Herpesvirus infection in dogs

The herpes virus of dogs causes a viral disease that affects the reproductive organs of adult dogs. Although in adult dogs, infection with the herpes virus usually does not cause any symptoms, this infection is the leading cause of death in newborn puppies. In the brood, only one puppy can be infected, and he or she can die suddenly with minimal warning signs or without them, or all puppies of the same litter can die within 24 hours. If the infection occurs, when the puppy is older than 3 weeks, the disease usually proceeds less severely. Puppies of older age are much more likely to survive, but persistent herpesvirus infection can give long-term complications.

How is herpesvirus infection transmitted in dogs?

The herpes virus of dogs lives in the reproductive and respiratory systems of dogs, male and female. In adult dogs, the infection is transmitted by airborne droplets and through direct contact, including sneezing, coughing, sniffing, sniffing, licking and sexual contact between infected and uninfected dogs. Puppies usually become infected in the birth canal or on contact with nasal or oral secretions of the mother shortly after birth. Puppies can also transmit the virus to each other. If a puppy is infected with a herpes virus in a dog, this does not mean that everyone is sick.

What are the symptoms of herpesvirus infection in adult dogs?

• Often there are no symptoms
• Sometimes on the genitals you can see convex ulcers
• Miscarriages
• Stillbirth
• Cough

What are the symptoms of herpesvirus infection in puppies?

• Sudden death of a newborn puppy
• Weakness, apathy, crying
• Weak sucking reflex or loss of appetite
• Painful abdomen, abdominal hemorrhage
• Liquid yellow / green stools
• Problems with breathing, discharge from the nose
• Bleeding, for example, nasal and small sinew
• Puppies of older age can develop disorders from the nervous system, including blindness and convulsions

Can I get herpes from my dog?

No. People can not get canine herpes.

How is herpesvirus infection diagnosed in dogs?

If the puppy was born dead or died soon after birth, a necroscope can be used to determine the cause of death. There are many potential causes for the death of puppies, and you may want to find out if there is a risk for other brood puppies, and what care they need. Please call your veterinarian for instructions on how to organize the survey.

Adult dogs are tested for canine herpes virus before knitting, or if a dog's medical history suggests problems with herpesvirus infection. In order to try to confirm the recent impact of the virus, the veterinarian can check the dog's blood sample.

How is herpesvirus infection treated in dogs?

If it seems to you that newborn puppies feel bad or "wither", it is critically important to contact a veterinarian. If the diagnosis of herpesvirus infection is confirmed, treatment may begin with an antiviral drug and maintenance therapy. Also, keep the puppy warm, because the virus needs a low temperature to survive. Unfortunately, in puppies with herpesvirus infection, death often occurs very quickly, despite good treatment.

How can the development of herpesvirus infection be prevented?

The herpes virus of dogs is an ordinary virus that many adult dogs face. The best way to combat this disease in small puppies is to prevent their mother from contacting other dogs and contacting the puppies themselves with older dogs. It is very important to isolate the pregnant female from other dogs during the periods of greatest risk - late pregnancy and in the first three weeks after childbirth. The vaccine against the canine herpes virus was developed, but has not yet been approved for use.

What should I do if I think my dog has herpes?

If you believe that your dog or puppy may have canine herpes, seek veterinary care immediately.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]