Electron microscopic identification and subsequent isolation of a rotavirus from a dog with fatal neonatal diarrhea

Negative contrast electron microscopic examination of intestinal contents from a 3-day-old pup with fatal diarrhea exhibited numerous rotavirus-like particles. Rotavirus was subsequently recovered, using MDCK cells, and was carried through 11 sub-passages; rotavirus-like particles were identified in each passage by negative contrast electron microscopic examination. Experimental inoculation of two 6-month-old Beagle dogs with purified intestinal contents did not result in clinical signs or virus shedding.