The Corona Virus Family consists of multiple subgroups of viruses that are commonly found in humans as well as other mammals, birds, and reptiles.

This family of viruses often cause respiratory or gastrointestinal disease in our veterinary patients.​

 

Corona virus in Pets

 

Dogs:

Canine respiratory corona virus contributes to canine infectious respiratory disease complex (also known as infectious tracheobronchitis or “Kennel cough”) and enteric corona viruses can cause intestinal infections leading to diarrhea, particularly in younger animals.

We carry a vaccination to protect against this form of corona virus in dogs, which is given twice (two weeks apart) and annually thereafter. Please call to make an appointment.

 

Cats:

Corona virus in cats can initially manifest as an upper respiratory tract infection. Common mutations of corona virus in cats can lead to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a mutated form of feline enteric coronavirus, that results in severe, generally fatal, systemic inflammatory disease. There is currently no regular form of vaccination available to protect against feline coronavirus.

 

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Corona virus in Farm animals

Chickens:

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes a highly contagious viral disease in chickens that is usually manifested as a respiratory condition.

 

Pigs:

Severe outbreaks of enteric coronaviruses, are characterized by acute and rapidly spreading diarrhea, and threaten swine operations worldwide.

 

Bovids (Cattle/sheep/goats etc):

Corona viruses may cause diarrhea in calves, while winter dysentery, with bloody diarrhea, mild respiratory signs, and decreased production is more common in adult cattle.

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COVID-19

This is a new (novel) form of the corona virus. Consequently, no proven vaccination or treatment currently exists to protect against it, or cure those infected. However, trojan efforts are being made in research and development of both, to help protect and treat the human population against it.

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While so far, only sporadic infections have been noted in various animals (including cats) throughout the USA, based on current available data, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has determined that zoonotic transmission between humans and pets is unlikely.

  

COVID-19 Testing is available for your pet

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A SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test can be ordered for your pet after the vet has had a consultation with a public health authority (for example, a state public health veterinarian in the United States) and these three specific criteria are met:​​​

• The pet (especially cats and ferrets) is showing clinical signs consistent with COVID-19.

• The pet has already been tested for more common infections, which a veterinarian has ruled out.

• The pet is living in a household with a human who has COVID-19 or has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. 

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​​Please call us if you are interested in vaccinating your dog against Corona virus or if you, or a household member has previously tested positive for COVID-19 and your cat is now showing signs of upper respiratory disease.

Ph: 424-374-4000