Veterinary Guide to Canine Reovirus Infections 2025 🩺🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🧬 What Is Reovirus?

Reoviruses are non-enveloped double-stranded RNA viruses in the Orthoreovirus genus, common in mammals, including dogs. Most canine cases are asymptomatic, but the virus can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) and upper respiratory tracts.

👥 Who’s at Risk?

• Puppies and immunocompromised dogs—more likely to show symptoms.
• Outdoor dogs and kennel populations—higher exposure risk.
• Adult dogs—often seropositive antibodies suggest widespread exposure, frequently without symptoms.

⚠️ Clinical Signs

• Diarrhea—usually mild and transient.
• Upper respiratory signs—rhinitis, conjunctivitis, sneezing.
• Inflammation of the nose and eyes; mild fever and lethargy are possible.
• Rare complications include pneumonia, encephalitis in severely affected dogs.

🌡️ How Does It Spread?

Transmission occurs via ingestion of infected feces or inhalation of airborne droplets. Reovirus is widespread—seropositivity in dogs ranges between 14–63%, increasing with age and outdoor exposure.

🔍 Diagnostic Approach

1. History & exam: Check for diarrhea, sneezing, watery eyes, kennel exposure.
2. Physical exam: Evaluate hydration, nasal/ocular discharge, and respiratory effort.
3. Diagnostics:
   • Fecal viral testing to detect reovirus RNA or antigens.
   • Bloodwork (CBC/chemistry) to rule out other diseases.
   • Urinalysis—evaluate hydration and exclude concurrent illness.
   • Chest X-rays or neuro exams if complications like pneumonia or encephalitis are suspected.

🛠️ Treatment Strategies

1. Supportive Care (Mainstay)

• Fluid therapy: Oral rehydration for mild cases; IV fluids if severely dehydrated.
• Nutrition: Bland, easily digestible meals (e.g., chicken & rice or GI diet).
• Rest & monitoring: Keep warm, monitor stools and behavior.

2. Symptomatic Relief

• Cough suppressants: For persistent respiratory irritation.
• Eye & nasal care: Saline flushes; antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection develops.
• Analgesics: Mild pain relief if respiratory efforts cause discomfort.

3. Treat Complications Promptly

• Pneumonia: Antibiotics and oxygen therapy if needed.
• Neurological signs: Hospitalization and supportive/neuroprotective care.

📈 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• General outlook: Excellent—most recover in few days to a week.
• Pneumonia/encephalitis cases: Guarded; prompt care improves outcomes.
• Follow-up: Recheck physical exam, hydration, and resolution of signs.
• Repeat chest X-ray: If pneumonia complications.

🏡 Home Care & Prevention

• Isolation: Keep infected dogs away from healthy pets during recovery.
• Hygiene: Disinfect surfaces with virucidal agents, wash hands thoroughly.
• Environmental care: Clean kennels daily, prevent overcrowding.
• No vaccine exists—focus on hygiene and exposure control.

📱 Ask A Vet Telehealth Support

• 📸 Owners share stool or discharge photos for remote triage by Dr Houston.
• 🔔 Receive reminders for hydration, medication, and monitoring schedules.
• 🩺 Video checks assess respiratory effort and appetite.
  

🎓 Case Spotlight: “Max” the Pup

Max, an 8-week-old terrier from a crowded shelter, developed watery diarrhea and sneezing. Physical exam revealed mild dehydration and nasal discharge. Fecal antigen confirmed reovirus. Supportive fluids, bland diet, and isolation led to full recovery in 5 days. Owners used Ask A Vet for remote updates and delivered oral electrolytes and probiotic supplements. Max was back to playful in just one week! 🌟

🔚 Key Takeaways

1. Reovirus infections in dogs are usually mild GI or respiratory illnesses.
2. Signs include diarrhea, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and mild fever.
3. Diagnosis focuses on clinical signs, fecal antigen/PCR, and ruling out other pathogens.
4. Supportive care—including fluids, nutrition, and rest—is the main treatment.
5. Prevention relies on isolation, hygiene, and minimizing exposure—no vaccine is currently available.
6. Ask A Vet telehealth provides caregivers with remote monitoring, medication reminders, diet planning, and home delivery of essentials 📲🐾

Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet. Download the Ask A Vet app today to support your dog through recovery from reovirus—in-clinic diagnostics, remote monitoring, dietary guidance, and medicine delivery from Purrz 🐶📲