Puppies and young dogs are most at risk for parvo.
Parvo is the short term for canine parvovirus, a serious viral disease that affects dogs. The disease most commonly affects puppies and young dogs, but animals of all ages can be infected. Usually the worst effects are on the intestines, causing vomiting and diarrhea that is often bloody, but it also affects the bone marrow and can damage the heart, causing it to fail. The disease is often, though not always, fatal. Parvo is the most common lethal virus known to affect dogs, but it can be prevented with a vaccine.
sources of infection
A dog exhibiting any of the symptoms of parvovirus, such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy, should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
The virus is spread through the feces and vomit of infected dogs. It is extremely contagious, but direct contact with other dogs is not necessary as it can be found almost everywhere. Infected animals shed large amounts of the virus, which can live for weeks or months in areas where feces or vomit from infected dogs have been deposited. As these body products break down, the virus spreads and can be carried by humans on shoes, clothing, and skin, and by other animals. Therefore, it can be found in homes and gardens, and dogs can become infected without going near another animal.
effects and symptoms
Parvo is spread through the feces and vomit of infected dogs.
Canine parvovirus tends to infect cells that divide frequently, such as those in the lining of the intestine, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. The first symptoms usually appear after an incubation period of three to seven days. During this time, the virus multiplies in the lymph nodes of the throat without causing any symptoms. After a few days, large numbers enter the bloodstream and infect immune cells in the bone marrow, reducing the dog’s immune response and leaving cells in the intestinal wall vulnerable to attack.
The parvo vaccine is suggested because it protects dogs from the parvo virus.
Since this infection prevents the regeneration of cells in the intestinal wall, a dog with parvo will be largely unable to absorb nutrients from food and will suffer from severe diarrhoea, leading to dehydration. Other complications include blood loss due to damage to the intestinal wall and the effects of toxins produced by bacteria, normally confined to the intestine, that have entered the bloodstream. The heart can also be affected. The initial symptoms of the disease are lethargy and loss of appetite, followed by fever, diarrhea and vomiting.
Diagnosis
Parvo is the colloquial term for canine parvovirus.
A dog showing any of these symptoms should be taken to the vet without delay, as if left untreated the disease can sometimes kill within 24 hours. Fortunately, there is a quick, simple, and fairly accurate test using a stool sample that can usually detect the presence of the virus. This may be combined with a blood test to check for a low white blood cell count. If both are positive, parvo is the likely cause.
Treatment
As with most viral infections, there are no medications that are effective at killing the virus itself, although antibiotics may be given to fight bacteria from the gut that have entered the bloodstream. Otherwise, treatment focuses on relieving the worst effects until the disease ends. To combat dehydration and the inability to absorb food through the intestine, the dog can be given fluids and nutrients via intravenous drip, although this treatment is not always successful.
Prevention
There is no practical way to prevent a dog from coming into contact with parvovirus. Parvo is exceptionally hardy and can survive harsh outdoor conditions as well as contact with most household cleaners. Strong bleach will kill it, but there is little you can do about virus particles in gardens, parks, or other outdoor areas.
The most important preventive measure is vaccination. This is part of the routine veterinary vaccinations recommended for all puppies and dogs. It is usually given around six weeks, re-administered three to four times before the dog is a year old, and annually thereafter. With proper vaccination, the dog will be protected from the virus, but any pet owner who believes their unprotected dog has contracted this disease or knows they have been exposed to it should consult a veterinarian. People who have a dog with no vaccination records or who are unsure of its medical history should take it to a veterinarian for an examination.