• What is Canine Coronavirus?

Canine coronavirus disease is an acute gastroenteritis in dogs caused by canine coronavirus (CCoV). Its main symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The virus is not species-specific and can infect dogs of all ages. CCV infections show clear seasonal patterns, with higher prevalence in early spring, late autumn, and winter.

• Transmission Routes

The primary sources of infection are the feces of infected or carrier dogs and contaminated water. The virus enters susceptible dogs through the fecal-oral route and reaches the duodenum within two days of infection. Generally, CCV has low lethality on its own. However, it severely damages NK cells and regulatory T cells in dogs, significantly weakening the host's immunity. When co-infected with canine parvovirus or exposed to sudden temperature changes, transportation stress, or other stressors, CCV can pose a fatal threat.

• Clinical Symptoms

Dogs infected with CCV typically exhibit lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain. Most infected dogs show little change in body temperature. In the early stages, vomit consists mainly of undigested food, later turning into yellow foamy or thick mucus. Severe diarrhea follows, with stools appearing pasty, semi-liquid, or watery, often orange or green and containing mucus or blood. Ultimately, dehydration or acidosis may occur. Puppies generally show more severe symptoms than adult dogs. The disease course lasts 7-10 days, with some puppies dying within 1-2 days of onset. Adult dogs usually recover within a week with medication but may experience relapses.

• Clinical Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for CCV, so prevention is key. Preventive measures include daily environmental cleaning to maintain hygiene. Strict disinfection of whelping areas and mammary glands of carrier mother dogs is essential. Since CCV can be vertically transmitted, pregnant dogs can be vaccinated to stimulate maternal immunity, allowing puppies to acquire antibodies through milk and enhance their immune defenses. If an infected dog is identified, immediate isolation is necessary. Feces, kennels, and contaminated objects should be disinfected to block transmission. Affected dogs should receive symptomatic treatment.

Yaoshuoling’s Canine Coronavirus Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit, based on ELISA technology, enables fast and convenient detection of the virus. This helps veterinarians and pet owners take early preventive measures and initiate timely clinical treatment for infected dogs.