Below is another valuable lesson from the Cool Dog Newsletter. Hope you are enjoying them. Please let us know if there is any particular subject you would like for us to talk about. We enjoy reading our reader's emails.

Taking the dogs to the vet is not fun. I definitively can think of a hundred things I could be doing, instead of taking my dogs to the vets, but as every responsible dog owner and because I love my dogs dearly, I faithfully take them to see their doctor.

My dogs don't enjoying going to the vet either. My little Cody, used to pull me back to the door as soon as we got into the waiting room. Things are much better now, that I have been working in trianing Cody. Take a look at the article below to get some tips on how to deal with the "vet anxie" dog.

Here is your article:
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Title: Housebreaking Your Dog, Sounds Easier Than It Is
Author: Dr. Mayra Alfonso
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Training your dog isn’t the only responsibility you have to him; he also needs to have his own doctor. Just like you and me need to have our own doctors.  Even my family need to have their own doctor.  I am a physician but I do not treat my family members.

Why, you might ask?  Well, there are way to many emotions involved when you treat someone you love.  There is fear that you might miss something, and there is fear that you might diagnose a serious, deadly illness on someone you love.

Going back to our loved furry companions, it is important for them to be brought to the veterinarian, not only for his annual checkup and shots, but for those emergencies that do and canhappen to them.

On the first hand, if your dog has his own vet and he has an emergency, you will probably be able to save hundreds of dollars, by not having to run to the emergency veterinary clinic, since many vets these days also see their own clients during emergencies.

Many dogs do not like going to the veterinarian, they feel threathened and as soon they get into the office all they do is look out the door, to see if they can get out.  A few tips to avoid the your dog’s “vet anxiety” are below.

If at all possible don’t change vets on your dog, they become accustomed to one person handling them and it is best for them if the same routine if followed.

During your training time, plan to teach your dog to lay down and stay on a table as well as on the floor.  Make sure you don’t use the kitchen table for this, or he may end up in the middle of your dinner.

When dogs go to the vet for the first time, they can become anxious, especially if you are anxious, they will pick up on your anxiety.  Having them trained to lie down and stay will be a big benefit.

When you are comfortable and relaxed at the vet’s office, which you will be if your dogs are properly trained, they will be more likely to stay calm and allow their doctor to check them over.

This was a hard lesson for me to learn, as every time I took my dog to the vet I would get stressed out, it made for a very anxious, whiney dog and I was the only one I had to blame for it.

When your puppy goes to the vet for the first time, stay calm, dont make this seem like a big deal.  When he is on the scale or examining table, use the collar and leash, tell him to lie down.  If you have trained your dog to lay down this could be very easily accomplished.

When he follows the down comand, praise him as a reward, it is so much easier to have a dog that behaves well at the doctors office.

It makes the experience better for both of you, and the vet really appreciates not having to fight with your dog.

Now, if you are applying all these tips and your dog is still anxious of the vet.  Take a deep look at the way the vet treats the dog.  Some dogs just don’t get along with their vets, I am not sure why, maybe the pick some negative vibrations.   If you think that is the case, and you are willing to try a different vet for your dog, then do that, and watch how your dog behaves with the new vet. It might make a difference for your dog.

Dr. Alfonso

This is good information no matter where you live. Ticks are found in many places where people didn't realize they had them until it was too late. If you're in doubt about whether you have ticks in your area ask your vet about tick protection. It's really better to be safe than sorry with tick protection and some of the flea preventives include a tick preventive as well. As it mentions in the article you need to apply tick prevention monthly, not seasonally. This means that if you use a spot-on product that you have to apply every three months for flea protection, you will need to apply it monthly to make sure your dog is protected against ticks. It's worth it to make sure your dog doesn't develop Lyme Disease.

Don't think that if you live in the city your dog will be immune to Lyme Disease. Even though it is carried by the Deer Tick and they like the woods, dogs and other animals can carry these ticks to other areas. It's possible for you or your dog to pick up a Deer Tick even though you haven't visited the woods.

