Rotavirus in dogs treatment. Rotavirus infection in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Abbreviations: VGNKI - All-Russian State Scientific Control Institute, VEN - mink enteritis virus, ELISA - enzyme immunoassay, MT - body weight, MFA - fluorescent antibody method, PLC - feline pan-leukopenia, PCR - polymerase chain reaction, RHA - hemagglutination reaction , RN - neutralization reaction, HRTHA - hemagglutination inhibition reaction, SBBZh - station for combating animal diseases, TCD - tissue cytopathogenic dose, CPD - cytopathogenic effect, tELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Carnivore parvoviruses are widespread in nature. They are isolated from different species of domestic and wild animals. The first of the carnivore parvoviruses to be isolated and identified was the PLC virus, then VEN, and in 1978, canine parvovirus type 2. These viruses often cause death in animals and cause significant damage, especially in fur farming.

Historical reference
In February 1978, highly contagious canine diarrhea was reported in the southern and midwestern United States. In the feces of sick animals, a small virus with a diameter of 20 nm was detected using electron microscopy, which, based on morphological characteristics, was classified as a parvovirus. In September 1978, an outbreak of parvovirus infection was observed in dogs throughout the country, with particularly severe cases of the disease occurring in animals kept in kennels. In the same year, the disease was registered in Austria, Canada, Belgium, Holland, and France.

At the end of 1979, Moscow veterinarians recorded isolated cases of disease in dogs with signs of vomiting, enteritis and death. At the beginning of 1980, a similar clinical picture was observed much more often. In June-July the disease became widespread.

On September 25, 1980, a congress of the World Small Animal Association on canine parvovirus enteritis was held in Barcelona (Spain). By this time, 28 countries, including the USSR, were considered unfavorable for the disease. At the congress, reports by doctors from different countries covering methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the disease were reviewed and discussed, and ways to eliminate it were outlined.

Research into the disease for the first time in our country began at the VGNKI of Veterinary Medicine in the laboratory headed by Professor A.V. Selivanov. In August 1980 A.A. Sulimov, at the Timiryazevskaya SBBZh base, studied the symptoms of the disease and selected material for laboratory research. Clinical signs of the disease in dogs were characteristic of parvovirus enteritis. Fecal samples were taken from dogs with classic clinical manifestations of the disease and examined at the Russian State Academy. A hemagglutinating agent was detected in all 10 samples. When identified in the RTGA using hyperimmune serum obtained for VEN, an antigenic relationship was established, which made it possible to classify the causative agent of the disease as a parvovirus.

Serological studies were confirmed by electron microscopy: an icosahedral-shaped virus with a diameter of 20±2 nm was detected, which is typical for representatives of the Parvoviridae family. Once the diagnosis was made, the virus was isolated in cell culture, and basic biological properties were studied, research focused on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the disease.

In a short time, a kit was created at the RTGA for diagnosing parvovirus infections of carnivores - canine parvovirus enteritis, VEN, PLC. The first inactivated vaccine in our country against parvovirus infections of carnivores (Parvovac carnivorum) was developed and introduced into veterinary practice.

Thanks to the successful research of V.I. Ulasova in 1984, adenovirus type 2 was isolated from dogs. After studying the biological properties of the virus, it became possible to create an associated vaccine for the prevention of adenoviral infections and parvovirus enteritis in dogs (Trivak).

About two years later, we developed and introduced into veterinary practice a vaccine for the prevention of distemper, infectious hepatitis, adenoviral infections and parvovirus enteritis in dogs (Tetravac), and together with Yu.A. Malakhov and G.L. Soboleva created an associated vaccine against distemper, adenoviral infections, parvovirus enteritis and leptospirosis in dogs (Hexakanivac). As for therapeutic agents, hyperimmune serum and immunoglobulin (Polycaniglob) were developed against canine distemper, adenoviral infections, and canine parvovirus enteritis. Thanks to the use of mono- and associated vaccines, it was possible to significantly reduce the incidence of parvovirus enteritis and adenoviral infections in dogs. Currently, they are quite rare - only in puppies that were not vaccinated in a timely manner.

Causative agent of canine parvovirus enteritis
The causative agent of parvovirus enteritis belongs to the Parvovirus family (Parvoviridae). Two types of virus have been isolated in dogs.
Type 1 was isolated in 1968 in Germany from the feces of a clinically healthy dog. This virus is non-pathogenic for dogs. Type 2 was isolated in 1978 in the USA during an epizootic of canine parvovirus enteritis and is virulent.
Virus types differ in the spectrum of sensitivity of cell cultures and the lack of serological cross-reaction.

Parvovirus type 2 is a DNA-containing virus, devoid of an envelope, icosahedral in shape, with a diameter of 20±4 nm, resistant to physicochemical factors. Infectious activity persists when exposed to ether, chloroform, as well as at a pH of up to 3. At a temperature of 80 ° C, the virus is inactivated in 15 minutes, at 56 ° C - within 30 minutes. At low temperatures, the infectious activity of the pathogen persists for up to two to three years or more. The virus is sensitive to formaldehyde. A 30% solution of soda ash and jelly water are considered good disinfectants.

Parvovirus type 2 is characterized by hemagglutinating activity (reactions with red blood cells of pigs and rhesus monkeys); using RTGA, RN and monoclonal antibodies, its antigenic affinity with the PLC virus, VEN was revealed. When dogs are infected, antibodies are formed that inhibit hemagglutination and neutralize the virus.

For virus reproduction, a primary trypsinized kitten kidney cell culture or continuous cell line (CRFK) is used. During reproduction, the virus forms intranuclear inclusions and exhibits a weakly expressed CPE, which is not detected under a light microscope. Therefore, indirect methods are used: detection of intranuclear inclusions, MFA, tELISA, RGA.

Epizootology
The main source of spread of the pathogen is the feces of sick dogs. It is believed that the virus is excreted in feces for 10 days, and its maximum amount occurs on the 5th day. In low titers, the virus is detected in vomit with mucus for 2...12 days.

Another, no less important factor is the high resistance of the virus to physical and chemical factors and its persistence in the external environment for up to several months. When a small dose of the virus enters an animal's body, a subclinical form of the disease often occurs, and a higher dose causes a disease characteristic of parvovirus enteritis. Sick dogs spread the virus for 2...3 weeks. The virus can survive on dogs' paws and fur for a long time and pose a threat to unvaccinated animals. Dogs that have had parvovirus enteritis can be a source of infection for a long time.

