Two new viruses are emerging as threats to canine health worldwide: canine respiratory coronavirus and canine parvovirus type 2c. The May 15, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association contained a news item about these two diseases.
Canine parvovirus is one of the most common and deadly infectious diseases of dogs. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, and blood cell imbalances. A vaccine against the virus has existed for years and is in widespread use. The vaccine was designed to prevent the older, more common strains of parvovirus. Fortunately, the vaccine appears to offer some protection against the new type 2c strain of the disease as well.
Coronaviruses cause the common cold in people. A common form of canine coronavirus has been known for a long time as well. This virus causes diarrhea in dogs.
Now, a new type of coronavirus has evolved in dogs. It causes acute respiratory symptoms (kennel cough) in affected animals.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has published a list of frequently asked questions (along with answers) about these two new viral strains. Click here to see the FAQs about canine parvovirus type 2c. For information about canine respiratory coronavirus, click here.
