Introduction
Canine herpesvirus, known as CHV, is a virus in the herpes family that can affect dogs of all ages. Some dogs display symptoms of the virus, and other dogs carry the virus without ever developing symptoms at all. Unfortunately there is no cure for CHV. However there are treatment therapies that can reduce the symptoms, and there are prevention methods that can help to stop the virus from infecting other dogs. Once a dog is infected with CHV, they will always be a carrier of the virus.
Treating Canine Herpesvirus
Puppies
Puppies that are infected with CHV from their mother have a poor prognosis, especially if they are less than 3 weeks of age. Supportive care including hydration, medications to control diarrhea, force feeding, and warming is often unsuccessful. If the puppies survive they will have developed immunity to the virus, but they often have permanent heart and nervous system damage. Progressive treatment that has had good results involves giving the puppies blood from an adult dog, particularly their mother, which has recently recovered from the virus. Antiviral drugs given to puppies with CHV have not had good results.
Adult Dogs
Currently there are no treatments for CHV in adult dogs. Rather bouts of the virus are left to run their course. Symptoms generally occur when the dog is stressed, and at these times the dog should be kept away from other dogs. Spaying female dogs to reduce outbreaks caused by changing hormone levels is often recommended. If CHV symptoms such as lesions on the genitals become painful or infected, soothing salve and pain medication may help. CHV does not survive long outside the body; disinfectants will quickly and effectively kill the virus.