sneezing.
  • Mucous discharge from the nasal cavity.
  • Increased body temperature. Occurs rarely.

Some animals have a subclinical infection without any significant severe symptoms coronavirus, but these dogs in any case shed a pathogen into the environment that can infect other animals. It is extremely rare that pneumonia develops, which is observed in the case of a combined infection with other pathogenic microorganisms that have entered the upper respiratory tract.

The incubation period for the respiratory form of coronavirus in dogs is unknown, but it takes about three days for the pathogen to develop. In most cases, symptoms disappear after 1-2 weeks, depending on the dog's immune status, age (longer in puppies and older animals) and the presence of a secondary infection.

Treatment for Respiratory Coronavirus in Dogs

No specific antiviral therapy has been developed against this form of the disease. Treatment consists of supportive care based on clinical signs. Antibiotics may be needed if signs of a secondary bacterial infection are observed. Because canine coronavirus is highly contagious, isolation of infected dogs is essential as the spread of the infection must be minimized.

Quarantine time for sick animals is not precisely determined by research, as it is very difficult to determine the period for which a dog continues to shed the virus after showing signs of recovery. A conservative estimate of the quarantine period is derived based on other respiratory viruses and is at least 3 weeks.

Prevention

Unlike coronavirus enteritis, there is no vaccine against the respiratory form of the pathogen. In addition, it is reliably known that the vaccine against the intestinal form of coronavirus in dogs is not effective against the "cold" form. However, studies have shown that a respiratory infection generates antibodies in the body of a recovered dog, which reduce the risk of reinfection or at least reduce clinical manifestations diseases. The duration of such immunity is unknown.


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The most common cause the occurrence of diseases is quite simple - a virus. Many viruses are part of the DNA of a living organism by default, so it is not surprising that any irritant can "awaken" them, provoking the development of pathology. Viral diseases are different high danger, almost all are highly contagious, have general form leaks - acute or super-acute form. Coronavirus infection is one of these pathologies.

Coronavirus infection in dogs

For the first time this disease was mentioned back in the distant one thousand and seventy-first year in the Federal Republic of Germany. At that time, scientists knew only about typical form, and the emergence of a new infection attracted great attention specialists.

Virus - main reason diseases.

Types of coronavirus

To date, coronavirus infection is divided into two types - the intestinal type and the respiratory type.

The infection has two types - intestinal and respiratory.

If not added to the total clinical picture secondary pathologies, then neither the intestinal nor the respiratory type poses a serious danger to dogs.

However, the development of this disease is often associated with the presence, which implies serious complications because one disease is exacerbated by another disease. greatest danger this fact represents for an initially exhausted, weakened animal.

There is an opinion that varieties similar illness much bigger , this fact is indicated by tangible differences in the elucidation of pathogenesis. However largest number clinical cases happens with these two types.

Incubation period

  • Incubation period coronavirus is from one to nine days, and within two weeks the dog can spread the virus into the environment.
  • Antibodies begin to develop approximately by the end of the first week.
  • Route of infection - nasal and alimentary, which indicates an airborne type. But also infection occurs through close contact with sick individuals.

The route of infection is airborne.

For humans, pathology is not dangerous.

Features of the virus

The virus is extremely unstable to environmental conditions. Room temperature kills him in two days , dies instantly when boiled, is also eliminated by disinfection even with the most weak means. The most common form is the intestinal form.

The intestinal form of the virus is observed quite often.

Pathogenesis and description of the intestinal form

Pathogenic substances are released into the external environment through feces, urine, saliva and other exudates. At the same time, the danger is not only fresh excrement, there have been cases of infection with dry excrement. All breeds of dogs, all ages of both sexes are affected.

Any breed of dog can get sick.

In most cases, the body of the animal the virus enters along with dirty food and water , sometimes in windy weather with dust containing infected feces. Symptoms begin to appear around the sixth day after infection, but the dog becomes a carrier of the disease from the moment the virus enters.

There is an opinion that recovered pets are able to shed the virus into the environment for about six months after recovery, which suggests lifelong carriage. Also, the version that this virus can be introduced into the DNA of intestinal cells and, at the slightest provoking factor, “wake up” becomes probable.

Behavior of the virus when a dog is infected

The virus in the body of the dog spreads rapidly.

As soon as it gets inside, the pathology captures the entire body in turn until it breaks through to the main localization site. Here's what happens:

  • impact on the epithelial layer of the nasopharynx;
  • migration to the small intestine;
  • gap cell membrane intestines;
  • replication;
  • reproduction and spread of microbes;
  • cell destruction;
  • attack on the epithelial layer of blood vessels;
  • decrease in leukocyte level;
  • swelling of the mucous membrane of the digestive system;
  • hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract;
  • violation of the function of digestion;
  • the formation of dead areas on the walls of the stomach and intestines.

The progression of the disease occurs rapidly, if the problem is not noticed in a timely manner and treatment is not started.

Symptoms and signs of coronavirus in dogs

It should be noted that the classical pathology of coronavirus, as a rule, is not expressed by signs of leukopenia.

Refusal to eat is the main symptom of coronavirus in dogs.

These features are only for initial stage. A long period of illness, during which a constant decrease in leukocytes is recorded, can only indicate one thing - the presence of a concomitant disease. In this case, you should take Urgent measures to eliminate it, since it is the concomitant disease that poses a threat to the life of the animal. Main symptoms:

  • refusal of food;
  • apathy;
  • lethargy;
  • hyperthermia;
  • profuse diarrhea;
  • thirst;
  • exhaustion;
  • coma.

intestinal form

The intestinal form is characterized by acute, hyperacute and undercurrent. Pathology, not complicated secondary infections, cannot have over acute course, only if at least two diseases are registered. Rapid development begins suddenly, with the first sign being. Watery stools, Green colour, with a pungent odor.

In the intestinal form of the disease, the dog has diarrhea.

Vomit

Vomiting excessively strong, spasms of such force that the dog literally turns out. If such symptoms are present, then the puppy most often dies after a day. In the case of an acute course, the same signs are present, but the stools first have a mushy consistency, and only after a couple of days they become like water. This fact is the difference between the currents.

The virus causes severe vomiting.

Hidden flow

The latent course is characterized by the absence of symptoms, only occasionally minor diarrhea may be present. At the same time, the puppy gradually loses weight, eats poorly and does not want to obey the owner.

With the latent course of the disease, the dog begins to lose weight.

Establishing diagnosis

  1. The diagnosis is based on age and symptoms.
  2. Next is the immunochromatographic method of research, serological analysis.
  3. Electron microscopy is carried out for the presence of an infectious pathogen.

The diagnosis is based on the age of the dog.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment, since the pathology is of a viral nature.

Therapy and treatment of the dog

  • Apply vitamins, drugs to help maintain the overall health of the body.
  • Appointed antibiotics a wide range actions to prevent secondary pathologies.
  • The currently administered vaccine that is fed to a puppy is in doubt.
  • Replenish water and electrolyte balance by intravenous infusion saline solutions through drips.
  • Symptomatic therapy - antispasmodics, sorbents, antiemetics, drugs that stop bleeding, diet.

For supporting general condition vitamins are prescribed.

All appointments must be prescribed by a veterinarian. In no case should you try to help the pet on your own in order to avoid provoking complications.

Video about parvovirus infection in dogs

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