Remember when you check your dog for ticks — especially if you see one — to check yourself for ticks, too. People can also catch Lyme Disease from the Deer Tick and it's not a pleasant disease for either dogs or people.

From the Newburyport Daily News.

Time to protect dogs against ticks and Lyme disease
By Paw Prints
Dr. Heidi Bassler, Veterinarian

Spring is finally here. That's great news. But it also means tick season has arrived. Ticks are a nuisance, but the main problem with them, of course, is the diseases they spread.

If you are a dog owner in the Newburyport area, you need to be aware of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) and transmitted by ticks. Dogs and people are susceptible; interestingly, though, cats do not appear to become sick.

There are many different kinds of ticks, and many different tick-transmitted diseases, but the culprit for Lyme disease is the deer tick, commonly called the black-legged tick, or scientifically, Ixodes.

Each deer tick has four life stages and lives for at least two years. Immature stages usually prefer small mammals such as mice, and adults usually prefer deer, but any stage may feed on dogs and people. Even during mild winter weather, adult deer ticks may be active and in search of a blood meal. Once attached, a deer tick feeds for several days. Lyme disease is spread more rapidly toward the end of the blood meal.

The classic signs of Lyme disease in dogs are lameness, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Sometimes, neurological or kidney disease is present. Clinical disease may range from mild to severe. However, many dogs infected with Lyme disease will never become ill.

If you think your dog may have Lyme disease, visit your veterinarian. There are tests to detect whether a dog has been infected. However, the tests will not differentiate a dog that has been infected and is not sick, and a dog that has been infected and is sick, so diagnosis is not always straightforward. A combination of history, physical exam and laboratory test results aid in the diagnosis.

The good news is that most cases of canine Lyme disease are treatable with antibiotics. However, despite treatment, many dogs will not completely clear the infection, and relapses are possible.

With many illnesses, a dog's defense system remembers that it has encountered the illness before, which helps prevent re-infection. But a dog's immune system does not control Lyme disease as it typically would other infections. When exposed to an infected deer tick, dogs may be re-infected.

The best treatment for Lyme disease in dogs is prevention. First, avoid tick-infested areas, if possible. Deer ticks like wooded, shady areas where deer frequent. Remember, if your dog is being exposed to deer ticks, then you probably are, too.

Second, use a good anti-tick product regularly on your dog. There are several safe, effective products available. But most tick products need to be applied monthly to work. One common mistake is that dog owners use these products seasonally. Ticks do not check the calendar. If the weather is mild, assume deer ticks are waiting for your dog. I recommend year-round prevention because fluctuations in temperature are unpredictable.

Third, there are two effective canine Lyme vaccines available. Talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog is a good candidate.

Your dog should be checked regularly for ticks. If one is found, remove it promptly. There are numerous commercial tick-removal instruments available. Alternatively, common tweezers can be used. Grasp the tick's head (where it is attached to your dog) and gently, but firmly, pull it out. Flush the tick down the toilet. Dab the area with an antiseptic and wash your hands. If you are unable to remove the tick, consult your veterinarian.

In my practice, we screen dogs annually for Lyme disease. This on-site test also checks for heartworm disease and two other tick-transmitted diseases (Anaplasma and E. canis).

Last year, 55 percent of our canine patients tested positive for Lyme disease. We are also seeing an increase in other tick-transmitted diseases. This underscores the importance of good tick control and owner awareness.

Dr. Heidi Bassler is medical director of the Veterinary Center of Greater Newburyport. Do you have questions for Dr. Bassler? Send them to ndn@newburyportnews.com.

From the Carroll County Times, Westminster, MD

Dogs help dogs by donating blood
By Erica Kritt, Times Staff Writer

Samantha gives blood on a fairly regular basis.

Her blood can save lives — but not any person’s. That’s because Samantha is a chocolate Labrador and her blood helps her fellow dogs.

Susan Godden, Samantha’s owner, said her dog likes to give blood because she gets treats.

“She knows that she will get a lot of lovin’,” Godden said.

Samantha donates her blood to Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank at Airpark Animal Hospital in Westminster.

