Canine coronavirus is a highly contagious intestinal disease of dogs that was first discovered in 1971. It infects the cells of the small intestine and causes damage to the villi, preventing nutrient absorption. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and anorexia. While usually mild, concurrent infections can increase severity. Diagnosis is made via antigen detection tests or microscopic examination of intestinal samples. Treatment focuses on fluid therapy and prevention involves vaccination and sanitation.

1. Canine
Coronavirus
Khalila Williams
Show and Tell 2014

2. Definition and History
 AKA: Canine Coronaviral Gastroenteritis
Canine Enteric Coronavirus; Type 2 CCoV
 Highly contagious intestinal disease
 First discovered in German military working dog in 1971.
 Similar to the virus causing FIP in cats.
 Within 10 years, the virus had spread
worldwide.

3. Etiology
 Family: Coronaviridae Genus: Alphacoronavirus
 Enveloped ssRNA virus, “crown-like apperance
 Primarily infects GI tract and URT of mammals and birds
 Humans: the “common cold,” SARS (Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome)
 Dogs: primarily affects small intestine
 Puppies < 6 weeks

4. Canine Respiratory Coronavirus

5. Canine Respiratory Coronavirus
 Shown to cause respiratory disease in dogs
 Referred to as Type 1 CCoV
 First isolated in 2003 in England
 Found in the lung tissues of affected dogs
 Similar to strain OC43 of bovine and human coronaviruses
 Also isolated on European mainland and Japan
 Dogs in US and Canada have been found to have antibodies

6. Canine coronavirus antigen isolated in canine lung tissue (Wikipedia.com)

7. Pathogenesis
 Fecal to Oral transmission
 Virus enters through the GI, invades and replicates in the
villi of of the small intestine
 Infects cells covering the upper 2/3 of small intestine
 Infected villi become damaged and blunted to such an
extent that the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients
www.danics.com.au

8. Clinical Signs
 Incubation period = 1-3 days
 Sudden onset: vomiting, diarrhea, depression
 Dehydration, anorexia
 Blood or mucous in feces (melena), fetid odor
 Low grade fever often observed
 Inflammation is generally complete within 1 week, so
overall disease is normally mild
 Concurrent infections can greatly increase severity
(Parvovirus)

9. ocw.tufts.edu

10. ocw.tufts.edu

11. Microscopic Lesions

12. Diagnosis
Diagnosis: Antigen detection ELISA, Rapid test available:
UbioquickVET CCV
 Electron microscopy examination of fecal material OR
examination of small bowel from deceased dog.
 Deepening of crypts
 Atrophy and fusion of villi of SI

13. CCV Ag Rapid Tests
 Easy to use by breeders and vets
 Can be adapted for kennel management
 Lateral flow immunochromatography tests
 Tests results in 10 minutes
 Detects virus from appearance of 1st symptoms
 Results are comparable to PCR

14. Differential Diagnosis
 Canine Parvovirus
 Infectious Canine Hepatitis
 Pancreatitis/Gastritis/Gastroenteritis
 Different infectious etiologies that affect the GI

15. Characteristics of Disease
 Most cases usually mild CS
 Fatalities are RARE
 Puppies under 6 weeks most vulnerable
 Weakens defenses to fight off other pathogens
 Parvovirus
 Not life-threatening alone, but simultaneous infection
may approach 90% mortality

16. Treatment and Prevention
 No cure, treat symptomatically
 IV fluid replacement to treat vomiting/diarrhea for cases
 Prevention = Vaccination and Sanitation!
 Clean kennels
 Virus easily killed by common disinfectants (unlike Parvo)
 Vaccine available: Da2PPCV
 Dogs with high exposure: ie show dogs
 Begin at 6 weeks of age

17. References
 Beers MH, Porter RS, Jones TV, Kaplan JL, Berkwits M (eds). The
Merck Veterinary Manual, 10th Ed. Merck & Co., In., 2010.
 Bonagura, John D. "Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XIV, 14th
ed. St. Louis Missouri: Saunders, 10 July 2008. Print.
 Ettinger, S. J., and E. J. Feldman. Veterinary Internal Medicine.
7th ed. 2. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier, 2010. Print.
 McGavin MD and Zachary JF. Pathologic Basis of Veterinary
Disease, 5th ed. (2011), Mosby. Print

18. Thank you!
 Any Questions?!?!?

19. Question #1
 Where in the body does Coronavirus have an affinity?
A. Lungs
B. Stomach
C.
Small Intestine
D. Colon

20. Question #2
What is the most common histological lesion seen with
canine enteric coronavirus?
A. Necrosis of peyers patches in the ileum.
B. Focal hemorrhagic lesions in the colon.
C.
Blunting of the villi in the small intestine.
D. No obvious lesions are usually seen.

21. Question #3
 What is the best way to prevent infection with
coronavirus?
 A. Keep puppies away from affected dogs
 B. Treat exposed dogs prophylactically with antibiotics
 C. Vaccination and proper sanitation
 D. No known way to control/prevent this disease