Canine Parainfluenza Symptoms & Treatment Overview

Dogs are the primary source of transmission for this illness. Their nasal secretions and throat mucus contain a high concentration of parainfluenza virus, which is expelled through coughing and sneezing. Susceptible dogs can become infected and fall ill by inhaling the virusladen droplets in the air.

In the early stages of the disease, dogs may exhibit a lack of energy, with a fever ranging from 40 to 41 degrees Celsius. They may breathe and heartbeat rapidly, have a decreased appetite or refuse to eat, sneeze, and experience dry nose leather with discharge of serous or mucous nasal secretions. The conjunctiva of the eyes may become red and they may tear up. Dogs may also have intermittent coughing, become weak, and prefer to rest. If the illness persists for more than a week, the mortality rate can reach approximately 60%.

The disease is treated using serum therapy, antiviral medications, and treatments against secondary infections.

1. Serum Therapy: Administer a dose of 2ml of the pentavalent hyperimmune serum per kilogram of body weight, combined with an immune enhancer such as transfer factor (30,000 to 60,000 units) or thymosin (5mg), which should be injected intramuscularly once daily for three consecutive days.

2. Antiviral and Antimicrobial Treatment: Give 20 to 30mg of virazole per kilogram of body weight, along with 50 to 100mg of cefazolin sodium or cefuroxime sodium per kilogram of body weight, and 1ml of Shuanghuanglian or 1ml of Cantharidin per kilogram of body weight, either by intramuscular or intravenous injection. Alternatively, you can use gentamicin, valerian, and virazole injections, once daily for 4 to 5 days. During treatment, oral cefprozil (10mg per kilogram of body weight) or roxithromycin (5mg per kilogram of body weight) can be given twice daily for one week.

3. Symptomatic Therapy: For difficulty breathing, administer 1 to 2ml of aminophylline intramuscularly or intravenously. For severe coughing, oral cough syrup or compound licorice tablets can be used. In cases of heart failure, inject digoxin (0.05mg per kilogram of body weight) intravenously.

4. Fluid Replacement: Dogs with prolonged high fever and anorexia should be appropriately hydrated. In severe cases, such as those with severe respiratory distress or arrhythmia, use respiratory and cardiacstrengthening medications before fluid administration to ensure normal breathing and heart rate. Administer fluids at a controlled rate, using a 5% glucose and saline solution (2:1) at a rate of 60ml per kilogram of body weight. Be cautious not to overdose or administer fluids too quickly to avoid causing iatrogenic pulmonary edema.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine: During the illness, give the dog Banlangen decoction or a combination of Chinese and Western medicine for cold and fever twice daily in their drinking water.