The pathogen is transmitted through contact of sick dogs with clinically healthy ones, as well as through contaminated animal care items, feed, and soil contaminated with secretions of infected animals. People can also be mechanical carriers of the virus.

The most common routes of infection are oral and intranasal.

The maximum number of cases of the disease occurs in the spring-summer period and from October to March.
The susceptibility of dogs does not depend on breed and gender, but only on age. Dogs between 2 months and 1 year of age are most susceptible.

During experimental infection of raccoon dogs and foxes, their sensitivity to the virus was established. Some other members of the canine family are also susceptible to canine parvovirus type 2. The disease has been reported in a maned wolf that died of gastroenteritis at the Texas Zoo, a crab-eating fox, a raccoon, a coyote, a corsac (wild fox) and a dog-jackal hybrid at the Moscow Zoo. In 1980-1982 In 7 fur farms of the country, parvovirus enteritis was diagnosed in foxes and arctic foxes. Clinical signs of the disease did not differ from canine parvovirus enteritis. When examining fecal samples from sick foxes and arctic foxes, a hemagglutinating antigen with high titers was detected in the RGA, and an antigenic relationship was established in the RGA with hyperimmune serum obtained for canine parvovirus. Using electron microscopy, viral particles characteristic of parvovirus were detected in fecal samples.
Domestic cats, ferrets, and minks are also susceptible to parvovirus type 2 during experimental parenteral infection. The disease is asymptomatic, but antibodies are formed. Many scientists believe that dogs that have recovered from parvovirus enteritis acquire lifelong immunity.

For humans, parvovirus enteritis is not dangerous. According to French researchers, the blood sera of veterinary specialists who were in long-term contact with sick dogs and had gastrointestinal disorders did not contain antibodies to canine parvovirus.

Pathogenesis
Infection most often occurs through the digestive tract, nasal mucosa, lymphoid cells of the pharynx, and Peyer's patches located under the intestinal mucosa. The age of dogs is of great importance in pathogenesis. The virus multiplies in actively dividing myocardial cells and in the intestinal epithelium. In newborn puppies, cardiomyocytes multiply quite quickly during 2-4 weeks of life, while reproduction of intestinal epithelial cells occurs later. After weaning, intestinal epithelial cells divide more intensively, and myocardial cells multiply more slowly, so during this period, in puppies not protected by maternal antibodies, the intestine is more often affected, rather than the myocardium. The disease occurs in two forms - intestinal, which is much more common, and myocardial.

The pathogen, after entering the animal’s body naturally or during experimental infection, reproduces in the pharyngeal lymphoid tissues - T- and B-lymphocytes, then enters the blood and spreads throughout the body. Lymphoid tissue in dogs is characterized by high mitotic activity, and therefore the virus usually affects lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues, and crypts of the intestinal epithelium.

The pathogenesis of the intestinal form has been studied during experimental infection through the oronasal route. The body temperature increased to 41°C on the 5th...6th day after infection, and at the same time, antibodies that inhibit hemagglutination were detected in the blood serum, the peak titer of which was observed after 7...9 days. During this period, the pathogen was detected in significantly higher titers in the spleen, thymus, and ganglia. Diarrhea and the maximum amount of virus in feces were observed from days 3 to 5, regardless of whether clinical signs were present or absent. On the 8th day after infection, the virus was excreted in the feces in small titers in only 10% of infected dogs, and on the 9th day it was absent. Antibodies that appear on the 4th...5th day after infection are able to stop viremia and reduce the titer of the virus in the feces.

In dogs infected parenterally, the clinical manifestation of the disease, virus shedding, hematological changes and antibody formation were noted after 24...48 hours, i.e. The pathogenesis with this method of infection differs from the previous one. When dogs are infected parenterally, the virus initially multiplies in the lymphoid tissue, then enters the bloodstream, and is subsequently reproduced in the epithelial cells of the intestinal crypts.

The pathogenesis of the cardiac form of the disease in young puppies has not been sufficiently studied. Experimental myocarditis was reproduced by introducing the virus into the uterus and by infecting 5-week-old puppies that did not have antibodies to canine parvovirus. Experiments to reproduce the disease with the myocardial form in older puppies always proceeded with the development of enteritis.

Clinical signs
In older dogs, the disease more often occurs subclinically (up to 80% of cases), less often (10%) a moderate and severe course is noted. Symptoms of the disease are varied: the intestinal form is predominantly found and the myocardial form is rare.

The incubation period for natural oronasal infection is 4...6 days; with experimental infection, signs of the disease in puppies appeared after 3...4 days; with intravenous administration of the virus - after approximately 24 hours. Animal mortality ranges from 2 to 5%, mainly observed in puppies. With the intestinal form, puppies are most sensitive at the age of 2...6 months.

The first clinical signs appear suddenly. Initially, loss of appetite is noted, the abdomen sometimes becomes tense and sensitive to palpation. Vomiting appears very quickly and in most cases is accompanied by a decrease in the number of acts of urination. Vomit often contains mucus and bile, and diarrhea occurs approximately 24 hours after vomiting. Feces may be yellow, green, bright purple, dark red, runny, foul-smelling, hemorrhagic, or with a small amount of blood, sometimes no blood. Body temperature in most cases is within normal limits or slightly increased in the first days of illness - by 0.5...0.8°C, in rare cases by 1...2°C. Leukopenia is noted in the first 4...5 days of illness in approximately 25...30% of dogs; this sign coincides with an increase in body temperature. The number of leukocytes may decrease to 500...2000/μl.

Vomiting and diarrhea quickly lead to dehydration of the animal's body. Signs of dehydration often appear in the folds of the skin and the recesses of the eyeballs. Vesicles are sometimes found in the oral cavity of young puppies, which gradually disappear, but this sign is very rare.

In older dogs, the disease often occurs in a subclinical form, and they sometimes remain ill for 2...3 weeks or more. In such animals, a sharp decrease in appetite, depression, and rarely gastrointestinal upset are noted.
The nature of the course of the disease is influenced by the time of weaning of the puppies from their mothers, the presence of helminths, lambia, stress, the state of the immune system, as well as (significantly) the virulence and dose of the virus that has entered the body.

