Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a viral disease which frequently attacks young puppies. It may infect mature dogs as well, but puppies are generally much more susceptible and the disease tends to be more severe in puppies as well.
Parvovirus is extremely contagious from one dog to another and is spread through contact with the feces of an infected dog.
It can be carried on a dog’s hair and feet as well as live on contaminated rugs, bedding, shoes, and other objects, including skin and clothing.
Parvovirus is contagious to dogs only-it does not affect cats or people.
Symptoms Of Parvovirus:
Symptoms include:
- vomiting,
- fever,
- bloody diarrhea with a very foul odor,
- lethargy, and
- loss of appetite.
Dogs that recover from parvovirus are often very weak, making them even more susceptible to other diseases, such as canine distemper.
Dogs which recover from the intestinal signs of the virus may also be attacked by the "heart form" of the parvovirus approximately 3-6 after apparent recovery. This "heart form" results in "myocarditis", an inflammation of the heart muscle, and is always fatal!
Death from parvovirus may result from:
- Dehydration.
- Overwhelming bacterial infection resulting from your dog’s lowered resistance.
- Blood loss from internal hemorrhage.
- Heart damage from invasion of the heart muscle by the virus.
The younger your puppy is when infected, the less the chance of survival.
Diagnosis Of Parvovirus:
Diagnosis is achieved through a thorough physical examination.
Your dog's veterinarian may perform a fecal test which is specific for the organism that causes parvovirus.
A routine blood screen and fecal analysis for parasites may also be required in order to evaluate your dog's over-all physical condition and rule out other diseases which may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment Of Parvovirus:
Treatment is supportive care and is aimed at maintaining the normal body composition and preventing secondary bacterial infection.
It will likely include intensive fluid therapy, medications to control vomiting and possibly antibiotics.
Other therapies, such as Tamiflu have been used, but remain controversial.
Your dog's veterinarian will determine the course of treatment which will give your dog the best chance of survival, based on your dog's individual symptoms and physical condition.
The body normally is about 80% water. Life is not possible when 12-15 % of the normal body fluids are lost.
With parvovirus, the dog often quickly becomes “dehydrated” from the vomiting, diarrhea, and inability to consume fluids. This is the reason fluid therapy is so important in parvovirus therapy.
Prevention Of Parvovirus:
Prevention of parvovirus can be accomplished through proper vaccination. Your dog's veterinarian will help you establish a vaccination schedule which will help protect your dog from parvovirus.
Dogs remain highly contagious to parvovirus until two weeks after the last injection of the initial puppy vaccination series. You should use caution in taking your puppy to public places, such as dog parks, until your dog is completely protected.
The most effective disinfectant against parvovirus is 4 oz. Clorox in l gallon of water. The entire environment should be thoroughly disinfected if there have been animals infected with parvovirus present.
Any food dishes, blankets, leashes, collars, etc can either be disinfected or, better yet, replaced with new ones.
People handling puppies infected with parvovirus should take care to wash their hands thoroughly and launder their clothing as the virus can easily be spread on clothing and skin.
Dogs that recover from parvovirus continue to spread the virus in the feces for a month or longer. These dogs are carriers of the disease.
