Canine Corona Virus
Corona Virus in dogs affects the intestines and can cause intense diarrhea leading to dehydration. It is transmitted through contact with infected feces and can be passed from dog to dog when they are sniffing one another or playing. A dog infected with the disease will usually show symptoms within days, though it can also transmit the disease for months after symptoms have disappeared. Dogs with weakened immune systems, younger dogs and unvaccinated dogs are particularly susceptible.
Corona virus lives in the lining of your dog’s intestines, so the main symptom is diarrhea. Unlike diarrhea due to the ingestion of some foreign object, the resultant diarrhea dogs is foul-smelling, watery and yellow-orange in color. In some cases the diarrhea might also contain blood, though this is usually a symptom of a similar, but more serious condition called parvo. Corona virus usually appears within two to five days of exposure and lasts two to ten days. It can lead to intense dehydration, so be careful to monitor your dog’s condition and insure it gets enough fluids. Other possible symptoms of corona virus include loss of appetite, depression, nausea, and vomiting. It is also possible for your dog to have corona virus and not exhibit any symptoms.
Since dehydration is the main risk in canine corona virus, getting your dog enough fluids is the big challenge. A veterinarian will likely inject fluids under the skin or use an intravenous drip for this purpose. After your dog has recovered, give it bland foods and small amounts of water or Nupro Custom Electrolyte.
Since this is a virus, antibiotics will not eradicate it. While this virus in dogs is rarely fatal, it is possible for it to pass from the small intestine to other parts of the body such as the liver and lungs. Secondary bacterial infections may arise so your veterinarian might also administer antibiotics. A vaccine is available to help prevent your dog from being infected in the first place. Talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog would benefit from a vaccine.