About 7-10 days after exposure to the virus, the corneas appear blue or very hazy (Blue Eye). You may notice that your pet is squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears. Puppies are more susceptible to infection than adults due to their juvenile immune system. Signs such as lethargy, poor appetite, nausea, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes) and bloating may be seen if the liver is severely affected by the adenovirus infection. Young dogs, because of a weak juvenile immune system, are most susceptible to infection with canine adenovirus. Adult dogs can become infected but this is far less common, especially in dogs that have been vaccinated against the virus. There is no breed of dog that is more prone to infection than other dog breeds.
Diagnosis begins with physical examination, history and laboratory testing. If canine adenovirus infection is suspected based on these findings, more testing may be recommended by your veterinarian which may include ultrasound, x-rays and viral blood testing.
Varies greatly on the severity of the infection and what treatment is required. Hospitalization (if warranted) greatly increases the cost of treatment versus at home therapy.
Depending on the severity of the infection, most patients recover. The blue haze in the eye often resolves within weeks, but in many cases the blue haze is permanent.
Rechecking the eye and liver values is recommended depending on the severity of the infection and if there are secondary complications.
Vaccination is protective and very safe however most CAV vaccines in the US are targeted against CAV2. This vaccine is typically given in a series of four, starting at 6-8 weeks of age. The adenovirus vaccination is considered a core vaccine for all puppies and is part of the canine distemper/adenovirus/parvovirus combination vaccine.
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