Page 31 - Chow Life - Winter 2017

breeder is used to seeing birthing Increasing environmental period is three weeks before and three
tissues, look for undeveloped temperature to 100 degrees F, at 45 weeks after whelping. Isolation during
placentas with gray to white spots on to 55 percent humidity, may also be this time prevents CHV infection.
them. beneficial to prevent hypothermia in Another option is to try exposing
Veterinarians rarely advise treating puppies and help ward off the virus. young bitches to older animals prior
puppies afflicted with CHV—it is Older puppies that stand a chance of to their pregnancy so that they might
rarely successful. The organ damage is surviving can be force-fed and given become exposed to CHV.
so widespread that the puppy cannot antidiarrhea medication. Canine herpesvirus and the
recover, and antiviral drug therapy The key with CHV is to prevent puppy deaths associated with it
does not seem to help control the it. Merial has produced a vaccine, can be avoided if you know how it
devastating effects of the virus. The but this inactivated product is only is transmitted and keep your bitch
puppies are suffering and euthanasia is available in Europe. It is suggested for protected from infection.
often considered the best option. use in pregnant bitches at risk. Field
Bitches infected with CHV have data on its benefit are lacking.
high levels of CHV-specific antibodies In dogs who will never become
in their bloodstream. Puppy deaths pregnant (male or female), the Jeff Grognet is a veterinarian with a
have been reduced by giving serum infection is inconsequential, so practice in British Columbia, Canada,
from these bitches. An alternative is to protecting them is not required. The and a regular contributor to the
pool serum samples from older adult problem is that adults commonly shed GAZETTE and AKC FAMILY DOG.
dogs that have likely had exposure to CHV in nasal secretions for one to
CHV. The only caveat is that it must two weeks after being introduced to This article first appeared in the
be administered before the onset new dogs. And, we can’t tell if a dog is November 2009 issue of the AKC
of illness. Once a puppy has shown shedding the virus. GAZETTE and is reprinted with
signs of the disease and it has been Pregnant dams should be isolated. permission.
diagnosed, the other pups in the litter This is especially important in young
are likely already ill and will die from bitches who have recently been moved
the disease. into a foreign kennel. The danger

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