Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV)

• Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory disease.
• CPIV is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, otherwise known as kennel cough.
• CPIV is also known as canine influenza virus, greyhound disease, and race flu.
• CPIV is endemic worldwide and belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae.
• CPIV can be first isolated with other pathogens from laboratory dogs with respiratory disease.
• Paramyxoviridae is a family of single-stranded RNA viruses known to cause different types of infections in vertebrates.

Transmission

• CPIV is excreted from the respiratory tract of infected animals for up to 2 weeks post-infection.
• CPIV is usually transmitted through the air (aerosol) and fomites.
• The virus replicates in the nasal mucosa, pharynx, trachea, and bronchi.
• Replication induces moderate lesions and petechial hemorrhages in the lungs.
• The virus spreads rapidly in kennels or shelters where large numbers of dogs are kept together.
• The incubation period for CPIV is 3 to 10 days after infection.
• Viral shedding typically occurs 6 to 8 days after infection.
• Asymptomatic dogs with CPIV can shed the virus.
• Before CPIV vaccines, it could be isolated from up to 50% of dogs with respiratory disease in group housing.

Clinical Signs

• Symptoms of canine parainfluenza varies depending on the dog’s age and any weakened immunity.
• Signs: Persistent cough, fever, nasal discharge, sneezing, eye inflammation, lethargy, loss of appetite.

Diagnosis

• CPIV diagnosis is based on the dog’s medical history, clinical signs, vaccination history, and physical exam.
• Ocular and oral swabs can be submitted for PCR testing to confirm CPIV presence.

Risk Factors

• Common risks include dogs from shelters, rescue centers, breeding kennels, or pet stores.
• Boarding at a kennel or doggie daycare is also a risk.
• Visiting groomers, dog parks, or engaging with other dogs is a risk.
• Dogs that participate in events/competitions are at higher risk.

Treatment

• Some dogs may recover without medication.
• Antibiotics such as cephalosporins, quinolones, chloramphenicol and tetracycline can treat secondary bacterial infections.
• Antiviral medication can be used to suppress the virus.
• Cough suppressants and painkillers may be given for very dry and painful coughs.
• Persistent coughing can cause scarring of lung tissue and long-term problems.

Prevention

• CPIV vaccination is considered noncore (advised in animals at risk).
• Vaccination should start in puppies between 6 and 8 weeks of age.
• Parenteral vaccine should be given every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old.