If you're a dog owner, then you should be aware of the dangers of canine parvovirus. This deadly intestinal virus can kill your dog in just a few days, so it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to prevent it. In this blog post, we'll talk about what parvo is, how it's transmitted, and what you can do to protect your pet.
What is parvo in dogs?
Parvo is a term that is given to dogs that have been infected with the Canine Parvovirus Type 2. Parvovirus infection is a potentially fatal disease that primarily affects young or unvaccinated dogs. Canine parvovirus is a small DNA virus that requires rapidly dividing cells for replication such as the intestinal cells. Canine parvovirus is extremely stable in the environment and is one of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in dogs. In most cases, Parvovirus infections occur in puppies younger than six months old. However, the virus can also affect unvaccinated dogs of any age, leading to clinical disease.
How is canine parvovirus transmitted and what are the risks?
Parvovirus in dogs is primarily spread through contact with infected feces. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as food bowls, water dishes, leashes, or even your clothing. A susceptible dog ingests or sniffs the contaminated material and can become infected as the virus enters the dog's body through its mouth or nose. The virus can also be present in the environment for long periods and can infect other dogs that come in contact with it. The biggest risk factor for contracting parvo is when a dog is not vaccinated against it.
What are the symptoms of parvovirus in dogs?
Symptoms of canine parvovirus can vary depending on the age of your pet and how severe the infection is. Parvovirus typically affects young puppies that have a naive immune system and yet lack protection from vaccination. Clinical signs of canine parvovirus infection progress rapidly, with an incubation period ranging from 7 to 14 days. Dogs that are infected with parvovirus may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- bloody diarrhea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- fever
- depression
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it's important to take them to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the survival of your dog.
How is parvovirus in dogs diagnosed?
Canine parvovirus infection is typically diagnosed by a veterinarian based on the dog's symptoms, medical history, and fecal antigen testing. Fecal antigen testing is a quick and easy way to test for the presence of parvovirus in your dog's stool. This antigen test is a rapid ELISA test that can detect all strains of canine parvovirus. The main disadvantage of the fecal antigen ELISA test is that it may give false negatives if the test is done too soon after infection or too late.
A PCR test can be performed on feces, blood, and tissues to detect canine parvovirus. PCR is advantageous to ELISA antigen tests as there are fewer false negatives.
Your veterinarian may also recommend other tests, such as X-rays or blood work, to rule out other possible causes of the dog's symptoms and to obtain baseline values.
How is parvovirus in dogs treated?
The mainstay of treatment for canine parvovirus infection is supportive care. This includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and anti-emetics to control vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, a dog may require hospitalization for intensive care. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for canine parvovirus and the mortality rate can be high, especially in young puppies.
Fluid therapy
Fluid therapy is an essential component of treatment. Intravenous fluid therapy is typically required to help replace the fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Intravenous fluids can also address any electrolyte imbalances and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Excessive glucose use, decreased generation, and reduced intake are all causes of hypoglycemia in dogs with parvo.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics alone will not be effective against canine parvovirus. Antimicrobial therapy is recommended however as dogs with parvovirus often have decreased white blood cell counts and damaged intestines. This increases the risk of sepsis and bacterial translocation through the damaged intestines.
Anti-vomiting medications
Most dogs with parvo are nauseous and are vomiting. Your veterinarian will use medications that will help to reduce vomiting and nausea if present.
What is the prognosis for dogs with parvovirus?
The prognosis for dogs with parvovirus infection depends on several factors, including the age of the dog, the severity of the infection, vaccination status, and how quickly the dog is treated. Puppies less than 16 weeks old and unvaccinated dogs are at a higher risk for death. Survival data shows that 90% of dogs who receive in-hospital treatment survive, and those who make it through the first few days typically recover.
How can I prevent my dog from getting parvo?
The best way to protect your dog from canine parvovirus is by vaccinating them against it. Puppies should receive their first vaccine at six to eight weeks of age, followed by a booster two to four weeks later, and continue this schedule until the puppy is 4 months old. Adult dogs should be vaccinated every one to three years, depending on their risk of exposure and the recommendations from your veterinarian.
Should dogs with parvovirus isolate?
Dogs with parvovirus should be isolated due to the highly contagious nature of canine parvovirus. Canine parvovirus can be persistent in the environment without sunlight and disinfectants for months to years. Fortunately, canine parvovirus is quite resistant to many disinfectants and dilute bleach is effective against canine parvovirus provided there is a contact time of at least 10 minutes.
Can parvo be transmitted to humans?
No, parvo cannot be transmitted to humans. Canine parvovirus is a specific virus that only affects dogs and is not zoonotic.
How do I know if my puppy will survive parvo?
Provided your puppy has been diagnosed with parvo by your veterinarian and is under their care, puppies that survive the first 3-4 days typically will go on to make a full recovery.
Can a puppy get parvo after the first vaccine?
Yes, puppies can still get parvo after getting their first vaccine. However, the risk is much lower if they have been properly vaccinated and receive their booster vaccines on schedule. It is important to continue vaccinating your dog as recommended by your veterinarian to provide them with the best protection against this deadly virus.
What is effective against killing parvovirus in the environment?
Canine parvovirus is quite resistant to many disinfectants and diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 30 parts water) is effective against canine parvovirus provided there is a contact time of at least 10 minutes. This is why it's so important to thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas that may have been exposed to the virus.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from parvo?
The majority of dogs that receive treatment will recover within two to three weeks. However, some may take longer depending on the severity of their infection.
What are the long-term effects of parvo in dogs?
There are no long-term effects of parvo in dogs that have recovered from the virus. However, some dogs may experience gastrointestinal problems after recovering from the virus. These problems are typically resolved within a few weeks to months.
In summary, parvovirus is a highly contagious and deadly virus that can affect dogs of all ages. However, the virus is most commonly seen in puppies who have not yet been vaccinated. Parvo is spread through oronasal contact with infected feces and can be prevented by vaccinating your dog. Treatment includes supportive care such as intravenous fluids and antibiotics, but there is no cure for the virus. If you think your dog may have parvo, it's important to take them to your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the survival of your dog. If you have any further questions or concerns about parvovirus in dogs, please contact your veterinarian.