The rotavirus in dogs is a virus that is rarely talked about, since it is considered not to have excessive clinical importance, it is That is, it does not always cause symptoms and, when it does, they are mild. In this article on our site we are going to explain how this virus works and what clinical symptoms it can trigger, especially in puppies.
Rotavirus is considered zoonotic and can occur in association with the dreaded parvovirus. Therefore, if our puppy has diarrhea or vomiting, we must go to the vet quickly. Early detection can considerably mark the prognosis. Read on and discover with us how to treat rotavirus in dogs
What is canine rotavirus?
Rotavirus in dogs is one of the viruses that can trigger acute onset diarrhea or vomiting, that is, sudden, since it affects the small intestineAt a clinical level it has little meaning, which means that it is infrequent or not very virulent. In fact, there are dogs that can be carriers of rotavirus without showing any symptoms of illness and remain completely he althy. For this reason, when a dog is suspected of having viral diarrhoea, other viruses such as canine coronavirus or parvovirus are most commonly thought of. Viruses such as distemper can also trigger diarrhea.
In any case, rotavirus should be monitored in puppies, especially those under 12 weeks of age, since, being more vulnerable, they are more sensitive to infection by this and other virus. In them, they are more likely to trigger diarrhea, although of a mild nature. Finally, rotavirus can occur at the same time as parvovirus, the virus that causes canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease characterized by severe diarrhea and vomiting. Its symptoms are much more serious than that triggered by rotavirus. It preferentially affects puppies, so it is very important that if our puppy starts to vomit or has diarrhea, we quickly go to the vet to start treatment and rule out or confirm parvovirus.
Rotavirus symptoms in dogs
When canine rotavirus causes symptoms, these, which appear after an incubation period of between 1 and 5 days, are the most prominent:
- Diarrhea, which may contain mucus.
- Vomiting.
- Hypersalivation.
- Nausea.
- Arcades.
- Loss of appetite or anorexia.
- Dehydration.
- Pain in the abdomen area.
- Apathy in younger puppies.
- Leukocytosis or increased white blood cells. In association with parvovirus, on the contrary, the number of leukocytes decreases.
Normally, identification of this virus is not sought and a dog exhibiting this symptomatology is treated with the general measures for any canine gastroenteritis.
How to detect rotavirus in dogs?
If for any reason you need to know what specific agent is making the dog sick, you can take a fecal sample and check for the presence of the rotavirus using different laboratory techniques. However, it is difficult to detect this virus eight days after infection.
How to cure rotavirus in dogs? - Treatment
Rotavirus treatment in dogs will depend on the intensity of the condition and the symptoms it manifests. In general, when there is dehydration, it occurs in different degrees. Milder ones can be treated at home, sometimes by administering oral or subcutaneous serum In contrast, severe dehydration requires admission to the veterinary clinic for stabilization. This requires fluid replacement intravenously. Especially in puppies, it is very important to seek rapid veterinary assistance to avoid serious complications. Remember that dogs can die from high dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea also need to be treated.
Another fundamental aspect when it comes to knowing how to treat rotavirus in dogs is food. After a few hours of fasting, start by offering the dog water to see if he is able to tolerate it without recurring vomiting or diarrhea. Small amounts should be offered every 2-3 hours. If the animal accepts it without recurrence, the veterinarian will prescribe a diet specifically formulated for these cases in which the digestive system is affected. They are products that stand out for their digestibility. They should also be offered in small portions 4-6 times a day.
In principle, the prognosis for this type of viral infection is good and dogs recover completely. Only if in a couple of days we do not see any improvement in the symptoms or they worsen, should we go back to the vet to reassess the diagnosis.
Rotavirus medications for dogs
Since rotavirus disease in dogs is usually mild, drugs are not usually necessary. However, if the clinical picture is severe or associated with parvovirus, then the veterinarian can prescribe medications such as antibiotics and antiemetics.
Does rotavirus spread to humans?
Canine rotavirus has been considered to be of little clinical importance, but interspecies transmission may occasionally occur, although this is rare. Specifically, cases of children infected with the canine retrovirus have been reported. Therefore, this virus has been recognized as zoonotic, but there are not enough studies.
Infection occurs mainly through the fecal-oral route. To avoid this, extreme hygiene measures are recommended, especially if it is necessary to handle the feces of sick dogs. Special care must be taken with children.