Animals that have recovered from the disease develop immunity.

The cardiac (myocardial) form of the disease is much less common than the intestinal form in puppies without antibodies aged 3 weeks to 2 months, most often it is recorded before 4 weeks of age. The sudden death of completely healthy puppies is preceded by difficulty breathing, tachycardia, weak pulse, blue discoloration of the mucous membranes, convulsions and collapse. Typically, more than 50% of puppies by 8 weeks of age die from acute heart failure, and those who survive are left with myocardial lesions.

Subacute heart failure in puppies older than 8 weeks is accompanied by shortness of breath, depression, weakness, prostration, congestion in the liver, resulting in the development of arrhythmic tachycardia and ascites. This form of the disease can last for several months, and signs of heart failure lead to lung damage.

Clinical signs were studied during experimental infection of puppies at the age of 6 weeks that do not have antibodies to the pathogen, infected simultaneously subcutaneously and by spraying the virus onto the mucous membrane of the larynx. On the 2nd day, an increase in body temperature and virus shedding in feces were observed. In euthanized puppies, after 48 hours, the virus was isolated in cell culture from the thymus, tonsils, mesenteric nodes, heart, liver, and intestinal contents; on the 5th day it could not be isolated. Antibodies were detected on the 3rd day after infection, but classic signs of the disease were absent. Puppies (n=7) of the same litter, 6 weeks of age, were infected orally with a virus isolated from dogs with pronounced signs of parvovirus enteritis. On day 5, all puppies developed vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The feces were red, watery, foul-smelling, and contained mucus. On the 7th day, 5 puppies died.

Pathomorphological changes in parvovirus enteritis
Characteristic changes in parvovirus enteritis are observed in the intestines. They can be significant or local. Most often, catarrhal hemorrhagic inflammation is found in the small intestine. The intestines may be empty or contain yellow, sometimes hemorrhagic, fluid. The mucous membrane is severely inflamed and bright red. The ileum is also affected. Mesenteric lymph nodes are almost always enlarged, swollen and hemorrhagic. Peyer's patches are also often hemorrhagic. Internal organs may be darkened and slightly reddish, and in some cases vascular inflammation and erosion are noted.

In puppies with acute cardiac injury, the lungs are swollen, and in some animals localized red-gray areas are visible, often located in the cranial and middle lobes. The bronchi contain mucous exudate. The spleen is enlarged, uneven in outline, with hemorrhages, and heart attacks are common.

In puppies with subacute cardiac damage, liver congestion, ascites, hydrothorax and hydropericarditis are observed. With the sudden death of puppies with the myocardial form, the heart valves are dilated, damage to other organs and the formation of foamy fluid in the bronchi and trachea are noted. As a result of cardiac dysfunction, acute liver inflammation develops, pleural fluid forms, or ascites appears.
Morphological changes are detected in the small intestine in the form of separate foci of damage to crypt epithelial cells and destruction of epithelial villi. Necrosis of lymphoid tissue and destruction of lymphocytes occurs in the follicles of Peyer's patches, lymph nodes, spleen and thymus. Infiltration of neutrophils was noted in Peyer's patches. In the mesenteric nodes, the number of lymphocytes decreases and reticular cells are affected. Eosinophilic inclusions are found in the nuclei of crypt cells. In acute myocarditis, foci of lymphocyte necrosis are visible, edema and foci of destroyed lymphocytes are regularly detected. Using MFA, intranuclear inclusions are detected.

In case of subacute heart failure in puppies, autopsy revealed pulmonary edema, pericardial edema and ascites, the heart was enlarged, with pale foci of fibrosis in the myocardium. Histological lesions were characterized by interstinal myocarditis and edema. Lymphocytes, plasma cells, histiocytes, and intranuclear inclusions were found in varying numbers in myocardial tissue. Depletion and necrosis of lymphoid tissue, especially in Peyer's patches, lymph nodes, spleen and thymus, was noted as a clear sign of the disease.

Diagnosis of parvovirus enteritis
A preliminary diagnosis can be made on the basis of epidemiological data and clinical signs such as the suddenness of the onset of the disease, the presence of vomiting, hemorrhagic enteritis, dehydration, and sometimes leukopenia. Of the pathoanatomical changes, acute catarrhal hemorrhagic inflammation in the small intestine is most often observed. Mesenteric lymph nodes are almost always enlarged, swollen and hemorrhagic.

The diagnosis is finally established by laboratory methods. The most common is the detection of the virus in the feces of a sick dog, taken during the acute period of the disease. RGA is used to detect the virus antigen. If positive results are obtained, the pathogen is identified in the RTGA using monospecific serum. It was with the help of this method that in August 1980, canine parvovirus enteritis was established for the first time in our country. Along with this method, virological methods are used for diagnosis and for detecting the virus in feces. The virus is isolated in kitten kidney cell culture. This method has not received practical application in diagnostics, because research is expensive and time consuming.

Histological analysis is used for post-mortem diagnosis. Necrosis of crypt epithelial cells and a decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the organs of the lymphoid tissue of the small intestine are established.

In recent years, FA has been widely used in the diagnosis of canine parvovirus enteritis. In our country, NPO NARVAK produces a Parvo-Test kit for the rapid diagnosis of parvovirus infections in carnivores. It is used to detect canine parvovirus enteritis antigen, PLC, VEN in the feces of infected animals. PCR is also highly sensitive with primers that are fragments of the V1 and V2 capsular protein genes.

Electron microscopy is used to diagnose the disease. The material for research is the feces of sick dogs.

They resort to serological tests. Antibodies are detected in RTGA and RN in kitten kidney cell culture.

Blood serum is examined twice with an interval of 24...48 hours.

Diarrhea of ​​nutritional origin occurs sporadically, is sometimes accompanied by vomiting and has a favorable outcome.

Gastroenteritis can be a consequence of intoxication with various substances: aspirin, naphthalene, arsenic, organic phosphorus, lead, etc. In most cases, intoxicants cause a marked abdominal odor. As a rule, convulsions and other nervous disorders appear along with vomiting and enteritis.

Among bacterial infections, it is necessary first of all to exclude escherichiosis in puppies. With this infection, the feces become liquid and the illness lasts several days. Salmonellosis in dogs is quite rare, even if they are carriers of the pathogen. Mostly young animals are affected, but animals very rarely die.

