Canine Adenovirus Type 2

 

What It Is

CAV-2 is a respiratory disease, associated with Kennel Cough (tracheobronchitis). Dogs with this infection typically have retching and dry, hacking coughs. This is how the disease is spread, and dogs being around other dogs at a grooming salon, boarding facility, or dog park, have an increased risk of being exposed. Other symptoms include gagging, fever, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis in some cases. Once introduced to the dog, the development period of the disease can take 3 to 10 days. It can usually resolve without treatment, but it can also lead to pneumonia.

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Treatment Options and Prevention

Treatment is limited, typically down to just supportive care, such as fluids, rest, and antibiotics for prevention of resurgence. There is a vaccine available to prevent this disease, as well as CAV-1, but it is important to remember that it is not impossible for a vaccinated dog to still contract the disease. It does lessen the severity of the symptoms, however. Because the vaccine protects against both type 1 and type 2 - type 1 causing infectious canine hepatitis - it is considered a core vaccine. 

 

For other preventative measures:

Keep puppies separated from other dogs until the puppy has had its complete vaccinations.

Avoid exposure to sick and unvaccinated animals. 

Avoid facilities known to have had animals contract the disease.

 

As a final note, dogs who have kennel cough should not wear collars on their walks. A harness is recommended, as a collar puts pressure on their trachea, and the pressure would heavily contribute to coughing.