Ophthalmic manifestations of herpes virus infection in dogs

This article describes the main aspects of the epizootology and pathogenesis of Cahv-1 (canine herpesvirus), also, the clinical forms of manifestations of pathology in dogs of different ages and physiological status are described. Particular attention is paid to ocular pathologies developing at Cahv-1, such as herpetic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, ulcerative and stromal keratitis. The features of the diagnosis and differentiation of these pathologies are described. The systematic and local medicines used by us in the practice of treating dogs with herpetic eye, the principles and algorithms of their prescription are presented. The difficulties of diagnostics Cahv-1 are described, and the reasons for frequent false-negative results during PCR explained in the article. Besides additional laboratory verification methods for Cahv-1 as well as methods of prevention of herpetic infection of dogs are indicated.

Seroprevalence of Canine Herpesvirus-1 in Breeding Dogs with or Without Vaccination in Northwest Italy

Canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1) can cause abortion and foetal and neonatal deaths in the bitch. The reactivation of latent infections with asymptomatic virus shedding represents a mechanism, whereby the virus can persist in a dog population. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of CHV-1 in a population of breeding dogs in Piedmont, Northern Italy, and to investigate the distribution of herpesvirus vaccination. The study was carried out in 370 animals that were housed in 33 breeding kennels. Antibodies against CHV-1 in serum samples were measured by means of serum neutralization. Vaccination had been performed in 21.2% of the kennels and 8.4% of the dogs. The overall seroprevalence of CHV-1 was 50.3%. In ten kennels (30.3%), no seropositive dogs were identified. The percentage of seropositive dogs ranged from 7.1% to 100% in positive kennels. More than 40% of the seropositive dogs showed high titres. Sex had no significant effect on either seroprevalence or the category of the serum titre. The number of positive animals was significantly lower in the groups of prepuberal bitches and animals younger than 1.5 years. The majority of younger animals showed very high titres, suggesting recent contact with the virus. Our data show that CHV-1 is a common infection in breeding dogs in Piedmont. Vaccination is rarely performed but might be an option, because, although many animals of breeding age already show high antibody titres, seronegative pregnant bitches will be at high risk of contracting the infection due to viral circulation in kennels where the virus is enzootic.

Detection of Canine herpesvirus 1 in the breeding kennel and farm dogs by Real-time PCR

Background: Canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) is known as a causal agent of death in newborn puppies and fertility problems in adults with a widespread distribution. There has been an increasing concern among dog breeders in Iran regarding CHV-1. This study is the first molecular detection of CHV-1 in breeding kennels and farm dogs in Iran using real-time PCR and investigation of various predisposing factors. Results: A total of 63 vaginal samples collected from 47 breeding kennels and 16 farm dogs were evaluated. In general, 21 out of 63 (33.3%) of vaginal samples were CHV-1-positive. The percentage of infection was higher in farm dogs, which was statistically significant. There was no significant association regarding other probable predisposing factors, including age, breed, pregnancy, and reproductive disorders. Conclusions: Considering the results of this study, CHV-1 is common in farm and breeding kennels and could pose a threat. Further studies are required to better understanding the distribution of the virus within Iran to advise dog breeders to more appropriate measures for management of CHV-1.

Cranioschisis and Anencephaly in a Dog - challenging etiology

Background: Congenital anomalies involve changes that may occur in the central nervous system during the period from gestation until birth. The present study reports a case of cranioschisis and anencephaly in a dog and aims to discuss the possible etiologies of these malformations in dogs.Case: A pinscher bitch was referred to a private veterinary clinic in the city of Muriaé - MG, for routine consultation and gestational diagnosis, which was carried out by ultrasound on the 39th day. Routine care was extended until delivery, and clinical and complementary examinations were performed to assess the health of the female dog and that of the fetuses. Vital parameters and morphological characteristics showed that all fetuses had present cardiac activity, correctly formed bone skeleton, definition of the head, trunk and limbs, presence of fetal movements, definition of the hepatic region and hepatic parenchyma typically hypoechoic, hyperechoic pulmonary parenchyma, and visualization of the stomach and bladder. The delivery lasted two hours, and three female puppies were born. A macroscopically significant cranial alteration was observed in the second pup; it was located in the middle line of the skull unprotected by skin. The placenta was dark in color. The puppy’s respiratory activity was present, but with dyspnea, body movements were limited and presented hypothermia. In the first 24 h, the female puppy was fed homemade milk compound through a syringe because of difficulty in performing the suction movement. Delay in urination and defecation were also observed in relation to the other neonates. Before completing the first 48 hours of birth, this newborn died, and his cadaver was submitted for necropsy. The necropsy procedure identified the presence of acrania (partial absence of the bones of the skull), aplasia of the skin of the eyes, meningoencephalocele demonstrating that the meningeal formed an external pocket, and partial anencephaly and exencephaly (brain outside the cranial cavity). Subsequently, organ samples were sent for evaluation by means of qualitative PCR for canine herpesvirus and the result was negative.Discussion: Anencephaly is a result of erroneous closure of the neural sulcus, causing partial formation or no formation of the brain. The etiology ranges from environmental factors or teratogenic effects such as radiation, viruses, toxic substances, maternal diseases, maternal genotype, enzymatic activity, and fetal susceptibility. CaHV-1 type 1 canine herpesvirus has been reported to cause abortion, fetal mummification, stillbirth, the birth of weak pups, or neonatal death. The anomalies involving cranial and encephalic malformation have a multifactorial etiology, which made it difficult to identify the actual cause that led the pup to present the reported characteristics. Despite the negative result of the PCR test, Canine herpesvirus (CaHV-1 type 1), as well as the use of some drugs during pregnancy, are major causes of this disease.