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An
Introduction to Canine Calicivirus
Caliciviruses
were named for the cup-shaped surface depressions that give the particles
of most of these viruses their distinctive appearance. There are 12
species of calicivirus, 6 of which affect human beings and 6 of which
affect other members of the animal kingdom. Cats, rabbits, sea lions,
and dogs are among the species susceptible to this family of viruses.
Relatively
little is known about the canine calicivirus (CaCV), and its significance
in terms of canine health is not yet clear. Some isolated strains of
canine calicivirus appear closely related to the feline calicivirus,
and yet others are extremely different and are more genetically similar
to the San Miguel sea lion viruses.
Canine
calicivirus has been implicated in cases of glossitis
(inflammation of the tongue) and enteritis
(inflammation of the intestine) in dogs. Diagnosis of the pathogen
in the laboratory involves isolation and identification of canine calicivirus
particles from feces and occasionally oral lesions.
There
is not yet a vaccine for canine calicivirus.
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