Detection of viral particles in feces of young dogs and their relationship with clinical signs

Abstract

Gross and light microscopic studies of 100 stool specimens of young dogs were carried out. Viral particles were detected in 31% of the analized samples using negative contrast electron microscopic diagnostic technique. Parvo-like virus, corona-like virus and other non-identified particles were observed in 17%, 7% and 2% of the samples, respectively. Parvo-like and corona-like viruses were found together in 5% of the samples. More than half (58.82%) of the positive parvo-like virus specimens were from dogs aged between 6 weeks and 6 months. 42.85% of the corona-like virus positive samples were detected in dogs between 6 weeks and 6 months and a similar percentage was found in dogs older than six months of age. Dual infections with parvo-like and corona-like viruses were observed in 5% of the samples. Unidentified virus-like particles were found in two specimens. 80.63% of the samples containing viral particles were obtained from dogs with diarrhea.