What is Parvo ?

ParvoVirus in Dogs- Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

 

 

What is Parvo?

 

Canine Parvovirus (CPV), also commonly known as Parvo, is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects dogs, although it’s thought to have originated from cats. The virus was first identified in 1978 and spread throughout the world two years later. It’s very similar to feline panleukopenia, which is also a parvovirus.

Because the canine parvovirus is highly contagious, it can spread from dog to dog either directly or indirectly through contact with their feces. Dogs that become ill due to the virus as often said to have “Parvo.” The virus manifests itself in two forms, with the intestinal form being more common. The less common form, which is cardiac, mainly affects the heart muscles of young puppies and often leads to death. Vaccines can prevent infection caused by this virus, but mortality can reach up to 91% in untreated cases.

 

In the recent past years, canine parvovirus infections have reduced drastically due to early vaccinations of young puppies. Treatment of the infection often involves veterinary hospitalization. Other mammals may be infected with the virus, but humans are immune to it.

 

Forms of Canine Parvovirus

 

There are two forms of canine parvovirus: intestinal and cardiac forms. The intestinal form of the virus affects the animal’s ability to absorb nutrients resulting, to dehydration and weakness from lack of proteins and fluid absorption. In this form, dogs become infected through oral contact with feces, infected soil, and fomites that have the virus.

 

The cardiac form is much less common and affects puppies that have been infected in the uterus or shortly after birth up until 8 weeks of birth. The CPV virus affects the heart muscles, causing the puppy to die suddenly or after a short period of time due to pulmonary edema. The form has become less common in the past few years due to widespread vaccination of breeding dogs.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Canine Parvovirus

 

Parvovirus generally incubates for about five to ten days. This means that after the said days, the exposed dog will begin to show symptoms of infection. Signs and symptoms may vary from dog to dog for various reasons but in most cases, dogs that have contracted the virus are extremely lethargic, develop fever, begin vomiting, diarrhea (diarrhea is usually bloody), and become anorexic. Diarrhea and vomiting may cause severe dehydration that may affect the electrolyte balance, thus affecting the dog seriously. A compromise of the intestinal lining may lead to a leak of blood and protein into the intestines, leading to anemia and protein loss. Secondary infections often occur as a result of a weakened immune system where the dog becomes weak and emit a distinctive odor. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes may become noticeably red and the heart may beat rapidly.

 

Most deaths from parvovirus usually occur within 48 to72 hours following the onset of the signs and symptoms. Therefore, should your dog or puppy show the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

 

How is Parvovirus Transmitted?

 

The Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by people, animals, or any object that comes into contact with infected dog feces. The virus is highly resistant and may survive for months on inanimate objects such as clothes, food bowls, carpets, shoes, or even floors. Unvaccinated dogs can easily contract the virus from the streets.

 

Parvovirus Diagnosis

 

The virus is usually diagnosed by a physical examination, urine analysis, biochemical tests, abdominal ultrasounds, and abdominal radiographs. Complete blood cell count and chemical blood profile are also performed.

 

Usually, low white blood cells level is indicative of the parvo infection. Urine analysis and biochemical tests may reveal electrolyte imbalance, liver enzymes, and lymphopenia. An abdominal ultrasound may show enlarged lymph nodes in the groin and in the rest of the body as well as fluid-filled intestinal segments while an abdominal radiograph may imaging may reveal intestinal obstruction.

 

Parvo Treatment

 

There is no real cure for the disease as it’s viral. Treatment is usually focused on curing the symptoms and preventing secondary bacterial infections, mostly in a hospital environment. Intravenous therapy and nutrition therapy are administered to maintain the dog’s normal body fluid after diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. The protein and electrolyte levels are also monitored and regulated as required.

 

As for medications, H2 Blockers are used to reduce nausea. Antibiotics are used to treat infections and anthelmintics to fight parasites. Antiemetics are used to curb vomiting.

 

Usually, the survival rate of dogs is 70%, although death may result from severe dehydration, bacterial infection, severe intestinal hemorrhage, or due to bacterial toxins in the blood. The survival rate for puppies is usually lower since their immune system is usually undeveloped. Commonly, infected puppies suffer shock and quick deaths. Also, older dogs or immune-compromised dogs have a lesser chance of survival and may not withstand some treatments.

 

Parvo Prevention

 

As they say, “Prevention is better than cure.” Because the disease is extremely contagious and virulent, prevention is the only way to ensure that a dog or puppy is not infected. The right vaccination protocol should be followed. Puppies should be vaccinated at six, nine, and twelve weeks. During the vaccination period, they should not be socialized with other dogs until two weeks after their last vaccination.

 

Good hygiene is also crucial. It’s important to decontaminate the parvo infected areas to prevent it from spreading. Household bleach is one of the best disinfectants that kill the virus.

 

Dog Breeds Commonly Affected by Parvo

 

While puppies and dogs that have not been vaccinated are at a greater risk of contracting the virus, various dog breeds are more susceptible. They include Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, German shepherds, and American Staffordshire terriers.

 

When to See a Veterinarian

Should your dog or puppy start experiencing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, or weakness, contact your vet immediately. Chances are that it could be infected with the parvovirus.

 

 

Normally, the affected dogs will return to its normal function once they start showing signs of improvement. However, it’s important to note that the dogs will still be a risk to other dogs for at least two months after the initial treatment. It’s therefore important to isolate them during this period.

 

Otherwise, Parvo is a deadly disease that can kill a dog or puppy in a matter of days. Therefore, regular vaccination and early treatment are important to ensure good health. Be sure to decontaminate all potentially infected areas to eliminate the destructive virus.

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