Current known corona viruses in dogs

Current strains are canine respiratory coronavirus, canine enteric coronavirus, and pantropic canine coronavirus.

Canine respiratory coronavirus is a part of the kennel cough complex and is primarily spread in situations where dogs are in close proximity to each or become exposed to infected surfaces.

Canine enteric virus causes diarrhea. Although a vaccine is available for this strain it is not always recommended on the grounds that infection causes mild symptoms, generally occurs in dogs 6 wks of age and younger, and is typically self-limiting.

Canine pantropic coronavirus leads to lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, bloody stools and sometimes seizures. This strain is primarily found in Europe.

Known Corona Viruses found in cats

There are 2 significant coronavirus strains currently found in cats: feline enteric coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis.

Similar to canine enteric coronavirus, feline enteric coronavirus causes mild diarrhoea in cats.

Feline infectious peritonitis is triggered by infection with a feline coronavirus. There are two forms (wet & dry) both include antibiotic-resistant fever, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. The wet type also shows an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal/chest cavity.

Do you need to worry?

It doesn’t seem like there is any need to worry. The spread of the virus within China has been well controlled. As of 21 February, a total of 5,885 people have been tested, of which 5,876 were confirmed negative and 9 positive. If more cases are confirmed in the UK, it will be announced as soon as possible by the Chief Medical Officer of the affected country. You can see daily updates here.

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