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Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) in Dogs
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What is Intestinal Virus (Reovirus)?
The reovirus belongs to the Reoviridae family, which is a small, yet mighty, group of plant and animal viruses. This virus keeps much needed, vital nutrients away from the intestinal wall. Since they cannot be absorbed into the muscles, dehydration and diarrhea occur. This group of viruses, or intestinal viruses, has double strands of RNA, or ribonucleic acid, and can affect most any mammal, including humans. Animals acquire the infection via feces or within the air. Since the virus limits the absorption of nutrients from the intestines, the results are very noticeable sickness in the dog, including symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration. Being situated in the walls of the dog’s intestines, the reovirus destroys the cells within the intestinal wall, thus causing the inflammation and other marked symptoms. This infection is also thought to be possibly associated with the transmission and subsequent infection of kennel cough.
Intestinal virus (reovirus) infection in dogs is a contagious illness caused by a virus from the Reoviridae family, leading to severe stomach and intestinal suffering by the infected dog. The illness commonly manifests with signs of gastrointestinal upset and upper respiratory illness.
Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) Average Cost
From 72 quotes ranging from $200 - $650
Average Cost
$500
Symptoms of Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) in Dogs
The symptoms of reovirus are generally mild to moderate. Symptoms will include:
- Your pet’s eyes may be inflamed and red (conjunctivitis)
- He may suffer from diarrhea, which if becomes severe may cause your pet to become dehydrated
- Signs of pneumonia may be evident
- There could be inflammation of the nasal mucus membranes (rhinitis) which can lead to more dust and microorganisms entering the nose
There are some cases which can be more severe, and in these situations the symptoms can include:
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Irritation of the respiratory tract
- Tracheobronchitis (acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial airways or the trachea)
- Enteritis (inflammation of the intestine which is viral)
Types
The features of this virus are similar; however the virus has been divided into specific genera. There are several types of similar viruses and characteristics. These include:
- Orthoreovirus
- Orbivirus
- Rotavirus
- Phytoreovirus
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Causes of Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) in Dogs
There are a few known causes of dogs acquiring reovirus. Causes include:
- Autoimmune triggers
- Airborne particles of the virus
- Contact with feces or saliva of infected animal
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Diagnosis of Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) in Dogs
There are several differential diagnoses to this illness, and the veterinarian will need to perform several tests to see what the precise diagnosis is. The veterinarian will perform a complete blood count, urinalysis and biochemistry profile. This is all in addition to the physical examination and a review of the dog’s symptoms with the veterinarian. The veterinarian may also test the dog’s feces and a serum antibody response test. He may also conduct virus isolation and a histopathology to differentiate this virus from others, such as canine viral enteritis, infectious tracheobronchitis, and other similar disorders.
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Treatment of Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) in Dogs
There is no vaccine to prevent reovirus; however, scientists are currently developing an effective vaccine. Medications are usually not given for this virus. Hydration and plenty of rest are the only form of treatment recommended at this time. If there are accompanying complications that can be improved with medication, such as conjunctivitis, your veterinarian will treat accordingly in order to obtain a better health condition for your pet. This will also aid in a quicker recovery.
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Recovery of Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) in Dogs
Your veterinarian will give you a management plan to help your dog finish recovering at home. It is important to keep your dog away from other animals, as this virus is contagious. To be cautious, you should isolate your dog until he gets will again. Your physician may recommend keeping your companion away from small children or infants, as it could be contagious to them as well. Once he gets plenty of fluids and gets rest, he should recover from this virus. It is important to keep an eye on him for any other symptoms or, if his condition worsens, contact your veterinarian with questions or concerns.
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Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) Average Cost
From 72 quotes ranging from $200 - $650
Average Cost
$500
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Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
Mixed
2 years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Red Eye, Fever, Yellow Vomitnwith Minimal Rednesss, And Poop With Mijimal Redness
My dog went to the neighbor's garden accidentally and our they scattered fertilizers 2 days ago. When my came back after sniffing nesr the area she doesn't feel well and now wont eat.
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If she is still having problems, it would be a good idea to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Depending on the type of fertilizer, she could need medication or treatment to help her. I hope that she is okay.
Oct. 7, 2020
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Golden Retriever
One Year
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Diarrhea, Blood Shot Red Eyes, Goey Eye Boogrs
He has had Diarrhea for over a week, boogery eyes and they’re very red. His personality is the same he doesn’t act sick. I got him eye drops to help his eyes from a feed store which have helped but I can’t figure his diarrhea out..
Sept. 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that your pet is feeling better. If it isn't getting better, and they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 22, 2020
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Chihuahua
Thirteen Weeks
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Vomiting Pink Liquid
My dog vomited twice last night and has continued to do so all day, my vet is out of the office for the remainder of the day. I did speak with him about the vomiting and have an app. first thing in the morning. After speaking with him she has vomited a pink liquid up, She cannot keep anything down, but is up will get up and walk around for a bit and wag her tail she greeted me at the door when I went home on lunch. I am very worried about the pink vomit. Should I take her to an pet ER?
Sept. 24, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 23, 2020
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Corgi mix
Eight Months
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Diarrhea, Throwing Up, And Red Eyes
My dog started having diarrhea out of nowhere this morning, then threw up and now just realized her eyes are red
Aug. 21, 2020
Owner
Jessica N. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello- Thank you for your question! I’m sorry she is not feeling well.Unfortunately there are many different causes of vomiting and diarrhea in puppies including infectious causes such as parvovirus, G.I. obstruction, parasites, toxin ingestion, or gastroenteritis from something she ate. Without performing an exam and some diagnostics it is hard to say exactly what is going on. Puppies can become dehydrated very quickly when vomiting and having diarrhea so in your case it would be best to take her to a veterinarian so they can run some diagnostics to assess the cause of her GI symptoms and provide IV fluids and medications to help stop the vomiting and diarrhea. I hope she feels better soon.
Aug. 21, 2020
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Chihuahua
About a year
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Eye Swollen And Diarrhea
My dog Bruiser recently pottied on himself and his left eye is now red and swollen. Please help me find a course of action.
Aug. 17, 2020
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello Your pet may have an injury to his cornea or possibly have gotten something in his eye. Continue to monitor him and if it is not improved in a few hours, then take him in to see a veterinarian for an exam. He may need some eye drops. Good luck.
Aug. 17, 2020
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Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) Average Cost
From 72 quotes ranging from $200 - $650
Average Cost
$500
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