This herpesvirus specific to dogs (CHV-1) is the main pathogen responsible for kennel cough and is also the main cause of fertility problems with a high mortality rate in dogs. Like the human herpes virus, the canine herpes virus can retreat into the host cell and cause latent (present but not visible) and persistent (ongoing) infections that can be reactivated by stress.
The canine herpesvirus is relatively unstable in the external environment and can be destroyed by heat and common disinfectants. Only in cold conditions does it remain infectious for a long time. The virus is widespread in dog populations worldwide and reaches a prevalence of up to 98% depending on the region and type of housing.
The virus is transmitted in adult dogs through direct mucous membrane contact between the nose and mouth or during sexual intercourse. Puppies can contract the virus in the womb, during birth, or through contact with other puppies.
The virus only affects nerve cells and, like all herpes viruses, remains in the infected organism for life. In older animals, it can cause respiratory infections and is also involved in kennel cough( ).
In most cases, however, there are no recognizable symptoms and the virus can remain undetected in the nerve cells. The stress of birth can reactivate the virus, causing it to be excreted through the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals. In the case of infection during pregnancy, the disease is usually harmless to the bitch but can be dangerous for the puppies. This can lead to premature births or stillbirths. However, the disease is much more common in newborn puppies. The virus can be transmitted to the puppy either in the womb or during the birth process. Transmission from puppy to puppy is also possible immediately after birth. After an incubation period(the time from infection to the onset of disease) of about a week, the sick puppies show loss of appetite, severe diarrhea, vomiting, mucous membrane bleeding, and fever. Most of the affected animals die within two days, which is why the disease is also called "infectious puppy death." Since puppies between one and three weeks old are not yet able to regulate their own body temperature, they often become hypothermic, which promotes the spread of the virus. Puppies that fall ill at a later stage are more likely to survive the acute phase. In exceptional cases, these puppies recover, but they often show deafness, blindness, eye malformations, or central nervous system disorders as late effects.
Based on a detailed preliminary report, the age of the affected animals, and the clinical symptoms, the veterinarian can usually make a tentative diagnosis. Confirmed diagnosis is often only possible after a necropsy.
Since the virus itself cannot be combated, treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms. However, this is only possible to a limited extent if the disease is detected in time. There is a small chance of survival if infected puppies are placed in a constantly warm environment as quickly as possible and given fluids.
Animals that survive the infection remain carriers of the virus for life. Certain stressful situations can reactivate the virus, which is then excreted, posing a renewed risk of infection for other dogs.
The chances of recovery are extremely low in puppies. The older the dogs are when infected, the more favorable the prognosis. Adult dogs usually survive the infection well, but due to the lifelong persistence of the virus in the body, reactivation due to stress or medication is always possible.
Puppies from bitches that have already had a herpes infection do not become ill. This mechanism has been exploited to develop a protective vaccine for the mother bitch that reliably protects the puppies from the disease.
Female dogs should be vaccinated once during their heat cycle or seven to ten days after mating, and a second time one to two weeks before the expected date of birth. This allows them to build up sufficient protective antibodies, which are then passed on to the puppies through their mother's milk. Reliable protection can only be achieved if the correct vaccination schedule is followed during each pregnancy. Your vet can send you a personalized vaccination schedule for your dog via petsXL, and you will automatically receive notifications when it is time to make your next appointment.
For unvaccinated bitches or those with unknown vaccination status, it is recommended to maintain a constant temperature of 38°C in the whelping boxes. Due to the sensitivity of the virus to high temperatures, its reproduction can be reduced in this way. Although this does not prevent infection, the lower virus levels prevent the disease from breaking out.
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