Coronaviruses refer to the vast family of viruses that can highly infect both humans and animals. These types of viruses were first identified in the 1960s. They are described as respiratory viruses and got the name 'coronavirus' because of the crown-like spikes on their appearances.
Canine coronaviruses are enveloped and single-stranded RNA viruses that are included in the family of Alphacoronavirus 1. They are said to commonly cause a merely contagious intestinal disease all over the world. The virus can infect its host by holding onto the APN receptor.
What is Canine Coronavirus?
This topic may be intriguing and current due to the pandemic that we are experiencing. It is essential to know that it's not only humans that are being affected by the coronavirus.
PetMD defined canine coronavirus infection as "... a highly contagious intestinal disease that can be found in dogs all around the world. This particular virus is specific to dogs, both wild and domestic."
The same website gives the following description of canine coronaviruses:
"The coronavirus replicates itself inside the small intestine and is limited to the upper two-thirds of the small intestine and local lymph nodes. A CCV infection is generally considered a relatively mild disease with sporadic symptoms or none. But if a CCV infection occurs simultaneously with viral canine parvovirus infection or an infection caused by other intestinal (enteric) pathogens, the consequences can be much more serious. There have been some deaths reported in vulnerable puppies."
The common signs and symptoms of canine coronaviruses include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Dehydration
- Inflammation of the small intestines
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Certain tests are needed to be administered to find out the real cause of an infection. Biochemical examination, as well as a urinalysis, will usually reveal normal physiology. That is why serum tests and antibody measurements may also be needed.
ScienceDirect published a study discussing how canine coronavirus leads to a contagious variable severity among young dogs.
"Constant, continuing evolution of canine coronavirus, through an accumulation of point mutations within the genome and genetic insertions or deletions, leads to the regular emergence of viruses with altered properties, including their tropism and virulence. As with feline coronaviruses, there are two distinct serotypes of the enteric canine coronavirus (I and II), with equivalent biological properties: serotype I canine coronaviruses grow poorly in culture and have an ill-defined receptor, and serotype II canine coronaviruses grow readily in culture and use the APN receptor. Within the serotype II viruses, variant canine coronaviruses have been identified where the N-terminal domain of the spike protein is highly homologous to either transmissible gastroenteritis virus of swine or to serotype I feline/canine coronaviruses. These variant viruses would be expected to have major antigenic differences as compared to prototype serotype II canine coronaviruses."
Today's world can be deemed a place that brings more risk to animals because of the various strains of the virus that are now becoming a threat to them.
A study conducted in 2006 concluded the following:
"The present study describes, for the first time, the occurrence of fatal infections in dogs by coronaviruses. Experimental infection of dogs with the virus isolates resulted in a severe systemic disease that mimicked the clinical symptoms observed in the outbreak. However, the different ages at infection (6 months vs. <2 months) likely resulted in the disease being nonfatal. Accordingly, the appearance of pathogenic CCoV variants should always be regarded as a potential threat to domestic dogs and considered when unexplainable fatal disease outbreaks occur in puppies."
Various studies about SARS diseases revealed that coronaviruses in animals are paramount in comprehending coronaviruses' evolution and ecology in humans. Canine coronaviruses offer a paradigmatic model of the process of how coronaviruses are transmitted among species barriers and how they survive to new host species.
Treatment for Canine Coronaviruses
The majority of adult dogs recover from a canine coronavirus infection on their own without requiring medication. However, when the infection causes inflammation of the intestines, along with blood poisoning, respiratory issues, and blood poisoning, your pet's veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. When dehydration becomes too severe, extra electrolytes and fluids should be given, too. Further monitoring is also advised when medications are given to severe cases.
Now, can CBD Treat Canine Coronaviruses?
According to WebMD, cannabidiol, found in the Cannabis sativa plant, is known to be effective in treating disorders such as seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, Crohn's disease, and other health problems. Some studies backed up the claims of how CBD can help alleviate the effects of the mentioned diseases.
If you're wondering how CBD works on your pets, WebMD gives the following explanation:
"Cannabidiol seems to prevent the breakdown of a chemical in the brain that affects pain, mood, and mental function. Preventing the breakdown of this chemical and increasing its levels in the blood seems to reduce psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia. Cannabidiol might also block some of the psychoactive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Also, cannabidiol seems to reduce pain and anxiety."
This process gives medical experts insight that CBD may also provide promising benefits in treating or preventing canine coronaviruses. This may help alleviate the effects of the infections, as well as the severity of the symptoms.
CBD is proven to have anti-inflammatory properties; thus, it helps in treating inflammation in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and muscle pain.
Full-spectrum CBD is getting popular nowadays in the pet care industry. It is interesting to know that CBD is limited to a single cannabinoid isolate and includes other types of phytocannabinoids. These isolates provide a range of further therapeutic benefits related to absorption and availability.
CBD can be used as a daily treatment to relieve canine coronavirus symptoms, particularly abdominal discomfort and pain. This can also stimulate the pet's appetite and lessen the stress caused by canine coronaviruses' symptoms.
Remember that utilizing CBD for treating your pet is not always equivalent to the medical advice recommended by a professional veterinarian. As a pet owner, you should always refer first to the recommendations of the medical expert.
