Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that attacks the canine digestive tract and can even cause heart damage in young puppies or puppies still in the womb. It is a potentially deadly disease and is still not fully understood. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it was first discovered in 1978 and occurs worldwide.
Canines of any age are vulnerable to Parvo but it is most often seen in puppies, with those under 3 months of age being the most susceptible. Adult dogs exposed to the virus may not be affected or they may exhibit a milder case. According to peteducation.com Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to the virus than other breeds.
Symptoms
Parvovirus usually attacks the gastrointestinal tract in the form of enteritis. Symptoms include
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Accompanying dehydration
- Fever in some cases
Emergency treatment is imperative once symptoms show as the disease progresses rapidly and death can occur within 2 to 3 days.
How Parvo is Transmitted
Parvo is highly contagious and is spread by direct contact with infected animals or their environment. The virus can be transmitted through fecal material or vomit on clothing, collars, food and water bowls, bedding etc. The virus is resistant to heat, cold, humidity and drying and can survive on objects and in soil for up to 5 months and longer. Moreover, it can hitch a ride on doggy feet or on the bottoms of shoes so thorough cleaning and disinfecting is imperative.
An infected dog may begin to show symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks of the time of exposure. This dog may also become infectious itself even before symptoms show. This means that even a dog who appears healthy can potentially transmit Parvo.
Diagnosis
The veterinarian will evaluate the symptoms but the only way to accurately diagnose Parvo is with blood tests and fecal tests.
Treatment
Treatment must be swift and aggressive. Although there is no drug to kill the virus, supportive therapy may include any or all of the following measures.
- Replacement of fluids lost in vomiting and diarrhea
- Intravenous nutrition
- Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
- Blood transfusions
- Antiserum against endotoxins
- Corticosteroids
- Drugs for nausea
These treatments support the dog’s functions until the immune system can fight off the virus. In spite of prompt and aggressive treatment, some dogs do not survive this serious disease.
Cleaning After Parvo
All areas and items in contact with the infected dog should be scrubbed with a detergent and then thoroughly rinsed with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to a gallon of water). For items that cannot be bleached, an effective cleaning agent can be obtained from the veterinary clinic. Direct sunlight inactivates Parvovirus in outside areas.
Prevention, Vaccination
Puppies get a certain amount of natural immunity from their mother’s milk but this can wear off before their own immune system is sufficiently developed to fight off infection.
Vaccinations are very important in reducing the risk of Parvovirus for puppies, although low levels of immunities from the mother’s milk can sometimes block the effectiveness of the shots. To reduce risk even more, puppies should be kept away from outside animals and environments until they’ve received their entire series of vaccinations. It is very important to work out the most effective vaccination schedule with the veterinarian.
Adding to the problem of preventing Parvovirus, new strains have emerged over the years. More recent strains are not as easily detectable in tests and current vaccinations may not be as effective in protecting against them.
Summary
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that primarily affects puppies. Dog owners should work out the most effective vaccination schedule with a veterinarian and keep an eye out for swift recognition of symptoms and prompt, aggressive treatment should they arise, to provide the greatest chances of survival.
Source:
American Veterinary Medical Association
 |
 |