In the differential diagnosis, coronavirus enteritis in dogs must be excluded from enteritis of viral origin. Clinical signs of the disease are similar to parvovirus enteritis. Dogs of all ages are affected, but puppies are more common. Vomiting precedes diarrhea, and sometimes occurs simultaneously with it. Usually it stops after 1...2 days. The feces become liquefied, foul-smelling, yellowish-green in color, mixed with mucus and sometimes blood. In young puppies, the body becomes dehydrated. Body temperature does not increase.

In the differential diagnosis, one should keep in mind infectious hepatitis, which in puppies is similar in some clinical signs to parvovirus enteritis, body temperature rises to 40...41 ° C, and sometimes diarrhea mixed with blood is recorded in animals.

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis
It is known that in case of infectious diseases, treatment of animals is most effective at the early stage of the disease. Unfortunately, during this period it is not always possible to accurately establish a diagnosis. First of all, etiotropic therapy should be used, aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. Among the specific agents, we recommend polyvalent hyperimmune serum against parvovirus enteritis, adenoviral infections and canine distemper (Giscan-5, Vitacan-S, Immunovet 3Sn), as well as polyvalent immunoglobulin (Globcan-5, Vitacan, Immunovet 3In) in doses prescribed in the instructions for use . The drugs are administered at the initial stage of the disease. Using serums after 3 days, when the virus disappears into the tissues, is practically useless and even dangerous. Immunomodulators with antiviral activity are also used (Roncoleukin, Glycopin, etc.).

In parallel with specific treatments, symptomatic therapy is prescribed, aimed at eliminating individual signs of the disease. If vomiting is present, antiemetic drugs (eg, Serenia) are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. To suppress bacterial microflora, it is advisable to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics.

A saline solution enriched with glucose, vitamins and other substances is indicated against dehydration of the body at the rate of 40 ml/kg BW per day for older dogs, and 100...150 ml for puppies, which is administered parenterally.

In severe cases, severe diarrhea with blood in the feces that lasts several days leads to acidosis and hypokalemia. In this case, bicarbonate and potassium administration are indicated. In case of hypovolemic shock, prednisolone 10...20 mg/kg body weight is prescribed.

Diet therapy is of great importance in the treatment of sick animals. It begins on the 2-3rd day after the cessation of vomiting. Feed should provide a gentle regime for the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. You need to include easily digestible foods in your diet. Animals are fed small portions 3...4 times a day.

An essential point that contributes to a speedy recovery of dogs is vitamin therapy and especially the administration of a 5% solution of ascorbic acid. Vitamins of group B (B 1, B 6, B 12) or vitamin complexes (Dufalite, Katozal, Hemobalance) also have a good effect. It is advisable to inject them subcutaneously, intravenously or orally.

Prevention of parvovirus enteritis
For passive immunization of puppies born from non-immune mothers and in unfavorable epizootic situations, domestic polyvalent hyperimmune serum against parvovirus enteritis, adenovirus infections and canine distemper is used, as well as immunoglobulin Polykaniglob or Giskan.

A large number of studies by foreign scientists are devoted to the development of means of specific prevention of the disease. Due to the antigenic affinity of canine parvovirus with PLC, the use of a heterologous inactivated vaccine against PLC has been recommended following experimental studies. In most countries in Europe and the United States, this vaccine was used in the first year of the onset of the disease, with the exception of Finland, where the vaccine against VEN was used for prevention, given the antigenic affinity of canine parvovirus with VEN. The inactivated vaccine was harmless to dogs of all ages and pregnant animals. However, it created immunity lasting no more than 6 months. Antibody titers in vaccinated dogs were directly proportional to the amount of antigen (mass) present in the vaccine dose. To immunize dogs, the required amount of virus must be higher than for cats.

Along with the inactivated one, a live vaccine against PLC was also used, which is harmless for dogs of all ages, but is contraindicated in pregnant animals. The immunogenicity of the vaccine depends on the amount of virus, which in one dose must be at least 104 TCD 50 . The duration of immunity in animals immunized with the attenuated vaccine did not exceed 6 months.

The use of heterologous inactivated and live vaccines against PLC for the prevention of canine parvovirus enteritis has played a significant role in limiting the spread of the disease.

In parallel with the use of heterologous vaccines, developments were underway in many countries around the world to create homologous vaccines from strains of canine parvovirus isolated during the epizootic. Inactivated vaccines were developed in a short time. To cultivate the virus, primary trypsinized cultures and a continuous line of CRFK were used, and formalin and [3-propylactone] were used to inactivate the virus. The vaccine, when administered twice, created immunity within a year. Live vaccines were prepared from attenuated strains. Thus, in the USA, an attenuated version of the virus was obtained that passed 80 passages in cell cultures. Similar vaccines have been developed in Canada, France, the Netherlands, Russia and other countries.

, Puppy DP, Eurikan DHPPI 2-L, Eurikan DHPPI 2-LR, etc.

Literature

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Every owner loves their dog, worries and cares about its health. Unfortunately, our smaller friends are exposed to various diseases quite often. To protect them from diseases and their consequences, you need to know the main signs and methods of their treatment. Consider enteritis in dogs . The knowledge gained will protect you from many troubles.

Characteristic features of enteritis

Viral enteritis belongs to the group of infectious diseases that cause, which is included in the list of the five most common in dogs.

It is relatively new, but has a very high mortality rate , the death statistics are almost equal to. In our regions, this disease was first noticed in the eightieth year of the last century.

During the first outbreak, natural immunity had not yet been developed, which caused massive deaths of animals. For relatively young dogs, on average from two to nine years old, the infection is deadly. The most severe complications are observed in puppies.

Puppies are most susceptible to severe complications.

Enteritis primarily provokes disruption of the heart, kidneys, and other internal organs.

Genetic predisposition

Certain breeds do not have a genetic predisposition to it, but Doberman Pinschers, Whippets and East European Shepherds are less susceptible to the disease than others.

Doberman dogs have a genetic predisposition to the disease.

This problem is dangerous for dogs of any age and breed. But it practically does not affect other animals, and does not pose any threat to people.

