Canine Coronavirus Infection

Canine coronavirus (CCV) is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the

interior surface of the small intestine. Dogs with immature or compromised immune systems are more susceptible, and often have a more difficult time recovering, because the virus must run itself out. Prevention is the best medicine, but failing that, immediate treatment will result in a better prognosis.

  1. Transmission

    • Canine coronavirus is highly contagious, and no contact with an infected dog is required. The infected dog sheds the virus in his stool, and the disease is spread through contact with the contaminated area. For example, if an infected dog is taken to a dog park and defecates on the grass, another dog may step in it, and track it onto another area of grass. A third dog might roll around in that grass, and the virus will remain in the dirt on his coat. The virus can live outside the body for a long time, so when he grooms himself later that day, he can become infected. An infected dog can continue to shed the virus in his stool for up to six months.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of CCV vary, and cases range from very mild to quite severe. Diarrhea will appear within one to three days of exposure, and will have a peculiar odor that comes from undigested blood. Vomiting may or may not be present. Most dogs will become weak and lethargic, lose their appetite, and run a fever.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure for CCV, but the veterinarian will treat the symptoms to prevent dehydration and make the dog more comfortable. Cage rest is recommended, and if the vomiting and diarrhea is severe, intravenous fluids may be necessary. Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary infection, and anti-vomiting medications are given to prevent dehydration and loss of oral medication. Food is usually withheld until the vomiting stops, and is gradually reintroduced in small amounts.

    Prognosis

    • Canine coronavirus is not usually fatal if contracted alone and treated in a timely fashion, and symptoms generally begin to subside in about a week. Frequently, CCV is contracted in conjunction with parvovirus, and the combination results in a much more serious illness that often proves fatal.

    Prevention

    • There is a vaccine for CCV, but its use is somewhat controversial. Many clinics include it as part of a distemper/parvovirus/leptospirosis/coronavirus combination vaccine, and other clinics recommend not using it at all. Generally speaking, if your dog frequently comes into contact with other dogs at dog parks, dog shows, etc., the vaccine is recommended. Another important step is to not allow your dog to have contact with dogs with unknown vaccination histories, but this is not always possible.