Canine Herpesvirus Disease: Understanding the Basics

Diagnostic Key Points

(1) The disease is nonseasonal and can occur sporadically, including intrauterine infection. Adult dogs are asymptomatic carriers, primarily affecting puppies younger than two weeks old. These newborns can contract the infection through oral or pharyngeal exposure, with an incubation period ranging from 3 to 8 days.

(2) Puppies under two weeks of age exhibit more pronounced symptoms, including depression, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and persistent crying. Their body temperature usually remains normal, and they often succumb to the disease within 24 hours. Dogs older than two weeks may show only mild rhinitis and pharyngitis. Pregnant females may experience miscarriage.

(3) Postmortem examination reveals scattered necrotic and hemorrhagic lesions in the liver, kidneys, and lungs. The spleen is congested, the lungs are edematous, and there is lymphadenitis. Nonsuppurative meningitis is also present, along with inflammation of the nose, trachea, bronchi, and catarrhal lesions.

(4) Diagnosis of the disease relies on viral isolation, neutralization tests, and fluorescent antibody tests, among other methods.

(5) It is important to differentiate this disease from canine infectious hepatitis.

Treatment Methods

Once symptoms appear, treatment is often ineffective. Providing warmth and enhanced care can help reduce mortality rates.

Preventive Measures

There is currently no effective vaccine for prevention. Hightiter immune serum can be used as a protective measure.