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Brief Introduction to Canine Rotavirus
The members
of the rotavirus family cause a wide range of gastrointestinal
tract ailments in many mammals. Though the human rotavirus
is one of the leading causes of acute enteritis
in infants and young children, the canine form proves less problematic
for puppies and young dogs. Based on what information researchers have
gathered, canine rotavirus (CRV) seems to only rarely be the cause of
illness in puppies, but does occasionally cause intestinal trouble for
these animals.
Why and how might my dog become infected?
Adult
dogs may become infected with CRV but will not suffer any ill effects.
Thus, CRV particles are likely quite common among dogs. Transmission
of the virus is fecal-oral, meaning that viral particles are shed by
infected dogs in their feces and then enter the body of a new host via
the mouth. Once inside the animal the viral particles travel through
the digestive tract and target the intestines. CRV is extremely well
adapted and passes through the acids of the stomach unharmed.
As the
viral particles reach the intestines they target mature cells on the
tips of the villi. The infected cells swell and eventually degenerate,
causing the villi to contract and atrophy. This atrophy is what causes
the intestinal upset. The illness is relatively short-lived, as new
cells quickly replaced the infected and dead ones.
How will my vet reach a diagnosis of CRV?
The symptom
most commonly associated with CRV infection is acute diarrhea, and then
usually in pups less than 12 weeks of age. Other clinical signs include
mild appetite loss and some level of lethargy.
If your
puppy is ill and CRV is a suspect, a number of laboratory tests may
be used to detect the presence of rotaviral antigens. The most common
and straightforward of these diagnostic methods is the commercial ELISA
(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, which uses technology similar
to a home pregnancy test and may be completed by your veterinarian in
his office. Again however infection with CRV is usually short-lived
and relatively mild. Diagnostics may not be necessary.
What are the treatment options for dogs with CRV?
Treatment
is entirely supportive and symptom-specific. A sick puppy should be
monitored carefully and kept warm and dry. Beyond making certain that
the patient has access to fresh water and is fed well, the only treatment
for a rotaviral infection is to wait it out.
Can I vaccinate my dog against CRV?
No. There
is no CRV vaccine currently available, and it is unlikely that one will
be developed in the near future.
How can I help prevent the disease?
As previously
mentioned, most adult dogs have been or will be at some point infected
with CRV. The infection is harmless for these adults, but may cause
episodes of diarrhea in young puppies. As is always the case, young
dogs should be kept away from public areas until their vaccinations
for more serious diseases are complete. By 15 to 20 weeks of age they
will no longer be as susceptible to CRV infection and should be safe. |