Characteristic signs and symptoms of enteritis in dogs

Approximately ten hours after the virus enters the body, four to five times a day.

A dog's diarrhea begins approximately 10 hours after exposure to the virus.

Coronavirus and rotavirus enteritis

With enteritis, the dog begins to drink a lot of water.

Parvovirus enteritis provokes a decrease in the dog’s temperature to 37.5 degrees.

In this case, the pet defecates very often with at intervals of twenty or forty minutes. Stool discharge occurs in a sharp stream, sometimes at a distance of up to a meter, has a pungent odor, brown or green color and watery structure. There are pieces of skin and small tubes in the stool. Vomiting occurs every half hour.

The disease most affects the intestines, destruction of the mucous membrane occurs, its exfoliated particles can be released along with feces. Because of this, a larger volume of cells disintegrate and release toxins that damage the walls of blood vessels. Which in turn provokes the movement of fluid into the walls and cavity of the intestine, increasing its size. On damaged intestinal surfaces, active proliferation of microbes occurs, which provoke intoxication of the entire body. Through the blood, the virus can travel to all internal organs, including the heart, destroying it.

After twelve hours, the intensity of the attacks decreases and they occur less frequently. The temperature drops from forty to thirty-seven and a half degrees. After five days, the body produces a considerable amount of antibodies in order to bind viruses. But by this time, most of the pathogens have already moved to the intestines and heart. Therefore, antibodies often do not have time to get to their localization sites, because the body’s protective function is significantly inferior to infection in the rate of development.

Risk of death

The most life-threatening periods are from the second to the fifth day, from the seventh to the twelfth.

Days 2-5 have a high risk of death.

It is at this time that the risk of death is high. Even with high-quality and timely medical care, there is a high percentage of animal deaths: rotavirus enteritis is less than five percent, coronavirus enteritis is up to ten. The most dangerous is the parovirus type of the disease. The mortality rate for its victims is more than eighty percent.

Causes and routes of infection

The causative agents of the enteritis virus are transmitted through sick individuals; the main source in large cities is stray dogs that do not have proper care and living conditions.

Stray dogs are carriers of the enteritis virus.

They are excreted in feces and vomit, in which they can persist for more than one day even at zero temperature. Viruses are quite tenacious, they do not change their structure even at sixty degrees of heat, they die only when exposed to direct sunlight.

Transfer methods

Dogs that have been stressed are especially vulnerable to the disease.

There are two ways of transmitting viral enteritis: contact and non-contact.

The first involves direct contact with an infected animal or carrier. In the process of sniffing and licking them, you can become infected. But pathogens are also transmitted through food or water, care items, and bedding.

Treatment of enteritis includes restoring the dog's immunity.

All types of enteritis have significant differences from each other. But the process of combating them has a number of general directions:

• destroy the causative agent of the virus;
• restore the required amount of fluid;
• cleanse the body of toxins;
• restoration of immunity;
• restore proper functioning of the digestive system;
• maintaining heart function.

Stages of treatment

Catozal is a drug used to fight infection.

1. The first stage of treatment must be carried out by a veterinarian , because the infection can only be overcome by injecting special drugs into a vein. After all, due to a large loss of fluid, other injections will not be absorbed.
2. Used to fight infection serum or immunoglobulin containing antibodies . But they are not administered intravenously. They often resort to the use of catozal, erbisol and other agents that stimulate the immune system. Intravenous administration of a salt solution (disol, trisol, quartosol), as well as glucose. Which solution and its concentration is prescribed by the doctor, based on the dog’s condition. Glucose is used only in the form of a five percent solution.
3. Toxins are eliminated by hydrolysine and its analogues . In this case, it is necessary to use substances that support the functioning of the liver (glutargin), because it is the liver that is involved in the treatment of intoxication. There are also medications that provide complex treatment. For example, taking polyoxidonium or lycopidium guarantees the removal of toxins and increased immunity.
4. Metoproclamide helps stop vomiting . The main danger lies in the rapid development of microbes in the affected areas of the intestine. This problem can only be eliminated with antibiotics. In this case, it is necessary to include in the course of treatment the use of enterosgel, oak bark extract or flax seeds. They have an enveloping and bonding effect. But you can start intestinal rehabilitation only from the second day of infection.
5. Love and attention to him will help save the life of your pet after suffering from enteritis. . Protect the animal from any stress and increased physical activity. The pet will need to follow a strict diet and take vitamins.

And most importantly, remember that you are responsible for the life of your dog; if at least one of the symptoms appears, immediately contact a veterinarian.

Video about enteritis in dogs

You have a puppy at home. Of course, this is a joyful event, but you must remember that it is also a huge responsibility. First of all, you are obliged to monitor the health of your pet and try to protect it from the most serious diseases, in particular from parvovirus enteritis. Today we will tell you in detail about this disease, which until recently meant almost a death sentence. Now the situation has changed, modern vaccines provide fairly reliable protection against this formidable disease, and veterinary drugs can cure it at almost any stage.

The most important thing is to prevent the animal’s body from becoming severely dehydrated, otherwise the chances of recovery will drop sharply. So the sooner you get your pet to the clinic, the easier it will be to treat parvovirus enteritis.

What is it

Indeed, it is better to start from the very beginning. So let's start with the definition of parvovirus enteritis. This is an acute viral disease that causes inflammation and necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, as well as damage to the heart muscle. Most often, young individuals aged from 2 months to two years are susceptible to this disease. In this case, a person cannot get sick. Outbreaks of this virus most often occur in spring and autumn.

Causes and development of the disease

Even without being a veterinarian, you can easily recognize the signs of parvovirus enteritis. In the vast majority of cases, the disease affects dogs under 6 months of age. The causative agent is a virus. When it enters the body, it begins to actively multiply in the epithelial cells of the intestine. This leads to their mass death. The animal’s immunity is completely blocked, and necrosis products begin to be absorbed into the blood. In response to this, the body tries to defend itself and turns on the blood clotting mechanism. This leads to microthrombi and disrupts blood circulation in vital organs. These are the kidneys and liver, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. After the coagulation mechanisms are exhausted, bleeding of the intestinal mucosa is observed.

But all this is not the worst thing. Parvovirus enteritis in puppies occurs with complete refusal of water. Usually, already on days 2-3, signs of hypovolemic shock develop and acute renal failure develops. In turn, damage to the heart muscle very quickly leads to pulmonary edema and heart failure. So, in a matter of days, the disease destroys all organs and systems and kills the animal.

