CCV is highly contagious and spreads rapidly. It is maintained in the population due to inapparent infections or persistent infections. CCV does not affect the crypt cells as do other viruses. Only domestic dogs are known to be susceptible to disease, and no age predisposition exists. It is difficult to distinguish coronavirus enteritis from other causes of disease.
Clinical signs vary greatly among patients, and infection can occur in any breed, sex, and age.
Recovery from clinical signs usually occurs within 8 to 10 days and there is a low mortality rate. In young pups the enteritis may be fatal due to severe dehydration or concurrent infections. Dogs orally infected with CCV become immune. Pathogenisis Transmission of CCV occurs by the fecal oral route. The incubation period is 1 to 3 days.