Canine Herpesvirus

Occasionally, a dog will have parvo but test negative for virus in the faeces. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence. A tentative diagnosis is often based on the presence of a reduced white blood cell count (leukopaenia). If further confirmation is needed, faeces or blood can be submitted to a veterinary laboratory for the other tests.

As with any virus disease there is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. However, the virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes loss of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte (sodium and potassium) imbalances, and infection in the bloodstream (septicaemia). It is when the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream that it becomes more likely that the animal will die.

TREATMENT OF PARVOVIRUS

The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This requires the administration of intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicaemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to inhibit the diarrhoea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems.

Most dogs with parvo infection recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicaemia and dehydration occur. For reasons not fully understood, some breeds have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds.

PREVENTION AND VACCINATIONS

The best method of protecting your dog against parvo infection is by vaccinating with premium vaccines. Puppies receive a parvovirus vaccination as part of their vaccine regime. After the initial series of puppy vaccinations, all adult dogs require boosters every one to three years depending on your dog’s vaccination regime. Bitches should be boosted before mating in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies.

If you have a puppy and are concerned about ensuring they have enough socialisation and are protected from parvovirus, then you can find out more here.

Learn more about the types of parvovirus vaccinations (when they’re required, what is necessary and why) and schedule an appointment at a vet clinic near you.

What does it mean to you and your dog?

– Holly Dever Canid alphaherpesvirus-1 (CaHV-1), or simply canine herpesvirus, affects domestic and wild dogs and is most dangerous to young puppies under 3 weeks of age. Mortality rates in affected litters can approach 100%. Older puppies tend to show less severe clinical signs, such as mild respiratory disease, but young dogs contribute to the spread of the virus through the population as they mature and begin socialising. In adult dogs, herpesvirus causes abortion, stillbirth and infertility and can be an important cause of kennel cough. The virus has also recently been implicated in certain eye conditions in adult dogs.

Canine herpesvirus is related to the human herpes simplex virus (a common cause of “cold sores”). Just as humans can be longterm carriers of herpes simplex virus, canine herpesvirus can lie dormant in a dog’s body for long periods of time. The virus may reactivate when the dog’s immune system is compromised, such as during treatment with immunosuppressive medications or when dogs are under increased stress, for example when a new dog is brought home and disrupts the social hierarchy.

The prevalence of canine herpesvirus in Australian dogs is currently unknown. In other countries, including England, Belgium, Turkey, and South Africa, between 22% and 94% of sampled dogs were found to have antibodies to CaHV-1, indicating previous exposure. A team of researchers at James Cook University plan to conduct a survey of CaHV-1 in North Queensland using funds provided by Dogs Queensland. This study will involve taking blood samples from dogs to look for antibodies to the virus and asking owners questions about their dog’s home environment and activities. This study will provide valuable information regarding the prevalence of CaHV-1 in our dogs and may shed light on factors that affect the risk of exposure to the virus, which will enable better management and control of the disease amongst our dogs in future.