The animal hospital has been holding blood drives for EVBB for a couple of years, according to Theresa Connelly, events coordinator at EVBB.

At the other end of the county, Mount Airy Animal Hospital wanted to give dog lovers the same opportunity as those in Westminster.

Connelly said she was excited to get a call from the Mount Airy Animal Hospital volunteering to serve as a donation site.

“We are constantly recruiting,” Connelly said. “The need is growing as people are having pets instead of kids.”

Tova Bopp, the head registered veterinary technician at Mount Airy, worked with EVBB in Baltimore and wanted to help fill the need for dog blood in the area.

“I started asking people [if they knew about EVBB], and nobody knew about it,” she said.

Connelly and Bopp agree that many people don’t realize dogs can give blood, but there are many new technologies available to vets.

“Just about anything you can do for a human, you can do for a pet nowadays,” Connelly said.

Bopp said she does blood work on animals almost every day, and dogs can get X-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs.

According to Bopp, blood transfusions are used in emergencies or when a dog loses too much blood in surgery or has trouble clotting.

EVBB gives 25,000 units of blood to various animal hospitals each year.

The blood bank was started by veterinarian Ann Schneider in 1993. Before starting the bank she had trouble getting typed and screened blood for her canine patients and decided to start the company to ensure area vets would have a reliable source of blood. Dogs have two types of blood: positive or negative.

“Most dogs are positive,” Bopp said. “Dogs that have negative blood type are like the universal donor for dogs.”

To give blood, a dog must weight at least 35 pounds, be in good health and be between the ages of 9 months and 7.5 years. Dogs weighing 55 pounds or less give a half pint of blood, while dogs that weight more than 55 pounds give a full pint.

Blood is drawn from jugular vein because it is the easiest way, Connelly said.

“It’s going to go a lot faster,” she said.

During donations, the dogs aren’t drugged, but they must stay relatively still.

“We’ll never sedate or muzzle a dog, but we’ll bribe them [with treats],” Connelly said.

EVBB is one of a handful of private blood banks for dogs in the country.

Other dog blood banks own dogs that give on a regular basis.

Dogs can give blood safely every three weeks. When a dog gives blood, it is also tested for heartworms and other canine conditions, and their blood is examined and typed.

Donors can also receive as much blood as they’ve donated for free if they get ill or suffer an injury.

Bopp said that is a great aspect, because getting blood costs a lot of money.

Like with humans, veterinarians recommend dogs relax and stay hydrated after making a donation.

“You would never know she gave blood [after she donates],” Godden said about Samantha.

Samantha may not run around her yard, but she doesn’t have to take a nap.

Godden said knowing her dog can make a difference to another dog or dog lover’s life is worthwhile.

“I’m thrilled she’s doing it,” Godden said.

Reach staff writer Erica Kritt at 410-857-7876 or erica.kritt@carrollcountytimes.com.

To have your dog become a donor, contact the Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank at 800-949-EVBB, the Airpark Animal Hospital at 410-857-9575 or the Mount Airy Animal Hospital at 301-829-4800.

Here are a couple of interesting questions I read recently and some good answers. Oprah has been in the news lately because of her show about puppymills, but she also lost her dog Gracie a few months ago to a terrible accident involving a ball. I think it was a tennis ball, but I could be wrong. Gracie, a lovely Golden Retriever, got a ball belonging to one of the smaller Cocker Spaniels stuck in her throat and died on the spot. The people guarding the dogs and the dog walker even tried the Heimlich Maneuver and CPR on the dog but they couldn't save her.

Please be careful about the balls and toys you let your dog play with. Make sure they're the appropriate size so they won't become lodged in your dog's throat. Bigger is better.

