There's an emerging disease sickening and killing dogs in Ohio, and a lot of veterinarians, animal shelters, rescue groups and people with dogs are both confused and scared. What's going on?
What causes the disease?
As of today, the cause of the disease is not known. A pathogen called circovirus, originally identified in California in 2012, has been found in stool samples from some affected dogs in Ohio, but is not generally believed to the cause, or at least, not the sole cause of the symptoms.
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
Symptoms are serious, sometimes life-threatening, and include vomiting, diarrhea that may become bloody, fluid retention in the belly (ascites), a build-up of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), blood loss leading to shock and other bleeding problems, including bleeding of the internal organs.
Where can recent and reliable information be obtained?
This disease has captured a lot of media attention, particularly in and near Ohio, where the current cases were discovered. However, much of this coverage is incomplete or inaccurate.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has published a "Frequently Asked Questions" document for dog owners, and another for veterinarians. Both are available on their website, and are being updated as new information emerges.
Circovirus Infections in Dogs: Guidance for Veterinarians
VIN: Veterinarians skeptical canine circovirus alone is sickening dogs