Canine Adenovirus (CAV): Diagnosis & Testing
Canine adenovirus antibody measurement supports assessment of vaccine-induced immunity against infectious canine hepatitis and respiratory disease. Point-of-care quantitative antibody testing gives an instrument-read titre instead of a subjective line, which can help evaluate vaccination response.
Fact Table
| Species | Canine |
|---|---|
| Biomarkers | Canine Adenovirus (CAV) |
| Tests |
Clinical Context
Canine adenovirus antibody measurement supports assessment of vaccine-induced immunity against infectious canine hepatitis and respiratory disease. Point-of-care quantitative antibody testing gives an instrument-read titre instead of a subjective line, which can help evaluate vaccination response.
Interpretation should combine the quantitative result with the patient's signalment, history, clinical signs, vaccination or treatment history where relevant, and any other laboratory findings. A single value is rarely diagnostic on its own; serial measurements often provide more useful information.
Related Biomarkers
Related Test Kits
Related Articles
- Dog Infectious Disease Testing: Parvo, Distemper, Corona A guide to canine infectious disease testing: parvo, distemper, coronavirus, adenovirus, Leishmania and Toxoplasma — when to test.
- Antigen vs Antibody Tests in Pets: Which One Answers Antigen tests detect the pathogen; antibody tests detect the immune response. Here's the two-question framework that prevents the common mistake.
Clinical literature cited in related articles
2026-09-12
MEDIUM
FAQ
What is the difference between antigen and antibody tests?
An antigen test detects the pathogen (or a part of it) and indicates current infection. An antibody test detects the animal's immune response and indicates past exposure or vaccination. The timing of each is different: antigens appear early in infection, antibodies develop days to weeks later.
What does a positive antibody result mean?
A positive antibody result means the animal has been exposed to the pathogen or vaccinated, not necessarily that it is currently sick. Antibody titers are most useful for confirming vaccine protection and deciding whether revaccination is needed.
Why is CAV antibody testing useful?
Quantitative CAV antibody measurement supports assessment of vaccine-induced immunity against infectious canine hepatitis and respiratory disease, especially when combined with vaccination history and clinical judgement.