I also thought this vet's comments about Vitamin C were interesting. My girl Billie just had her hips x-rayed for her OFA exam. The vet said that the way the hips fit together — the ball and socket — looks great. She said she thought they should earn a "Good" or "Excellent" from the OFA. (We hope!) But the x-ray showed some thickening on the outside of one part of the femur (I think that's where it was). The vet thought this indicated that Billie had hurt herself at some point. Now Billie has never limped or shown any injury that I or her breeder know about, so we think she might have been playing rough, hurt herself, and kept playing. But the vet thinks this old injury could cause Billie to have some arthritis someday. So, we're already starting her on some glucosamin everyday and some Ester C every other day. The vet suggested these might help prevent the effects of arthritis. Billie is only two years old so we want to make sure she never feels any effects.

I have to say that even with six dogs here I don't have burn areas in my yard. I have plenty of mud in the places where the dogs run all the time, but no burned areas from urine. I have no idea why that is.

From the Monterey County Herald.

Dogs should not chew tennis balls

Suzy Hochgesang Happy Tails
Article Last Updated: 04/07/2008 01:49:37 AM PDT

Q Are tennis balls safe chew toys for dogs?

A: Although tennis balls are probably one of the most popular dog toys, I always recommend that tennis balls not be given to dogs. The reason is because chewing on tennis balls can cause serious dental problems in dogs. The wooly nylon fuzz on tennis balls is abrasive and can wear down the enamel on dogs' teeth.

Additionally, when tennis balls bounce along the ground, they pick up grit and hold it in the fuzz, causing the ball to be even more abrasive. In dogs that are aggressive chewers, chewing on tennis balls can wear down the teeth so much that the tooth pulp becomes exposed; these teeth are very painful and will need to be extracted.

However, we all know that some dogs could not live without a game of fetch, so instead choose a bare rubber ball that won't collect as much grit as a tennis ball … your pooch probably won't even notice the difference.

Q: This is not the most earth-shattering question but my son asked me this question and I didn't have an answer. He had seen online a recommendation to give Vitamin C or tomato juice to dogs that burn the grass when they pee in the yard. He said it had to do with reducing the amount of ammonia in urine. Do you have any ideas on this?

A: Dog urine has a very high concentration of nitrogen. When your dog urinates in a puddle in the yard, the concentration of nitrogen in that one spot becomes too high and, as a result, the grass dies, similar to fertilizer burn. Female dogs seem to burn the lawn more often than male dogs due to the fact that female dogs squat and urinate in one spot while male dogs tend to urinate in several places or on a vertical surface. This results in a higher concentration of nitrogen left behind from a female dog, because a male dog's urine is usually dripping down a tree stump or other vertical surface and therefore is spread out more thinly.

There are many food additives and supplements that are supposed to change to pH of your dog's urine and help prevent grass burns. These include tomato juice, vitamin C, Grass Saver, Green-um, and methionine. However, changing the pH of your dog's urine is dangerous because it may predispose him or her to bladder stones or urinary tract infections. Some people think that reducing the amount of protein in your dog's diet will reduce the amount of nitrogen in his or her urine. However, this would most likely involve restricting dietary protein far beyond what is considered healthy for your pet.

Therefore, it's a much better idea to treat your grass rather than your dog.

The best way to prevent grass burns is by frequent watering or soaking the grass immediately after your dog has urinated. This dilutes the nitrogen that causes the grass burn in the first place. Another option is have an area of pea gravel, loose dirt or sand in your yard and train your dog to only urinate in this area.

When it's time for your dog to go, take him or her outside on a leash and lead your dog over to the new bathroom area. When your dog goes in the correct spot, immediately offer lots of praise or a small treat.

If your dog starts to go in an area you are trying to keep green, say "NO" loudly and then lead him or her to the new spot. Training your dog to go in the right spot probably means you'll have to escort your dog outside until he or she gets the idea. Just make sure the new bathroom area is large enough so your dog can move around a little bit, and keep it clean so your dog is not tempted to wander over to greener pastures.

Dr. Suzy Hochgesang is a veterinarian at Aguajito Veterinary Hospital in Monterey. Send questions to her at 1221 10th St., Monterey 93940 or e-mail suzydvm@gmail.com.

