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welping bitch

what is herpies virus in a welping bitch can she pass it on to the pups

Symptoms: Pregnancy Related

•   Shadow De La Luna says:

  January 13th, 2009 at 11:09 PM

  Herpes Virus in a whelping bitch is rarely contagious to the puppies unless she was infected in either the first three or last three weeks of her pregnancy.  If she was infected prior to or in the middle of her pregnancy, she will still have the necessary antibodies to pass onto her pups and protect them from the virus. If she was exposed in those six dangerous exposure weeks, there is a chance the pups will die because of it.  That does not limit the bitch from having subsequent litter and due to her current exposure, she most likely will have high enough titers to ensure not affecting the next litters.  Herpes is rather common, sadly.  And, as with human Herpes virus, it is for life with no 100 percent treatment available.  If your bitch delivers pups and you suspect they may be infected, try to keep them warm since the Herpes virus requires low temperatures to survive. Antibodies from another dog or even perhaps antiviral injections/medications could also benefit.  Death occurs quickly in infected pups, so pay close attention. There are several herbal treatments as well as Folic Acid which helps recovering females.  In Europe there is also a vaccine, but it is not tested nor legal in the United States or Canada as of yet . I wish you the best of luck.  Please feel free to ask any other questions. 

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