Canine astrovirus: Rewiew

Abstract

Viruses in the Astroviridae family are icosahedral, single-stranded RNA, non-enveloped viruses. These viruses infect humans and other animals, such as dogs. The aim of this study was to gather information about canine astrovirus and to alert veterinarians about its occurrence. Dogs under seven weeks of age are more susceptible to infection. Animals may have diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. The diagnosis is made by electron microscopy or by molecular detection of viral particles in feces. The treatment of this disease is supportive and, in most animals, the disease is self-limiting. It is noteworthy that the clinical signs of canine astrovirus are similar to those of other enteric diseases in dogs, such as parvovirus, distemper and canine coronavirus, adenovirus and rotavirus infection. Canine astrovirus should be included in the differential diagnosis of these diseases.