What is Canine Parvovirus??
It is one of the most common and severe gastrointestinal diseases of dogs.  Parvovirus most commonly attacks puppies younger than one year of age.  The virus is extremely contagious and strikes rapidly and without warning.  While most infected adult dogs recover, as many as 25% to 50% of infected puppies die from the disease if it is not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Once the virus enters your pet's body, it multiplies in the bone marrow, intestinal tract and immune system.  As the virus matures and reproduces (over about 5 days), it can cause life-threatening damage to your pet's immune system and intestinal tract.  Without fast diagnosis and treatment, your pet may die from dehydration and/or bacterial infection.
Parvovirus can be spread when a dog comes in contact with the feces of an infected dog.  Viral organisms can remain infectious in contaminated ground for five months or more.  As a result, your pet can contact parvovirus anywhere dogs come together - such as parks, kennels, shelters and pet stores.

Parvovirus symptoms
If you see any of the following symptoms in your puppy or dog, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy or listlessness
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal distention or discomfort
• Signs of dehydration
• Bloody diarrhea
• Profuse diarrhea

The combination of symptoms can vary, therefore, parvovirus is difficult to diagnose on symptoms alone.  Rapid, in-clinic tests are crucial for diagnosis and appropriate therapy.

Diagnosis
Your veterinarian can use a SNAP Parvo Antigen Test to detect parvovirus.  Early diagnosis means early and appropriate treatment.  And with parvovirus, time counts.

Treatment
Prompt treatment can result in complete recovery.  Treatment is primarily aimed at correcting dehydration and preventing fatal infection.  For a mildly affected pet (usually an adult dog), out-patient care can be all that is needed.  Severely affected pets (typically puppies) generally require hospitalization and additional therapy:

• Intravenous fluid therapy
• Correction of electrolyte levels (sodium and potassium)
• Intravenous glucose (blood sugar)
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Anti-nausea medication
• Attentive nursing care

Your veterinarian may use other tests to monitor your pet's condition.  Successful recovery usually takes about 3-7 days of intensive veterinary care.  The good news is that once removed, your pet will have life-long immunity to parvovirus.

Prevention
Your puppy can be vaccinated against parvovirus.  Vaccination begins at 6-8 weeks until your puppy is 16-18 weeks old.  After that, annual boosters maintain immunity.
It is best to avoid taking your puppy to areas with lots of "dog traffic" until he or she completes the vaccination period and has full immunity.

Talk to your veterinarian
Your veterinarian is your best source of information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
And remember, if you think your pet may have parvovirus, seek veterinary attention immediately.  Early detection and treatment offer your pet the best chance against this deadly disease.

Info provided by IDEXX Laboratories.

Groton City Animal Hospital
794 Cortland Rd. (Rte. 222)
Groton, NY 13073
(607)898-4482