Parvovirus

A fatal disease caused by the canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) virus. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and immune system of puppies and dogs. It can also attack the heart of very young puppies.

CPV-2 is highly contagious. It is spread through direct contact with infected dogs or infected feces. It is easy to carry on hand, food, belt, shoes, etc. The virus itself is hardy. It is very stable in the environment and can survive for over a year under the right conditions (away from sunlight and appropriate disinfectants).

While up to 85 to 90 percent of therapy dogs survive, the disease requires extensive supportive patient care and is expensive to treat. In untreated dogs, mortality can exceed 90%.

Parvovirus is not contagious to humans. Parvovirus is easily spread among dogs through saliva and feces, so dogs must be prevented from being exposed to pathogens.

Symptoms and treatment of parvovirus infection:

1. Drowsiness (tiredness)

2. Loss of appetite

3. Fever

4. Vomiting

5. Severe diarrhea (usually bloody)

Unfortunately, these signs can be confused (especially at the onset of infection) with simple gastroenteritis, often resulting in delayed treatment until the dog is devastatingly dehydrated. Meanwhile, other dogs in the home may have become infected.

The severity of parvovirus infections varies widely. In many cases, especially in very young puppies, death may occur within two to three days.

In some particularly severe cases, intestinal obstruction may occur due to increased intestinal motility during the disease process. This obstruction, called intussusception, occurs when the intestine "telescops" into itself. This in itself is life-threatening.

Treatment:

Fluids or medications to reduce vomiting and diarrhea, and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. In cases of intussusception, surgery is required.

ParvoPrevention:

Due to the prevalence of the disease and its severity, the CPV-2 vaccine is considered a core (essential) vaccine by organized veterinarians, meaning that all dogs should be protected against Invasion of this disease. Vaccination is safe and effective in preventing diseases associated with CPV-2 infection. The CPV-2 vaccine is usually given as a combination vaccine that also protects against other serious diseases, such as canine distemper and canine adenovirus-2.

In general, all puppies should receive at least three doses between 6 and 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster vaccine one year after the last dose. Thereafter, booster vaccinations are administered every one to three years.

Infected dogs should be isolated from other dogs until they recover and are no longer transmitting the virus. should be usedDisinfect environments, bowls, etc. with a dilute bleach solution to kill viruses.

All puppies should be kept away from other dogs, dog parks, groomers and pet stores until the puppy vaccination series is completed. Socialization with other dogs should be limited to healthy dogs whose vaccination status is known.

Parvovirus is a disease that is easily transmitted from childhood to adulthood