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There are several diseases that occur among puppies, most predominantly, canine coronavirus (CCV) and canine parvovirus (CPV). Of the two, CCV is the disease of lesser consequence. Adult dogs can become infected with CCV, but this is relatively rare. As coronavirus is a very widespread disease, most dogs are exposed to it at some point in there lives and recover. This disease is rarely fatal. CCV has been well researched and studied for decades.
Thousands of small protrusions, known as villi, line the small intestine. Their purpose is to increase surface area in the small intestine and therefore increase the absorption of nutrients from digested food as it passes by. CCV infects the surface (epithelial) cells of the villi and this action contributes to the gastrointestinal symptoms seen in infected dogs. The site of the infection also causes the virus to be shed in the dog's stool.
Behind CPV, CCV is the second leading cause of diarrhea in puppies in the United States. CCV usually causes mild to moderately severe diarrhea in infected puppies. Puppies rarely experience any symptoms beyond this, but vomiting occasionally occurs. As well, puppies may not have a desire to eat and may act depressed with little energy. Symptoms usually abate after seven to ten days.
It is important to note that both CCV and CPV display similar symptoms. It is extremely difficult for a veterinarian to differentiate between the two diseases based on symptoms of diarrhea alone. Specialized testing to detect the virus in a stool sample is necessary to positively distinguish between a problematic case of CCV and CPV.
Dogs become infected with CCV by coming into contact and ingesting contaminated stool from infected dogs.
Infectious diseases among puppies can pose serious health risks, however, CCV poses less risk than most. Treatment for infected dogs consists mostly of alleviating the symptoms caused by CCV, most often diarrhea. As such, the veterinarian may prescribe anti-diarrheal medication and a short term diet change to help with loose or liquid stools. Antibiotics and fluid therapy may be recommended in more extreme cases.
Most dogs contract CCV as puppies and recover and they develop an immunity to it. Most veterinarians do not recommend extreme measures to protect against this disease. Consequently, even though there is a vaccine against CCV, many veterinarians do not include it in their vaccination protocols for puppies.
People cannot become infected with CCV.
Contact your physician for more information regarding the risks of CCV and people.