The latest information from the American Veterinary Medical Association about Parvo type 2c and Canine Respiratory Coronavirus. There is no vaccine (yet) for this type of Coronavirus which is similar to kennel cough but the treatment is to provide supportive therapies, make sure your dog is vaccinated against other respiratory illnesses, and keep your dog confined and away from other dogs while he's sick to prevent spreading the illness.

For Parvo type 2c, current vaccines do provide some protection, so make sure you keep your dog up-to-date on his parvo vaccinations until a better vaccine becomes available.

From the AVMA

Frequently Asked Questions about Canine Parvovirus type 2c

April 2008

[This FAQ document is based on what we currently know about this virus. As we receive more information, this document will be updated.]

Q:
What is canine parvovirus type 2c?

A:
Canine parvovirus type 2c is a variant, or strain, of canine parvovirus. It was first detected in Italy in 2000, and has also been reported in Western Europe, Asia, and South America. Outbreaks of canine parvovirus associated with CPV-2c in the United States were confirmed in 2006 and 2007.

Q:
How does canine parvovirus type 2c differ from the typical canine parvovirus strains in the United States?

A:
Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is the virus that causes "parvo" enteritis in dogs. All of the strains of CPV-2 are genetically related. CPV-2c differs from CPV-2a and CPV-2b at only one point on the DNA strand; however, this one point makes a big difference in the virus. As a result of this difference, the CPV-2c virus has altered its antigenicity. The antigenicity of a virus results from the proteins (called antigens, pronounced ANN-ti-jens) on its surface that stimulate the infected animal's body to mount an immune response. These antigens are what allow vaccines to provide protection from viral infection. Because the antigens of CPV-2c are slightly different than those of CPV-2a and CPV-2b, currently available vaccines may not be as effective in preventing CPV-2c, and some tests do not detect the presence of the CPV-2c virus.

Q:
What type of infection does CPV-2c cause?

A:
CPV-2c causes the same signs as infection with CPV-2a and CPV-2b. These include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and dehydration. Without treatment, many affected animals die. Severe cases may die despite aggressive treatment.
To read more about canine parvovirus, view the AVMA's brochure, "What you should know about canine parvovirus," at http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/canine_parvo/parvo_brochure.asp.

Q:
Who is susceptible to CPV-2c infection?

A:
The risk for CPV-2c (as well as many other infectious diseases) infection is highest when large numbers of dogs are housed together in close confinement, such as boarding/training kennels, shelter facilities, dog shows, and racing greyhound kennels. Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to infection, but puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at higher risk of infection and illness. There is no evidence that CPV-2c can infect people.

Q:
How is CPV-2c transmitted?

A:
As with other parvoviruses, CPV-2c is highly contagious and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.

Q:
How is CPV-2c infection diagnosed?

A:
Because the signs are similar for CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c infection and illness, the types cannot be distinguished by examination or the signs of disease observed. Also, because the antigens of CPV-2c are slightly different than those of CPV-2a and CPV-2b, some parvo detection tests will not detect CPV-2c; if parvo is suspected but the routine test results are negative, further testing may be necessary to determine if CPV-2c is the cause of infection. For more information on the discovery and testing of CPV-2c in the United States, go to http://www.cvhs.okstate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=437.

Q:
What is the treatment for CPV-2c infection?

A:
As with the other strains of canine parvovirus, treatment of individual dogs consists of supportive care and efforts to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, control vomiting and diarrhea, and prevent secondary infections. There is no specific anti-viral therapy for CPV-2c infection. Since CPV-2c is highly contagious, isolation of infected dogs is necessary to minimize spread of infection.

Q:
Is there a vaccine for CPV-2c?

A:
At this time, there is no vaccine to specifically prevent CPV-2c infection. Some dogs with CPV-2c infection and illness had previously been vaccinated with commercially available parvovirus vaccines, indicating that the vaccines may not be as effective in preventing illness due to CPV-2; however, the report did not state if the dogs were vaccinated at appropriate ages and intervals. There is evidence that the commercially available vaccines may provide some protection, and they are still strongly recommended for prevention of canine parvovirus infection.

Q:
If the parvovirus vaccine may not fully protect my dog from CPV-2c, why should I still have my dog vaccinated for parvo?

