It’s Corgi Corner time! This is a series that’s posted on the first Saturday of every month! These posts help spread education and awareness on topics like general dog care, corgi specific things, medical care, health facts, etc. We are finishing our discussion on the diseases that are covered by the core vaccine DAPP/DA2PP. This month’s Corgi Corner post will be all about canine adenovirus! In December we covered canine parvovirus (“P”), January we covered canine distemper (“D”), and last month we covered canine parainfluenza (“P”). The “A” or “A2” stands for canine adenovirus. Canine adenovirus (CAV) has two different types, CAV-1 and CAV-2. CAV-1 causes the severe, often fatal infectious canine hepatitis and CAV-2 causes infectious tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough. CAV-1 affects the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels whereas CAV-2 affects the respiratory system. CAV-1 spreads directly through animal-to-animal contact or indirectly through exposure to saliva, feces, urine, or respiratory secretions. A dog can shed it in urine up to 6-9 months after being infected. CAV-2 spreads through respiratory secretions through the nose or mouth, commonly through barking, sneezing, or coughing. CAV-1 is much more severe and it’s often fatal. CAV-2 is generally mild and dogs typical recover without much intervention. Canine adenovirus is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical signs, laboratory testing, and the dog’s medical history. Bloodwork helps determine if the liver enzymes are elevated and if the white blood cell count is low, especially if CAV-1 is suspected. Chest x-rays can be used to evaluate the lungs and airways and screen for pneumonia if CAV-2 is suspected. PCR testing can be done to detect the presence of the canine adenovirus DNA, which can confirm the virus. There is currently no cure for adenovirus. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms and providing supportive recovery. Treating CAV-1 may require hospitalization, intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, medications to manage symptoms and infections, and easy to digest food for nutritional support. In critical cases, a blood transfusion may be needed. Treating CAV-2 typically just requires cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and/or steroids. The best way to prevent canine adenovirus is through vaccination. The CAV vaccine is included in a combination vaccine (sometimes abbreviated as DAPP, DA2PP, or similarly) that also protects dogs against some other common canine viruses, like canine distemper. This vaccine is considered “core”, and is recommended for all dogs. This vaccine protects against both CAV-1 and CAV-2. To help build immunity, puppies need to undergo an initial series of vaccinations starting with their first dose between 6 and 8 weeks old. It should be repeated every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. If an adult dog is unvaccinated or not current on their vaccination, they just need one additional dose about 2-4 weeks after their initial dose. To maintain protection, a booster dose of the combination vaccine is recommended within one year after the last dose in the initial vaccination series. Afterward, boosters are recommended every three years. There are also additional measures you can take to help protect your dog from canine adenovirus. Until the initial vaccination series is complete, use caution when bringing puppies to places where dogs gather. This includes pet shops, parks, obedience classes, doggy day cares, kennels/boarding facilities, and groomers. It’s also imperative to choose establishments and training programs that require up-to-date vaccinations, health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of sick puppies and dogs. Keep your dog away from other dogs when sick, including other dogs within your home. Avoid contact with known infected dogs and their premises.