Canine circovirus is a recently discovered virus that infects dogs. The virus was first identified in 2012. Since 2013, several reports of severe illness and death in dogs have been attributed to canine circovirus in Michigan, Ohio, and California.
Causes of Canine Circovirus
Circoviruses are small viruses that are known to infect pigs and birds. Since canine circovirus is a newly discovered form of the virus, the exact route of infection in dogs is unknown. However, it is thought to be spread through direct contact or exposure to feces or bodily secretions from an infected dog.
Symptoms of Canine Circovirus
Most documented symptoms of canine circovirus are non-specific. This means that they can indicate a variety of underlying conditions. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your dog displays any of the following signs or symptoms of canine circovirus so they can be correctly diagnosed and treated.
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Inflammation of the blood vessels
Diagnosis of Canine Circovirus
Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of infection.
Routine diagnostic tests may include a urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemistry profile. These tests will help your veterinarian evaluate your dog’s overall health and rule out other potential causes of their symptoms. In addition, a fecal examination or other specialized tests may be performed to help your veterinarian reach a conclusive diagnosis.
Treatment of Canine Circovirus
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for canine circovirus. For this reason, treatment will focus on supportive care. Most dogs with the virus will need to be hospitalized for stabilization and monitoring. Intravenous fluid therapy will usually be given, along with medications such as antibiotics to minimize symptoms and prevent or treat secondary infections. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment options based on your dog’s overall health and the severity of their symptoms.
Prevention of Canine Circovirus
Fortunately, canine circovirus does not currently pose a serious threat to dogs in the US. However, it is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of your dog becoming infected. Make sure to keep your dog’s environment as clean as possible, and do not allow access to feces from other animals. We also recommend feeding a healthy, balanced diet to support your dog’s immune system. Finally, please monitor your dog for signs of illness and schedule regular health screenings with your veterinarian.
