Page 110 - JRT Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

Science

Thus, if a male dog that has never developed
antibodies to CHV1 mates a bitch that is in the
active stage of virus multiplication, that male, in
case he becomes infected (which is not always the
case), can pass the virus on during the next 2 to
3 weeks. If a male dog that has previously been
infected by CHV1 mates a bitch that is in the active
stage of virus multiplication, the virus can be spread
by the male only during the next 2 to 3 days.

If a bitch, which has never developed antibodies
to CHV1, is mated to a male that is in the active
stage of a CHV1-infection, and thus might spread
the virus, this bitch, if infected, will develop a high
level of antibodies within 2 to 3 weeks, i.e., in good 2 to 3 days after showing the first symptoms.
time before the whelping. The puppies, therefore, Raising an infected litter in temperatures greater
will be protected from being infected with CHV1 than 35C (95F) used to be recommended
because the bitch by that time has produced but that advice is now outdated as it causes
enough antibodies in the colostrum. discomfort to the female and has not been
proven effective.

Problems mainly occur when a pregnant bitch Since there is no medical cure for CHV1, it is
that does not have antibodies to CHV1 is infected
during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy, because the
level of antibodies in the colostrum may not have best to try and prevent introduction of the virus
risen enough to protect the puppies from infection. to pregnant females during the critical period
Similarly, puppies that have not received adequate prior to and after whelping. For the last three
antibodies in the colostrum and are infected during weeks of gestation, pregnant females should
the first 3 weeks after birth are likely to develop be protected from exposure either by a physical
fatal disease. These two periods of increased risk separation from other dogs in the family/kennel
for disease from the CHV1 are commonly called that are continuing to attend shows/events or by
‘the 6 critical weeks’. refraining from attending those events during the
risk period, which is 3 weeks before and 3 weeks
A bitch that has had a litter of puppies dying from after whelping.
CHV1 will usually have unaffected litters in the
future. Stress is a strong contributing factor in activating
a latent CHV1 infection, and so try to minimize
In cases of puppy deaths from CHV1, the stress to dogs. Bitches that are out on breeding
diagnosis can be made by performing a simple terms should be brought to the kennel in good
necropsy and looking at the internal organs of the time, at least 2 to 3 weeks before whelping, so
puppy. CHV1-infected organs typically have a that they can adapt to the environment and to
speckled appearance, with small red-grey areas of allow their immune system to do its job in the new
hemorrhage and dead tissue (necrosis). Diagnosing surroundings.
CHV1 in adult dogs is done by analysing the level
of antibodies in a blood sample. To avoid problems from CHV1, one strategy is
to test all the dogs and bitches in the kennel for
CHV1 is a virus and treating the infected puppies antibodies to CHV1 to identify those that have
with antibiotics is, therefore, not an option. a titer, and especially to identify those that have
Some attempts have been made to use antiviral not already encountered the virus and, thus, are
medications, but with no well documented effects. vulnerable to infection and at risk for puppy deaths.
CHV1-infected puppies usually succumb within If the test shows that all the dogs have antibodies

110 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Jack Russell Terrier / Russell Terrier • Issue 2/2023