Parainfluenza (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects dogs across the globe. It's terrible, but fortunately, it's completely preventable with regular vaccinations. In today's post, our Somerset vets explain canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), the symptoms, causes, and how to treat it.
What is parainfluenza in dogs?
Parainfluenza is a viral infection that causes respiratory symptoms in dogs. This highly contagious viral lung infection can cause infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as 'kennel cough.'
While similar to canine influenza, parainfluenza requires different treatments and vaccinations. Both illnesses are highly contagious and can be found in places with a high density of dogs, such as dog race tracks, shelters, and kennels.
What are the symptoms of parainfluenza in dogs?
The symptoms of canine parainfluenza virus infections are listed below. The severity or intensity of these symptoms may vary depending on the age of the infected dog and the host's immune system:
- Coughing - This can be either a dry cough or moist and productive (can include blood)
- Low-grade fever
- Discharge from the nose - This can be mucus, pus, or even blood
- Decreased energy
- Decreased appetite
Note that the virus itself can be a component of other canine respiratory diseases, most notably kennel cough, bordetella, and canine adenovirus-2.
What causes parainfluenza in dogs?
Parainfluenza is transmitted through the air dogs breathe and is especially contagious for dogs who live or spend time with other dogs.
The virus can remain in the hair for up to two weeks after the infection has healed.
How is parainfluenza diagnosed?
When you take your pet to the vet, they will need a thorough history from you. The parainfluenza virus spreads easily in places like boarding kennels, grooming salons, and other locations where many dogs gather. It's important to give details about your pets' activities within the last two to four weeks before symptoms first started to appear in your pet.
Your vet will also need to know about your pet's health and vaccination history. Any interactions your pet has had with other dogs could be important in identifying the source of infection, so please provide as much information as possible.
The veterinarian will perform a physical examination, as well as some diagnostics like blood tests, cultures, and testing of fluid and tissue samples. They may also need to use imaging techniques such as radiography (X-ray) to determine whether there are any masses or parasitic involvement. Once all of the testing results have been received and analyzed, a treatment plan will be developed and implemented.
How do you treat parainfluenza in dogs?
Your vet is unlikely to recommend hospitalization unless the situation is dire because of how highly contagious the virus is to other canines. Instead of hospitalization, your veterinarian may make management recommendations, which will most likely include the following:
- Recommendations for healthy eating, hygiene, and nursing care
- Recommendations for corrective action for any environmental factors suspected of being contributors
- Cough suppressants containing codeine derivatives should be used only for long-term, ineffective cough relief.
- Severe chronic cases may necessitate antibiotics such as cephalosporins, quinolones, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline; the appropriate antibiotic medication will most likely be chosen based on the results of the cultures taken and analyzed.
- Some treatment options may include bronchodilator pretreatment followed by aerosolization treatments.
Is there a vaccine for parainfluenza in dogs?
Yes, there is. At Midway Veterinary Hospital, we give dogs the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccine between six to eight weeks of age. Then, we give boosters between ten to 12 weeks old, 14 to16 weeks old, and 12 months to 16 months old. After that, it is highly recommended to schedule your dog's annual vaccinations and routine exams to protect them from parainfluenza and a host of other diseases, too.