A:
There are several reasons to have your dog vaccinated for parvo. The vaccine provides protection from infection with CPV-2a and CPV-2b, which are more common and widespread. There is evidence that the commercially available vaccines provide some protection from CPV-2c.
When a dog develops parvo, treatment can be very expensive, and the dog may die despite aggressive treatment. Vaccinating your dog is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Q:
How is CPV-2c infection managed?

A:
Strategies for reducing the spread of CPV-2c infection include isolation of ill dogs (as well as any dogs exposed to ill dogs), biosecurity measures (such as changing of clothes and hand washing after handling affected dogs), and effective sanitation. Parvoviruses are very hardy, are resistant to many disinfectants, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time.

Q:
How is CPV-2c infection prevented?

A:
Although the commercially available parvovirus vaccines may not provide full protection from CPV-2c infection, they are effective against other parvoviral strains and may offer some protection from CPV-2c. Consult your veterinarian for an appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog.

Dogs with vomiting or diarrhea or other dogs who have been exposed to ill dogs should not be taken to kennels, show grounds, dog parks, or other areas where they will come into contact with other dogs. Similarly, unvaccinated dogs should not be exposed to ill dogs or those with unknown vaccination histories. People who are in contact with sick or exposed dogs should avoid handling of other dogs or at least wash their hands and change their clothes before doing so.

For additional information:

Hong C, Decaro N, Desario C et al. Occurrence of canine parvovirus type 2c in the United States. J Vet Diagn Invest 2007; 19: 535-539.
Kapil S, Cooper E, Lamm C et al. Canine parvovirus types 2c and 2b circulating in North American dogs in 2006 and 2007. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45: 4044-4047.
Oklahoma State University press release:
http://www.cvhs.okstate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=437

Frequently Asked Questions about Canine Respiratory Coronavirus

April 2008

Q:
What is canine respiratory coronavirus?

A:
Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) is a group 2 coronavirus. It is genetically related to the bovine coronavirus (which can cause respiratory infections in cattle) and the human coronavirus that causes the "common cold" in people.1,2 CRCoV is NOT related to the group 1 enteric coronavirus that can cause diarrhea in dogs.

Q:
Where does CRCoV occur?

A:
CRCoV was initially discovered in dogs with acute respiratory infection in England in 2003.1 This virus commonly infects dogs in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Greece, Italy, and Japan.3-6 Recent studies have shown that CRCoV is also present in the U.S. and Canada, where about 50% of tested dogs had antibodies to the virus, indicating past infection.6,7

Q:
What type of infection does CRCoV cause?

A:
CRCoV can cause an acute respiratory infection, and is part of the complex of viruses and bacteria associated with canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) or "kennel cough". CRCoV infection alone can cause CIRD, but also occurs in co-infections with other canine respiratory pathogens such as parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, distemper virus, herpes virus, influenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma spp, and Streptococcus zooepidemicus.

Q:
Who is susceptible to CRCoV infection?

A:
The risk for CRCoV infection is highest when large numbers of dogs are housed together in close confinement, such as boarding/training kennels, shelter facilities, dog shows, and racing greyhound kennels. Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to infection. There is no evidence that CRCoV can infect other animal species or people.

Q:
How is CRCoV transmitted?

A:
As with other respiratory pathogens, CRCoV is highly contagious and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact, aerosols of respiratory secretions, and contact with contaminated environments or people. The most efficient transmission occurs by direct contact with infected dogs and by aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. Virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.

Q:
What are the clinical signs of CRCoV infection?

A:
Most dogs have a mild disease consisting of cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Some dogs have a subclinical infection with no clinical signs, yet they shed virus that can infect other dogs. A small minority of dogs infected with CRCoV have progressed to pneumonia, particularly if co-infected with other respiratory pathogens. The incubation time from CRCoV exposure to clinical disease is unknown, but may be a few days. The number of days that virus is shed is also unknown. The clinical signs usually resolve after 1-2 weeks, depending on whether co-infection with other pathogens is involved.

Q:
How is CRCoV infection diagnosed?

