Abstract
The effects of dexamethasone (DEX) were investigated in puppies inoculated with coronavirus (CCV), 5821 strain. In dogs inoculated intraduodenally or intravenously with CCV, and treated with DEX, virus was detected from the stomach, large intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes, while no virus was detectable from the stomach and large intestines without DEX. Dogs which were reared for longer time period after intraduodenal inoculation plus DEX, developed watery diarrhea, and virus was recovered from blood and feces. In cases inoculated intratracheally with CCV, the tonsil, lungs and mesenteric lymph nodes were positive for virus, irrespective of DEX administration. The results suggested that DEX might enhance the CCV infection in the digestive tract of dogs.
