Introduction
Canine Herpesvirus, also known as CHV, is a form of herpes virus that can infect adult dogs through sexual contact, contact with bodily secretions, and in rare cases through inhalation of the virus that is suspended in aerial droplets. Puppies can become infected with the virus by coming into contact with secretions or bodily fluids from an infected mother or other infected puppies.
Symptoms of Canine Herpesvirus
A high number of dogs that are infected with CHV do not display any symptoms at all. When symptoms appear they can include periodic raised sores on the vagina or penis. Pregnant mothers that are infected with the virus often experience abortion, sudden fetal death, or spontaneous absorption of the pregnancy. In some cases adult dogs, and puppies older than three weeks, may develop a respiratory form of the virus and cough, sneeze, or have a runny nose. Once puppies are exposed to the virus, it takes between 3-7 days before symptoms appear. The most common symptoms of CHV in puppies include: soft yellow feces, vomiting, lack of appetite, small bruises that spontaneously appear on the body, shallow breathing, and sudden death.
Diagnosing Canine Herpesvirus
Blood tests for CHV antibodies can be used as a diagnostic tool. However some newly infected dogs do not always have detectable antibody levels. New infections may be tested through culturing the virus from swabs of the nose, vagina, or penile sores. A dog’s history of breeding and litter loss, or the symptoms of the puppies, may also be taken into consideration when forming a diagnosis.
Treating CHV
There is no cure for CHV, however infected dogs should be neutered or spayed to prevent spreading the disease through sexual contact. Reducing a dog’s stress level and providing good nutritional support may also help to limit future outbreaks. Infected puppies should be provided with supportive care, and an injection of anti-herpes antibodies from another female dog may increase their chances of survival.
Outlook for Dogs with Canine Herpesvirus
The prognosis for CHV in adult dogs is excellent as future outbreaks can be controlled. For puppies less than three weeks of age the prognosis is grave to poor, and for puppies older than three weeks of age the prognosis is poor.