Does anyone know much about canine herpesvirus? We are thinking about taking a lab puppy from a litter that mostly died within 3 days. 12 pups, only 2 survivors. The very that attended the pups is also our vet, he says the two survivors probably didn't catch it, as when they catch it in utero there's pretty much a 100% mortality rate. He said it's very likely the two survivors didn't get infected. If pups catch it during the birth, from the birth Canal, they show symptoms a couple of weeks later and although the survival rate is higher, most get serious neurological and heart problems. As far as he is aware, the two survivors should have no lasting problems in this case. Anyone any experience of this? And in case anyone is concerned, there is a vaccine. It doesn't last long, so it should be given around the time of mating and then again about half way through the pregnancy. For each litter mum has. That will protect the litter from this nasty germ. There are apparently no significant symptoms in adult dogs so most owners won't know if their dogs have this. I'd heard of fading puppy syndrome, but not canine herpes virus. Neither had the owners, and they are farmers and kennel owners who also kennel dogs for greyhound rescue. So I'm not sure how common it is in the UK.
Re: Canine herpesvirus. Sorry, not heard of this. Herpes virus can lie latent for long periods, and I guess also possibly have no or minimal symptoms at initial infection? I reckon you need good advice from a vet on this one. I wondered if a blood test could be done to show whether asymptomatic transmission has taken place? Unless you know for sure, it could reactivate in the future, and breeding might be a big issue as it is a time when natural immunity in a bitch is low and can facilitate recurrent infection. I think I would be asking for a blood test if I was seriously considering taking on a pup from the litter. Someone else might know more, and your vet surely will.
Re: Canine herpesvirus. I agree with Jacqui about getting blood tests done before proceeding to be on the safe side
