Canine adenovirus is a significant concern in veterinary medicine because it causes two serious illnesses in dogs: infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) and respiratory disease. 

This virus is preventable with proper vaccination, so puppies and unvaccinated young dogs are vulnerable to the diseases caused by CAV. As pet owners who wish to protect their canine companions, understanding how the virus operates and spreads is crucial.

Types of Canine Adenovirus

Canine adenovirus has two types, CAV-1 and CAV-2, which uniquely affect dogs. One type affects the liver, while the other attacks the lungs.

1. CAV-1 (Canine Adenovirus Type 1)

   This type causes infectious canine hepatitis, a fatal disease that attacks the liver. Infected dogs may also experience complications in the kidneys, spleen, and blood vessels. Because it affects vital body parts of dogs, it can damage other internal organs as well.

   
   

   Even with the advancement in veterinary care, when severe symptoms suddenly appear, CAV-1 can cause major health issues in dogs.

   
   

2. CAV-2 (Canine Adenovirus Type 2)

   Unlike the first type, CAV-2 focuses on a dog’s respiratory system. It’s one of the leading causes of kennel cough, which is a highly contagious infection. It’s not as serious as CAV-1, but it can still cause discomfort and additional infections in your pet if left untreated.

How Canine Adenovirus Spreads

Adenoviruses are resilient and can live in environments for long periods, making them difficult to control without preventive measures. 

Dogs can contract the virus through direct contact with an infected animal. They can also get the virus from contaminated surfaces and objects, like bedding, toys, and food bowls. The virus can survive in an infected dog’s urine, feces, and saliva for weeks and can easily spread.

You must be cautious of spaces where many dogs can accumulate and socialize since they can be hotspots for virus transmission. These areas include parks, boarding facilities, and grooming salons.

Symptoms of Canine Adenovirus Infections

The clinical signs of CAV-1 and CAV-2 have differences. Knowing these symptoms can help you identify the type of adenovirus your dog has contracted.

Signs of CAV-1 (Infectious Canine Hepatitis)

• Lethargy and weakness – Dogs may appear unusually tired and unwilling to engage in normal activities. 

• Loss of appetite – A sudden reluctance to eat is often one of the earliest signs of infectious hepatitis. 

• Fever or high body temperature – An elevated body temperature indicates that the dog’s body is trying to fight an infection.

• Vomiting and diarrhea – Gastrointestinal symptoms are common as the virus affects internal organs.

• Jaundice – Yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin reflects liver damage caused by the virus.

• Blue eye or cloudy cornea – A dog’s eyes will have a bluish haze because of immune system activity. 

Signs of CAV-2 (Respiratory Infection)

• Persistent coughing – A main symptom that may sound dry or hacking.

• Nasal discharge – Clear fluids or mucus from a dog’s nose will often be accompanied by respiratory discomfort.

• Retching – Gagging or attempts to clear the throat will be seen in dogs with kennel cough.

• Difficulty breathing – Noisy or labored breathing can happen when the virus causes inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Both of these types can become more severe as infections progress. It’s important to take your dog to the pet clinic immediately to get urgent veterinary care.

Diagnosis of Canine Adenovirus Infections

Diagnosing canine adenovirus infections early and accurately will allow your vet to give effective and prompt treatments. Veterinarians use symptoms and diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the virus. The methods veterinarians often use to detect CAV include blood tests, PCR testing, and diagnostic imaging. 

Your dog’s blood sample can help vets identify problems in liver enzymes and other signs of systemic infections. PCR testing is a molecular test that can detect the virus’s DNA. Diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or ultrasounds, determines any internal organ damage.

Through prompt diagnosis, your dog will get treatments immediately, and you can prevent the spread of the virus to other dogs.

Treatment Options for Infected Dogs

As of the moment, there are no antiviral medications for canine adenovirus, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting recovery. Depending on the severity of the infection and the dog’s overall health condition, the recovery time can vary.

Supportive Care

Hospitalization may be needed for severe cases of canine adenovirus infections. Intravenous (IV) fluids help prevent dehydration, while medications are used to control fever, pain, and gastrointestinal issues.

Symptom Management

Veterinarians use nutritional support to aid the dog’s recovery. This includes easy-to-digest diets. Some dogs may need blood transfusions if the virus has already caused blood clots or other disorders.

Prevention Through Vaccination

Vaccinations remain the primary preventive measure for canine adenovirus infections. In pet hospitals like Noble Veterinary Clinics, veterinarians provide the DA2PP core vaccination. This essential vaccine protects dogs from various diseases, including CAV-1 and CAV-2.

We recommend puppies receive their first vaccination at six to eight weeks of age. Then, boosters must be administered every four weeks until they reach 16 weeks old. Depending on the dog’s risks of contracting CAV, we may suggest annual boosters when they become adults.

It’s also important to maintain good hygiene and limit your dog’s exposure to high-risk environments. These places include overcrowded kennels or poorly maintained dog parks. 

Conclusion

The veterinary industry continues to understand canine adenovirus and find ways to treat and cure the infections effectively. The virus is truly a dangerous threat to your dog’s health, but it can be prevented.

Vaccinating your dog, staying vigilant for symptoms, and maintaining good hygiene are some of the effective ways to protect your dog against adenovirus. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can give your canine companion a healthy and disease-free life.