General
Information
Canine parvovirus
is everywhere in the environment just waiting for your puppy.
The wise dog owner will protect his or her pet against this
debilitating, sometimes deadly, disease. Parvovirus usually
hits puppies the hardest. Adult dogs can also be infected,
but are usually affected less severely. Cats, mink, and
wild dogs are also infected by their own species-specific
parvovirus.
The virus is shed in the feces of
an infected dog. If another dog has oral contact with the
infected feces, they become inoculated with the virus. Some
puppies have more immunity to the disease than others. If
their mother was properly vaccinated, she will transfer
immunity to parvovirus in the colostrum, or first milk.
These maternal antibodies may be present in the puppy for
up to 20-22 weeks
old.
Older dogs need to be kept up on
their vaccines too. As they age their immune system may
become impaired and they are more susceptible to diseases.
Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers seem to be more prone
to parvoviral infections than other breeds./P Besides vaccination,
it is a very good idea to keep young puppies isolated from
other dogs and out of parks where they may come in contact
with infected feces, until they have completed their series
of vaccinations. This will decrease their chances of being
exposed to parvovirus.
This virus attacks rapidly dividing
cells, like those in the digestive tract and cells in the
bone marrow. Signs to look for are loss of appetite, lack
of energy, vomiting, or diarrhea. The vomit or diarrhea
may be bloody. Since these signs can indicate many diseases,
it is important to see your veterinarian if your puppy shows
any of these. Young pups, less than three months of age,
can become dehydrated quickly. These animals can die easily
if not treated promptly.
There is no drug that kills parvovirus
that can be given to the dog once the animal is infected.
The animal’s won immunity has to rid
itself of the virus. Supportive care is very important in
the treatment of parvoviral infections.
Sick animals need to be given fluids
if they are dehydrated. Secondary bacterial infections may
also be a problem. If an infections develops, antibiotics
need to be administered to fight it. Treatment may take
a couple of days up to several weeks, depending on the dog,
its age, and the severity of the infection.
Parvovirus can persist in the environment
for long periods. It is important to clean up after an infection.
Washing the animal’s area with bleach and water in
a 1:30 dilution will kill the virus. The bowls should be
thrown away and the bedding either bleached or thrown away
to prevent further spread of the infection. Discard all
feces from the infected dog. Humans
can also spread the disease on their hands if they touch
feces from an infected dog and then touch a puppy without
washing properly. Very small amounts of fecal material on
the dog’s coat can contain large numbers of viral
organisms and can easily be transmitted to a susceptible
dog.
If you have any questions
about parvovirus, call your veterinarian.
