Everyone has heard about “Parvo” and the devastating effect that this virus has had on breeders and pet owners alike. Parvo does not discriminate, it affects both mix breed dogs and pure breed dogs, and is life threatening to both sets of animals.
Parvoviral enteritis as it is formally known is a severe gastrointestinal condition caused by a virus. This virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. This means that your new puppy has the potential of contracting this virus if it ingests, licks or sniffs faeces from an infected animal.
The virus works by affecting the rapidly-dividing cells of the dog which include the cells of the stomach, bone marrow and intestine. With the destruction of these cells that lining of the intestine there is reduced nutrient and fluid absorption by the puppy. The main signs observed by owners include bloody foul smelling diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite and vomiting. These signs can be fatal in puppies that do not receive proper intensive treatment.
The viral particles which are in faeces (stool) are present for several days before you see the signs of the virus and can continue for about 2wks after the puppy has recovered. The virus can live in the environment for a long period (months) so for this reason it is very important that any kennels, cages, blankets, food and water bowls and any area that could have been exposed to the virus be thoroughly disinfected. Diluted bleach can be used by mixing 1 part bleach to 20 parts water to destroy the virus.
There is no treatment that is able to directly kill the virus. Treatment involves treating the signs produced by the virus with dehydration being of greatest importance. With intensive care dogs with severe symptoms can survive. These dogs generally do not have permanent damage and are almost always immune to the virus for the rest of their lives. Fluids and antibiotics are the main drugs used in treatment by fighting the dehydration and invading opportunistic bacteria respectively. In severe cases intravenous fluids (IV) are required to prevent dehydration which can lead to shock. Food is generally not given until the vomiting has ceased. When vomiting has stopped for 12-24hrs a small amount of water and a bland easily digestible food (available at veterinary clinics) can be offered. The water and food is gradually increased until the puppy is eating normally again.
To prevent this horrible disease you must have all puppies vaccinated, you must not allow unvaccinated puppies to enter areas where they can come into contact with stool from other dogs (E.g. parks, sidewalk, kennels) and you must never assume that your vaccinated puppy cannot contract the virus (although the chances are small). If you observe any of the signs stated above you must take the dog to the veterinarian immediately. The secret to successfully fighting this disease is early consistent treatment.
Recovery from this disease is possible but it takes a combined effort from the veterinarian, puppy and most importantly the owner. Although dogs that recover from parvo are mostly immune it is very important for your dog to get his/her booster vaccinations regularly for parvo and other infectious diseases of dog.
Parvoviral enteritis as it is formally known is a severe gastrointestinal condition caused by a virus. This virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. This means that your new puppy has the potential of contracting this virus if it ingests, licks or sniffs faeces from an infected animal.
The virus works by affecting the rapidly-dividing cells of the dog which include the cells of the stomach, bone marrow and intestine. With the destruction of these cells that lining of the intestine there is reduced nutrient and fluid absorption by the puppy. The main signs observed by owners include bloody foul smelling diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite and vomiting. These signs can be fatal in puppies that do not receive proper intensive treatment.
The viral particles which are in faeces (stool) are present for several days before you see the signs of the virus and can continue for about 2wks after the puppy has recovered. The virus can live in the environment for a long period (months) so for this reason it is very important that any kennels, cages, blankets, food and water bowls and any area that could have been exposed to the virus be thoroughly disinfected. Diluted bleach can be used by mixing 1 part bleach to 20 parts water to destroy the virus.
There is no treatment that is able to directly kill the virus. Treatment involves treating the signs produced by the virus with dehydration being of greatest importance. With intensive care dogs with severe symptoms can survive. These dogs generally do not have permanent damage and are almost always immune to the virus for the rest of their lives. Fluids and antibiotics are the main drugs used in treatment by fighting the dehydration and invading opportunistic bacteria respectively. In severe cases intravenous fluids (IV) are required to prevent dehydration which can lead to shock. Food is generally not given until the vomiting has ceased. When vomiting has stopped for 12-24hrs a small amount of water and a bland easily digestible food (available at veterinary clinics) can be offered. The water and food is gradually increased until the puppy is eating normally again.
To prevent this horrible disease you must have all puppies vaccinated, you must not allow unvaccinated puppies to enter areas where they can come into contact with stool from other dogs (E.g. parks, sidewalk, kennels) and you must never assume that your vaccinated puppy cannot contract the virus (although the chances are small). If you observe any of the signs stated above you must take the dog to the veterinarian immediately. The secret to successfully fighting this disease is early consistent treatment.
Recovery from this disease is possible but it takes a combined effort from the veterinarian, puppy and most importantly the owner. Although dogs that recover from parvo are mostly immune it is very important for your dog to get his/her booster vaccinations regularly for parvo and other infectious diseases of dog.
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