The Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and deadly virus that is spread through the feces and enter the body through the mouth among non vaccinated puppies or young dogs that have poor protection against the parvo virus. The virus attacks the rapidly growing cells of the puppy’s intestinal tract, lymph nodes and bone morrow. The virus has an incubation period of 3-7 days before the puppy starts showing signs of illness.
Symptoms to look for in your puppy are
- laying around more
- not wanting to eat
- fever
- vomiting
- bloody diarrhea
Your veterinarian can confirm if your pet has parvo with a thorough complete patient history, physical exam and parvo "snap" test. Hydration status is assessed and treatment is started immediately. Severe cases may require additional blood work to acquire a complete picture before the start of treatment. Blood work maybe repeated through treatment to assess the patient’s recovery.
Puppies diagnosed with parvo are hospitalized in the isolation area for intensive supportive care with IV fluids, antibiotics and anti-nausea medications. Severe cases may require additional treatments such as plasma and/ or blood transfusions. Hospital stay can range from 3-7 days. Everything that the puppy comes in touch with in the hospital and at home has to be cleaned with a disinfectant because the puppy is shedding the virus. This includes disinfection of bowls, bedding, leashes, collars and the environment with 1:30 dilution of bleach solution.
Puppies diagnosed with parvo are hospitalized in the isolation area for intensive supportive care with IV fluids, antibiotics and anti-nausea medications. Severe cases may require additional treatments such as plasma and/ or blood transfusions. Hospital stay can range from 3-7 days. Everything that the puppy comes in touch with in the hospital and at home has to be cleaned with a disinfectant because the puppy is shedding the virus. This includes disinfection of bowls, bedding, leashes, collars and the environment with 1:30 dilution of bleach solution.
Every puppy mounts their unique level of immunity from the vaccines they receive; therefore clinical signs can vary from mild symptoms in pups that were previously vaccinated to more severe symptoms in pups that are not vaccinated. Pups continue to shed the virus in their feces for up to three weeks after resolution of clinical signs. Precautions should be taken to minimize exposure of the virus to other pups in the community or within the recovering puppy’s household. Ensure adult dogs within the household are up to date on vaccinations. There are several breeds that are predisposed to the parvo virus such as: Dobermans, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, American Pit Bull Terriers and Alaskan Dogs. It is recommended for these breeds to receive a complete set of vaccine boosters up to 16 weeks of age.
To Prevent your pet from getting Parvo:
- Ensure that your puppy receives vaccinations at the prescribed intervals to ensure adequate immunity. Benjamin Franklin said it best, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
- Minimize your pup’s potential exposure by avoiding doggie parks or pet stores until your puppy is fully vaccinated by age 16 weeks.
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