Canine Herpesvirus Infection

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Canine herpesvirus infection is a widespread, often fatal disease usually infecting puppies 1-3 weeks old, rarely effecting puppies as old as 6 months. In adult dogs, it usually results in lesions on the reproductive organs and is usually associated with an upper respiratory infection. Canine herpesvirus effects the respiratory and reproductive systems and can quickly result in death of unborn or newly born puppies.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

Canine Herpesvirus is caused by a virus that easily transmitted from a mother to her puppies, sometimes prior to birth. Because the virus can reside in the respiratory system, transmission to puppies from direct or airborne contact with oral or nasal discharge is common. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her puppies via direct contact with her vaginal secretions. The disease is easily transmitted from puppy to puppy as well. Adults can get the virus from sexual contact with another infected adult. Symptoms take about 1 week after exposure to the virus to develop.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms in puppies can develop rapidly and often are fatal within 48 hours. Signs in puppies may include:

• Respiratory signs and nasal discharge
• Abdominal pain and enlargement
• Soft, yellow-green feces
• Nosebleeds or small bruises on mucous membranes
• Rash on belly

In adults, the following symptoms will usually occur:

• Vaginal pain and pus-filled discharge in adult females
• Abortion, stillbirth, or infertility in adult females
• Refusal to nurse in adult females
• Periodic lesions on reproductive organs
• Inflammation of the foreskin of the penis in adult males

Adult dogs can live for years as carriers without showing any symptoms. They are still able to transmit the disease during these times and are referred to as "asymptomatic carriers." Lesions in adult females may recur during the heat cycles.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis always begins with a complete history and a physical exam. Most often, the distinct lesions and sudden death will distinguish this virus from parvovirus or coronavirus. While the virus can be isolated from infected tissue (such as that from the kidney, liver, or spleen), this is usually done post-mortem. Hemorrhagic lesions can also be seen throughout the body after the puppy’s sudden death.
In adults, lesions seen on the reproductive organs are characteristic of this disease.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Your veterinarian will likely treat this disease based on the symptoms. The puppies will be monitored closely and likely given anti-diarrheal medication. Fluids and force-feeding may be necessary to counteract refusal to eat, and lethargy. Keeping the puppies warm in an incubator or by other means has been shown to reduce mortality in some cases.
Puppies who survive this infection will suffer permanent damage to their lymph nodes, brain, liver and kidneys.

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

Canine herpesvirus is one of the leading causes of death in puppies 1-3 weeks old. There is currently no vaccine for this virus. The best way to prevent spread of this infection is to keep known carriers away from other adult dogs. This especially pertains to females that are in their heat cycle.

Under laboratory conditions, it has been shown that infected, unborn puppies may be saved by being removed via cesarean section and raised in isolation away from their mother. Infected, pregnant mothers will develop antibodies to the virus after her first litter and will pass these on through her milk to her next litter.