Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can infect both humans and animals. In dogs, two main types of adenoviruses are of particular concern: Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1) and Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2). These viruses, while related, have different effects on dogs and require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the distinctions between CAV-1 and CAV-2 is crucial for veterinarians and pet owners alike to ensure proper care and management of infected animals.

Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1) vs Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2)

CAV-1: Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH)

CAV-1 is the causative agent of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), a severe and sometimes fatal disease that affects the liver, kidneys, eyes, and the lining of blood vessels. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through bodily fluids, including urine, feces, and saliva.

Clinical Symptoms of CAV-1

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin, gums, and eyes due to liver damage.

Fever: Elevated body temperature as the dog’s immune system fights the virus.

Abdominal Pain: Dogs may exhibit signs of discomfort or pain in the abdominal area.

Bleeding Disorders: Due to the virus’s effect on blood vessels, some dogs may experience spontaneous bleeding or bruising.

Corneal Edema (“Blue Eye”): Swelling of the cornea, leading to a bluish appearance in the eyes.

CAV-2: Respiratory Disease and Kennel Cough

CAV-2, on the other hand, primarily affects the respiratory system and is a common cause of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough. While CAV-2 is less severe than CAV-1, it is highly contagious and can spread quickly in environments where dogs are in close contact, such as kennels and shelters.

Clinical Symptoms of CAV-2

Coughing: A dry, hacking cough is the most common symptom of CAV-2 infection.

Nasal Discharge: Dogs may have a clear or purulent discharge from the nose.

Sneezing: Frequent sneezing is another indicator of respiratory infection.

Mild Fever: Some dogs may exhibit a slight increase in body temperature.

Lethargy: Affected dogs may show signs of tiredness and decreased activity levels.

Transmission and Contagion

Both CAV-1 and CAV-2 are highly contagious, but they spread in different ways. CAV-1 is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated urine, feces, or saliva, and can remain infectious in the environment for weeks or even months. CAV-2 is spread through respiratory secretions, such as when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. Both viruses can be prevented through vaccination, with the CAV-2 vaccine providing cross-protection against CAV-1 as well.

How to Test for Adenovirus Type 2 in Dogs？

Accurate diagnosis of CAV-2 is essential for effective treatment and for preventing the spread of the virus. Testing typically involves detecting viral antigens or antibodies in the dog’s body.

Common Testing Methods

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A laboratory technique that amplifies viral DNA from a sample, such as a nasal swab. PCR is highly accurate but requires specialized equipment and can be time-consuming.

Serology: This method detects antibodies against CAV-2 in the dog’s blood, though it may not be useful in the early stages of infection when antibodies have not yet formed.

Antigen Rapid Test: Rapid tests detect viral antigens in a sample, such as nasal or throat swabs, and provide results quickly. These tests are convenient and can be used in both clinical settings and at home.

Canine Adenovirus II Antigen Rapid Test

Antigenne has developed a highly effective Canine Adenovirus II Antigen Rapid Test that allows for quick and accurate detection of CAV-2. This test with advanced immunochromatographic technology to provide results within 10 minutes, making it an invaluable tool for veterinarians and pet owners.

Product Features

Immunochromatographic Technology: This technology ensures high sensitivity and specificity by detecting the presence of CAV-2 antigens in a sample. It uses antibodies that bind specifically to CAV-2 antigens, ensuring accurate detection.

Rapid Results: The test delivers results in just 10 minutes, allowing for immediate decision-making regarding treatment and isolation.

Ease of Use: The test is designed to be user-friendly, requiring only basic sample collection and application. The clear instructions make it suitable for use in veterinary clinics as well as at home by trained pet owners.

Minimally Invasive: The test requires a simple nasal or throat swab, making it less stressful for the dog compared to more invasive procedures.

Portability: The test kit is compact and portable, making it ideal for use in the field, especially in situations where immediate testing is required, such as in kennels or dog shows.

Testing Methodology

Using Antigenne’s Canine Adenovirus II Antigen Rapid Test involves several straightforward steps:

Sample Collection: A nasal or throat swab is collected from the dog. This sample is then placed in a buffer solution included in the test kit.

Application: The sample-buffer mixture is applied to the test cassette, which contains the immunochromatographic strip.

Waiting Time: The test takes about 10 minutes to develop, during which the sample moves across the strip, allowing the antibodies in the test to bind to any CAV-2 antigens present.

Result Interpretation: The test results are displayed as lines on the cassette. A positive result indicates the presence of CAV-2 antigens, confirming the infection.

Test Precautions and Result Reading

Precautions:

Proper Sample Collection: It is crucial to collect the sample correctly to avoid contamination or insufficient sampling, which could lead to false negatives.

Environmental Control: Perform the test in a clean environment to prevent contamination.

Storage Conditions: Store the test kits according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically in a cool, dry place, to ensure the reagents remain effective.

Test Results

Positive Result: Two lines appear on the test strip, one at the test line (T) and one at the control line (C), indicating the presence of CAV-2 antigens.

Negative Result: Only one line appears at the control line (C), indicating no detectable CAV-2 antigens in the sample.

Invalid Result: If no line appears at the control line (C), the test is invalid, possibly due to improper application or expired reagents, and should be repeated with a new test kit.

Knowing the differences between Canine Adenovirus Type 1 and Type 2 is crucial for effective disease management in dogs. While CAV-1 causes severe liver disease, CAV-2 is a major contributor to respiratory infections. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of CAV-2 is essential for proper treatment and prevention of the virus’s spread. Antigenne’s Canine Adenovirus II Antigen Rapid Test provides a reliable, quick, and user-friendly solution for diagnosing CAV-2, enabling veterinarians and pet owners to take immediate action to protect the health of dogs. With its advanced immunochromatographic technology and ease of use, this test is a valuable tool in the fight against canine respiratory diseases.

For more information on purchasing the Canine Adenovirus II Antigen Rapid Test, please visit our website or contact our customer service team. Ensure your pet’s health with Antigenne’s advanced diagnostic solutions.