A:
Virtually all the viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens in CIRD cause similar clinical signs of coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Therefore, CRCoV cannot be diagnosed based on clinical signs. IDEXX has developed a canine respiratory pathogen PCR panel that detects the nucleic acid of 7 respiratory pathogens, including CRCoV, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, distemper virus, herpes virus, influenza virus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. The URL for this diagnostic panel is: http://www.idexx.com/animalhealth/laboratory/realpcr/tests/crd.jsp. Nasal and pharyngeal swabs collected from dogs with clinical signs of CIRD can be submitted to IDEXX for this PCR panel.

Q:
What is the treatment for CRCoV infection?

A:
There is no specific anti-viral therapy for CRCoV infection. Treatment consists of supportive therapy based on clinical signs. Antibiotics may be needed if there are signs of secondary bacterial infection. Since CRCoV is highly contagious, isolation of infected dogs is necessary to minimize spread of infection. The quarantine time for infected dogs is unknown since the time period for virus shedding has not been defined. A conservative estimate based on other respiratory viruses is 3 weeks. However, co-infection with other pathogens such as distemper virus or Bordetella bronchiseptica will extend the quarantine time since these agents can be shed for months.

Q:
Is there a vaccine for CRCoV?

A:
At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent CRCoV infection or reduce the clinical disease. CRCoV is not related to the canine enteric coronavirus; therefore, vaccines for canine enteric coronavirus are NOT effective. Studies have shown that CRCoV infection generates antibodies that reduce the risk for re-infection or at least reduce the clinical disease if infection occurs. The duration of infection-induced immunity is unknown.

Q:
How is CRCoV infection managed?

A:
Important management strategies for reducing spread of CRCoV infection include isolation of sick and exposed dogs, biosecurity measures (such as changing of clothes and hand washing after handling affected dogs), and effective sanitation. The length of time that CRCoV persists in the environment is unknown, but may be at least several hours. Most viruses that cause CIRD are inactivated by routinely used disinfectants (except for adenovirus). Disinfected surfaces should be thoroughly dried because moisture promotes virus survival.

Q:
How is CRCoV infection prevented?

A:
Even though there is no vaccine for CRCoV, dogs in boarding/training kennels, shelters, and dog shows should be vaccinated against other respiratory pathogens for which vaccines are available, including parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, distemper virus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. This will reduce the risk for co-infection with these pathogens. Clinical disease in dogs infected with CRCoV can be more severe if co-infections occur.

Importantly, dogs with respiratory infection and dogs exposed to other dogs with respiratory infection should not be taken to kennels or show grounds. People who are in contact with sick or exposed dogs should avoid handling of other dogs or at least wash their hands and change their clothes before doing so.

References

Erles K, Toomey C, Brooks HW, Brownlie J. Detection of a group 2 coronavirus in dogs with canine infectious respiratory disease. Virology 2003; 310:216–223.
Erles K, Shiu KB, Brownlie J. Isolation and sequence analysis of canine respiratory coronavirus. Virus Res 2007; 124:78–87.
Erles K, Brownlie J. Investigation into the causes of canine infectious respiratory disease: antibody responses to canine respiratory coronavirus and canine herpesvirus in two kennelled dog populations. Arch Virol 2005; 150:1493–1504.
Priestnall SL, Brownlie J, Dubovi EJ, Erles K. Serological prevalence of canine respiratory coronavirus. Veterinary Microbiology 2006. 115:43–53.
Yachi A, Mochizuki M. Survey of dogs in Japan for group 2 canine coronavirus infection. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:2615–2618.
Priestnall SL, Pratelli A, Brownlie J, Erles K. Serological prevalence of canine respiratory coronavirus in southern Italy and epidemiological relationship with canine enteric coronavirus. J Vet Diagn Invest 2007; 19:176–180.
Ellis JA, McLean N, Hupaelo R, Haines DM. Detection of coronavirus in cases of tracheobronchitis in dogs: a retrospective study from 1971 to 2003. Can Vet J 2005; 46:447–448.