Sources of the disease

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis will be effective only when we know exactly where trouble is coming from and how to avoid it as effectively as possible. So, sick dogs are the source of infection. These are virus carriers that release large quantities of the virus into the external environment. These are feces, urine and saliva. Rodents, insects, and even people who are not sick themselves are still carriers. Infection can occur through contaminated food and water, through contact with a sick animal (sniffing and licking itself or objects infected by it). Infection through bedding or care items is possible; it is especially important to take into account that the pathogen is very tenacious and persists in the external environment for a long time. It is resistant to heat and ether and chlorine, alcohol and soda. Therefore, taking puppies to a veterinary clinic for vaccination is not the best option. Usually they disinfect tables with alcohol, and this does not have any effect on the pathogen. As you can see, there are a lot of dangers around, and you need to learn to anticipate them all in order to prevent this terrible disease.

Prevention or risk zone

It is much easier to prevent any disease than to treat it, but this is especially true for such a terrible disease as parvovirus enteritis. Prevention is primarily aimed at increasing the resistance of the pet’s body itself, that is, resistance to bacteria and viruses. If this natural barrier is strong, then there is no need to be afraid. In order to increase resistance, you need to take good care of your pet. Good living conditions and high-quality feeding, timely prevention of helminthic infestations, gastrointestinal diseases and avoidance of stressful situations are half the battle in protecting your pet from enteritis. Why half, because the second falls on preventive vaccinations. In the modern world, it is unreasonable to reject the achievements of science in the form of reliable vaccines and hope for chance. Be sure to complete all routine vaccinations prescribed to you.

Signs you need to pay attention to right away

Today we are talking about parvovirus. Symptoms, treatment and prevention are the information that owners need in order to respond to alarming changes in a timely manner. First of all, remember that the disease develops rapidly. From the very first symptom to the death of the animal, only 3-4 days can pass. The maximum that an animal can survive without treatment is 7 days. Vomiting appears first. It is impossible to stop it; forcing your pet to drink or eat will only make it worse. It is necessary to relieve intoxication with intravenous infusion of special solutions.

Sometimes, already at the first stage, gray-yellow diarrhea appears. The puppy completely refuses water and food. In this case, the condition worsens very quickly. Even if the first symptoms appear in the evening, you should try to take the animal to the veterinarian. Until the morning, painful vomiting can lead to a critical condition. As a last resort, call the nearest veterinary station and tell them what is happening. Every doctor knows how serious a disease parvovirus enteritis is in dogs. Symptoms, treatment today - by collecting all this information, the doctor will be able to guide you on how to help your four-legged friend.

The situation is getting worse

So, if treatment has not been started, or is unsuccessful, vomiting will continue. The stool becomes foul-smelling. Very often blood appears in the stool, and sometimes worms come out. Thick saliva accumulates in the mouth, and the animal does not have the strength to swallow it. The eyeballs are sunken, murmurs are heard in the heart, and wheezing is heard in the lungs. At the same time, pronounced tachycardia is a very bad symptom, this means that the cardiovascular system is affected too much, and the prognosis is disappointing. If the body temperature was initially elevated, it now drops to 35 degrees and below. The abdomen is usually tense and painful. Shortness of breath develops. The mucous membranes lose their shine and become gray or reddish. Even with correct, intensive, but late therapy, mortality is very high, so it is extremely important to organize treatment as quickly as possible.

Clinical signs

The worst thing is when parvovirus enteritis develops in puppies. How to treat a young and fragile body when the virus destroys the heart and liver, kidneys and immune system. It is enough to delay the onset by just a few hours, and even if the dog recovers, it will remain a regular client of the veterinarian for the rest of its life, since this will lead to a huge number of chronic diseases. The incubation period is only 4-10 days, and the dog begins to release the virus into the external environment on the third day, when symptoms may be completely absent. This discharge goes away within 15-20 days, subject to survival. This disease manifests itself in three forms, each of which can be lightning fast or acute. If in the second case it is quite possible to save your pet, then in the first case you may not even have time to see a doctor.

Intestinal form of the disease

It is the manifestations of this form that parvovirus enteritis is most famous for. Prevention is to keep the dog’s intestines in perfect condition, then the immune system will be strong, and it will be much more difficult for the virus to break through its defenses. First of all, this is high-quality, balanced nutrition and timely anthelmintic therapy. In this case, the acute form occurs with virtually no signs of enteritis, the puppy shows a loss of strength and dies within a few hours. Mortality is very high, it is about 60%.

In this case, anorexia is observed, a complete refusal to eat. Very strong, mucous vomiting develops. 6 hours after its onset, the dog develops diarrhea. In this case, the feces are first gray, and then acquire green or purple shades. Very often they contain streaks of blood, sometimes they are mucous or watery, and almost always have a foul odor. Body temperature at this stage is most often elevated. In this case, vomiting and diarrhea very quickly deplete strength, after which a state of shock sets in. This is most often the case with parvovirus enteritis in dogs. Symptoms can be as little as a day ahead of death if you fail to stop fluid loss.

Treatment of intestinal enteritis

First of all, it is necessary to provide the animal with complete rest, because strength will be required to overcome parvovirus enteritis. How to treat must be agreed with your veterinarian. Eating and drinking are completely abolished until the doctor allows it; forceful infusion will only worsen the situation. It is highly recommended to use petroleum jelly, which envelops the walls of the stomach and intestines and interferes with the absorption of necrosis products.

In order to provide first aid, you should have "Levomycetin succinate" in your first aid kit. This is an antibiotic that is aimed at treating diarrhea. You will also need No-Spa and Analgin to relieve pain symptoms. In addition, "No-shpa" relieves spasms, which means the urge to vomit decreases. "Analgin" together with "Diphenhydramine" (two ampoules are taken into one syringe and injected intramuscularly) perfectly reduces the temperature. In case of severe and protracted course of the disease, it is necessary to have saline and glucose at home, which can be administered at least subcutaneously, in order to avoid dehydration.

