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  • Project Breathe

    Project Breathe is an international initiative started by Invisible Fence Brand with the goal of equipping all first responding emergency units throughout Canada, the US and the UK with specially designed pet oxygen masks.

    Caledon Mountain Veterinary Hospital would like to raise awa... Read More

  • Project Pet Slimdown

    Project Pet Slimdown is a weight loss program designed for your cat/dog to help them lose weight.  By losing weight they can lead a happier, healthier and longer life.  Each pet will get their own individual program designed for them because, as we know, every pet is dif... Read More

  • New reception email address

    Effective immediately the new email address to contact our reception desk is:

    cmvhreception@gmail.com

     Please make the appropriate changes to your contact lists.  Thank you.

    Read More

  • Help Dr. Juan Elduayen

    Juan Elduayen is a wonderful and well-respected veterinarian in Toronto.  He emigrated with his family from Venezuela and has been working for the past couple of years at both the Woodbine Animal Clinic and Front Street Animal Hospital.  A huge blow came when he was very recently diag... Read More

  • Blood Donor Program

    Call us for more information about our blood donor program.  519-927-5775 ask for Ashley Read More

  • Facebook

    Be sure to check us out on facebook and 'like' our facebook page. 

     You can enter your pet's photo for our Pet of the Month contest by emailing your pet's photo to cmvhreception@gmail.com with "pet of the month" in the subject line and watch... Read More

CANINE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE PDF Print E-mail

What is coronavirus disease?

Coronavirus disease is a variable intestinal infection of dogs that is usually short-lived, but may cause considerable discomfort for a few days. The cause is a virus of the Coronavirus family. The virus gets its name from the fact that when viewed from above under an electron microscope the virus has a ring of projections which appear like a coronet. Different coronaviruses cause infections in many species of animals and birds. People are not affected by Canine Coronavirus.

How is coronavirus transmitted?

Infected dogs usually shed the virus in their feces and saliva for one to two weeks, sometimes longer. The virus is then ingested from contaminated food bowls or by direct contact with an infected dog. Crowding and unsanitary conditions favor transmission. The incubation period from ingestion to clinical signs is one to five days.

What are the signs of coronavirus?

Many infections are subclinical or mild and transient. Occasional infections and outbreaks are more severe, particularly in young pups. Mixed infections, for instance with parvovirus (see Parvovirus Disease) may intensify the disease. Coronavirus diarrhea is typically sudden in onset, accompanied by lethargy and decreased appetite. The stool is loose, mushy with a fetid odor and orange tint. It may contain blood or mucus.

Are there diseases that can be confused with coronavirus?

There are many causes of diarrhea in dogs. Severe cases of coronavirus can be easily confused with parvovirus, and they may occur at the same time. Be sure to see your veterinarian if your dog has diarrhea that does not resolve within 24 hours or is associated with significant lethargy and/or loss of appetite.

Is there any treatment?

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, but may be useful in controlling secondary bacterial problems. Withholding food until 24 hours after diarrhea ceases and gradually reintroducing may be sufficient. Dehydration is usually corrected with intravenous fluids. Early medical intervention is the key to successfully treating severe cases of coronavirus infection.

What about vaccines?

Canine coronavirus vaccines have been developed in recent years, and are becoming more widely used in routine vaccination programs.

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This client information sheet is based on material written by Ernest E. Ward Jr., DVM.

 © Copyright 2002 Lifelearn Inc. Used with permission under license. August 9, 2004.
 
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