Canine herpesvirus infection is most dangerous for newborn puppies, in which it can be severe and often fatal. In adult dogs, it can cause respiratory problems, eye disease, inflammation of the vagina in females (causing pain and a puslike discharge), or inflammation of the foreskin of the penis in males.
The virus is worldwide and spreads from dog to dog by contact with an infected mouth, nose, or vaginal fluid. Infection can also occur in a puppy before birth.
Puppies under 3 weeks old are at highest risk. Illness can start suddenly, and death can occur within 24 hours. Signs can include weakness, poor nursing, diarrhea, nose discharge, eye problems, and skin rashes. Puppies often do not have a fever.
Older dogs exposed to the virus can develop mild inflammation of the lining of the nose (which can contribute to coughing referred to as “kennel cough”), as well as eye disease or inflammation of the genital tract.
Infection during pregnancy can lead to abortion, stillbirth, or infertility.
Diagnosis requires lab testing.
Treatment is usually not very effective once puppies are sick. Like other herpesviruses, canine herpesvirus can remain in the body for life and flare up at times.
No vaccine is available. To protect puppies, keep pregnant dogs away from other dogs during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy and the first 3 weeks after birth, and wash hands carefully after you handle a dog and go to touch another. Even survivors can have lasting organ damage, so the long-term outlook can be uncertain for an infected dog.
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Also see professional content regarding canine herpesvirus.