Cardiac form of enteritis

It occurs much less frequently, most often as a secondary complication. After suffering enteritis, acute myocardial damage is observed after some time. That is, we can diagnose heart failure with a weak pulse and Most often, animals die suddenly due to disturbances in the nerve patency of the heart muscle. The mortality rate is very high, reaching 80%. It is very important to include Sulfocamphocaine, Cordiamin, or other drugs to maintain cardiac activity in the treatment regimen. Finally, there is a mixed form, when various lesions of the cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory systems of the body are observed. This is typical for weakened animals with a weakened immune system. At the same time, the clinical picture can be blurry, and the symptoms are very diverse.

Treatment of dogs

The sooner you see a doctor, the greater your chances of defeating parvovirus enteritis. The symptoms will rapidly intensify, so put everything aside and see a specialist as soon as possible. It should be noted that the treatment of this disease is becoming increasingly difficult. The virus mutates and adapts, and doctors invent new schemes. Treatment is symptomatic, so the veterinarian will offer his own regimen for each patient. Most often it includes sulfonamides, antibiotics, heart medications, as well as saline and glucose. However, the fact that the number of drugs produced specifically for animals is growing, it is not becoming easier to defeat parvovirus enteritis in puppies. How to treat this or that animal, sometimes you have to decide along the way, observing the body’s reaction.

The classic treatment regimen necessarily includes a polyvalent serum, that is, globulins against enteritis. Essentially, the blood serum of an animal that was vaccinated with a special vaccine, in response to which the body produced antibodies. They are the ones who help a sick animal overcome its illness. In addition to globulins, saline solution and antibiotics (Ampicillin and Oxycillin) are required. It is equally important to block vomiting; Cerucal is used for this. Every doctor always prescribes Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that is an excellent antispasmodic and pain reliever. Additionally, "Sulfocamphocaine" is used to stimulate cardiac activity and vitamins.

Parvovirus enteritis in cats

The clinical symptoms are very similar to those we have already listed. These are vomiting and diarrhea, depression, fever and increased body temperature. However, high mortality is only in the hyperacute course of the disease, which is not so common. The acute course of the disease is characterized by anorexia, damage to the intestinal mucosa and rapid growth of bacteria. The probability of death is from 25 to 90%. Subacute and subclinical forms are much more common, but cats recover even without outside intervention. There is no specific treatment; the doctor can only prescribe maintenance therapy.

From dog to human or vice versa

In fact, there is no need to be afraid of this disease. Parvovirus enteritis does not occur in humans, so take care of your sick pet with complete peace of mind. But you yourself can become a source of danger for your pet. The virus can come home along with your clothes and shoes, toys, and various things from the veterinary clinic. Keep in mind that a wide variety of animals are brought there, and by simply going for vitamins or anthelmintic drugs, you can bring in dangerous pathogens. Their resilience is truly incredible. Neither cold nor boiling water affects them; chlorine and alcohol are powerless. It persists in soil and biological waste for several years.

The fact that parvovirus enteritis in dogs is transmitted to humans is a fairy tale, but treatment must be taken extremely seriously. If your pet does not survive, do not rush to replace it with another. The pathogens of the virus can survive in the most secluded corners of the booth or bedding, on fences that young animals like to bite, and simply on the ground. Therefore, if you live in a private house, you won’t be able to disinfect everything. Therefore, you need to wait two to three years and then buy a new dog, always from a vaccinated bitch.

Rotavirosis- an acute contagious disease caused by a virus. Accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, in young animals - myocarditis.

Etiology. The causative agent of the disease is a virus belonging to the Rotoviridae family. The virus is resistant to acidic environments (preserves at pH 3). It persists for a long time in the external environment: in feces and frozen parenchymal organs - throughout the year.

Dogs of all ages are susceptible, especially puppies aged 2 weeks to a year; older dogs are less likely to get sick.
Animals of cultivated and ornamental breeds are most susceptible. From sick animals to healthy ones, the disease is transmitted through contact.

The source of infection can be sick dogs, virus-carrying dogs, rodents, insects, as well as humans. The virus can also be transmitted through care items and bedding.

For the occurrence of rotavirus enteritis in dogs, the presence of predisposing factors is of great importance: poor care, maintenance and feeding, stressful situations - change of owner, surgery, helminthic infestation, and a tendency to gastrointestinal disorders.

The first symptoms of the disease are refusal to feed, vomiting with mucus, and diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur simultaneously. Vomiting continues until recovery or death. The feces are initially gray or yellow, often mixed with blood, sometimes hemorrhagic with mucus or watery with a foul odor. Some dogs develop signs of respiratory damage after vomiting and diarrhea. Body temperature rises to 39.5-41 C.

Vomiting and diarrhea quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause shock and death of puppies 24-96 hours after the appearance of clinical signs of the disease.

The diagnosis is difficult due to the similarity of clinical signs with many infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Diagnostics using the PCR method allows you to quickly and correctly establish a diagnosis.

Within 24 hours, the veterinarian who sent the biomaterial (nasal swabs, eye discharge, blood from fever) for testing will receive a response to his request by phone, and then an official conclusion that has legal force.

Many owners treat their pets as full members of their family and therefore any deterioration in the animal’s well-being does not cause delight.

Among dog breeders, diseases such as or cause particular panic, but there is another disease that, if not treated in a timely manner and with severe symptoms, leads to the death of the pet. We are talking about enteritis, which develops when a virus enters the body.

The main source of spread of the virus is considered to be a sick dog, and the pathogen can be released already in the incubation (latent) period of the disease. The virus enters the environment along with feces, vomit, and saliva. The pathogen enters an apartment or area near the house in a variety of ways - the virus can be brought by a person on shoes or clothes, the microorganism can be on the fur and paws of other animals. The enteritis pathogen is released over a period of time by an animal that has already been ill and treated.

It must be said that infectious enteritis in dogs not transmitted to humans and other breeds of animals in the house. That is, only dogs are susceptible to the disease, and most often these are puppies one and a half to six months old. Adult pets tolerate the disease much easier, and vaccinated individuals do not become infected.

The likelihood of death when puppies are infected increases if their mother is not vaccinated and suffers from.

The enteritis virus is very resistant to the environment. The microorganism can live in an apartment for up to six months, and during this period the dog can become infected at any time.

From the moment of infection to the development of clinical signs of the disease, an average of up to 10 days can pass. The disease is insidious in its symptoms - most of the symptoms are characteristic of other animal diseases.

