Pathogenesis and clinical signs:
CAV 2 causes necrosis of the respiratory tract. It is characterised by fever, mild depression and nasal or ocular discharges; corneal opacity is sometimes seen. Animals develop a dry, harsh and persistent cough, with some signs of pneumonia but no hepatitis. Lung lesions may be exacerbated by concurrent bacterial proliferation, e.g. B.bronchiseptica, P.multocida, Streptococci.

Immunity and epidemiology:
Infection spreads readily between unvaccinated dogs, e.g. in stray dog kennels via direct and indirect contact.

Diagnosis:
Virus isolation from respiratory secretions early on in the disease.