Types of the disease and its signs

Infectious enteritis is divided into parvovirus And coronavirus, the first form is registered more often. The enteritis virus destroys the intestinal mucosa, which leads to tissue death and extensive inflammation.

Parvovirus species

Parvovirus enteritis, in turn, is divided into three types - intestinal, cardiac and mixed.

• Intestinal form manifested by lethargy of the animal, refusal to eat, the temperature can rise only after two to three days. First, vomiting appears; it is viscous and foamy in nature, repeated. After vomiting, loose stools develop - watery, with a putrid odor. After a few days, the diarrhea may become bloody, the animal may have severe abdominal pain, aggravated by touching the abdominal area - the dog tucks its tail and whines. The main problem with constant diarrhea and vomiting is dehydration, from which a young puppy can die in 2-3 days.
• Heart shape It is most often recorded in puppies up to 9 weeks of age. It manifests itself as drowsiness, lethargy, and refusal to feed. Palpation does not reveal severe abdominal pain, and there is usually no diarrhea. Rumbling can be heard from a distance; damage to the heart muscle leads to severe shortness of breath or, conversely, to imperceptible, quiet breathing. In dogs, a weak pulse is recorded, all extremities are cold, and pallor or cyanosis of the mucous membranes is detected.
• Mixed form characterized by signs of damage to the intestines and heart muscle. Most often, this form develops in weakened dogs suffering from adenoviral and oral viral infections. The danger also increases for those puppies born from unvaccinated bitches.

Coronavirus species

The coronavirus form of enteritis has a more favorable outcome compared to the parvovirus form. The dog may refuse to eat, but the drinking regime is maintained. Abdominal pain is minor, diarrhea and vomiting are rare.

The incubation period for this type of infection lasts up to 5 days. Coronavirus infection occurs in acute and chronic forms:

• Acute form The disease develops quickly, the dog becomes weak and lethargic. When the acute form develops, a secondary infection often occurs. Usually, with such an infection, only weakened puppies die; adult animals survive.
• Light form Coronavirus infection may even go unnoticed, especially if the infection appears in an adult dog. The animal eats poorly, is apathetic, has no temperature, the condition improves after a few days.

Infectious enteritis, which occurs in an acute form in weakened dogs and puppies, often ends in death.

Treatment methods

To treat viral enteritis, an integrated approach is important; the dog not only needs to choose the right medicine, but it is also necessary to organize competent care for the animal.

What to do if enteritis is suspected?

If a dog develops symptoms characteristic of enteritis, the first thing you need to do is visit a veterinary clinic. Accurate diagnosis and choice of treatment regimen is important in the first two days of illness; if treatment is started during this period, it will almost always be successful.

Also, if you suspect enteritis, you must:

• Periodically. Temperature data will help the veterinarian get a more complete picture of the disease.
• It is necessary to pay attention to the nature of vomit and feces. The appearance of bloody or white stool is a poor diagnostic sign.
• A sick dog should be separated from other animals and placed in a room where there are no drafts.
• All discharge should be removed immediately if possible.
• Most puppies and adult dogs die from dehydration. Therefore, if you see that the animal does not touch the water at all, then you need to give it something to drink through a syringe. The water must be boiled or mineral without gases.
• Due to the inflamed intestines, the pet will not eat at all and there is no need to force it.

In order for the disease to pass quickly and without consequences, the doctor prescribes several drugs at once, their administration is necessary even if the signs of infection are minor.

Drug treatment of enteritis includes the following:

• Immunostimulating drugs.
• Solutions in droppers. Intravenous administration of glucose or physical. a solution with vitamins is necessary to maintain water balance and to strengthen the body's resistance. In the first days of illness, glucose often becomes the only source of nutrition.
• For enteritis, antibiotic therapy is prescribed.
• If the puppy is not vaccinated, then giving the vaccine in some cases helps to cope with the disease.
• To relieve pain, use no-shpa, Baralgin, Analgin.
• It is necessary to select drugs to support cardiac activity.

All prescribed medications are administered only intramuscularly or in droppers, since the tablets are not absorbed and further damage the intestinal mucosa.

What to feed a dog with enteritis?

In the first days of illness, puppies and adults almost completely refuse food. You can't force feed them, and if the animal retains its appetite, then the food should be easily digestible and dietary.

After an illness crisis, the dog must be fed with extreme caution. The entire length of the intestine is a continuous, not yet fully healed wound, and rough food will certainly cause pain and will practically not be absorbed.

After enteritis, intestinal functionality takes quite a long time to recover. The dog can continue occasionally vilify, pain may occur. It's important to get it right. For intestinal restoration special preparations are needed that have a positive effect on the microflora.

Experienced dog breeders advise giving dogs the following food in the first days of illness:

• Chicken or beef broth, and it is better if it is boiled a second time.
• Strongly boiled rice porridge in water.
• After a day or two, you can try giving finely chopped lean meat, then kefir and fresh cottage cheese.

All food should be warm and fresh at each feeding. You need to increase the number of servings gradually. After about two weeks, you can carefully return to your usual diet.

Consequences and complications

Even a mild course of enteritis and the entire complex of measures carried out in a timely manner is not a guarantee that the disease will end without complications.

The most common consequences of infectious enteritis in dogs include:

• Lameness, it can either disappear after a few months or remain for the rest of your life.
• Puppies that have recovered from the disease are far behind their litter in development.
• After two to three weeks, new growths – polyps – are found in dogs’ mouths. They must be removed surgically.
• Bitches can remain infertile for several months or for life.
• Puppies who have had enteritis before the age of 9 weeks are often left with heart disease - myocarditis. And even adult dogs can develop heart failure.

With a mild form and complete treatment of enteritis, all complications disappear within a year.

Prevention

The only way to prevent your pet from becoming infected with the virus is by vaccination. If there are small puppies in the house, then you need to protect them from the street until the vaccine is given.

It is necessary to wash the floors in the room more often; after going outside, the owners should take off their shoes and wash their hands. It is also not recommended to let the mother of the puppies near them without first treating the paws and fur.

Vaccinations

The first vaccination is given to puppies at the age of 4-6 months. Adult dogs should be vaccinated annually. Among the vaccines, Nobivak, Parvovac, Multikan, Biovac are popular.