By Jennifer Elsberry
Parvo first appeared in dogs in 1978. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, parvo has aroused a great deal of public interest and has become a key element of the “core” vaccines given to puppies and adult dogs.
The main source of the parvo virus is from the feces of infected dogs. The virus begins to shed in the feces just before clinical signs develop and shedding continues for about 10 days. Parvo is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of the infected dogs, or on shoes, clothes and other objects contaminated by infected feces. Unlike most viruses, parvo is very stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, alcohol, and many disinfectants and has been detected on surfaces contaminated with infected feces even after three months at room temperature.
Susceptible dogs become infected by ingesting the virus. After ingestion, the virus is carried to the intestines where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within six to ten days after exposure.
The clinical signs and symptoms of parvo infection can vary, but they generally include severe vomiting and diarrhea as well as lack of appetite, depression, lethargy and fever. Unfortunately, the clinical signs can also mimic many other diseases that cause vomiting and diarrhea; consequently, the diagnosis of parvo is often a challenge to the veterinarian. Luckily, there is a simple in-clinic test for parvo that will screen for the virus.
There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. However, the virus itself does not cause death. The virus does cause loss of the lining of the intestinal tract which causes severe damage and can result in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and infection in the bloodstream.
The first step in treatment is to correct the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can be accomplished by the administration of intravenous fluids (sometimes continuing for several days) by a veterinary staff. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control any infection in the bloodstream. Antispasmodic drugs are used to control diarrhea and vomiting. Most dogs with parvo virus recover if aggressive treatment is used and is begun early in the disease process.
The best method of protecting your dog against the parvo virus is to have your pet properly vaccinated. The “puppy series” should include a parvo virus element and is recommended to be given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. After the initial series of vaccinations, boosters will be required on a regular basis.
If you are unsure of your pet’s vaccination status, talk to your veterinary staff who can review your pets’ medical history. If your pet is new to you and you have no written history of vaccines, assume your pet is not current and contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Your pet will thank you.
Come visit our booth at the “North Highlands Jubilee” October 15th from 11:00-3:00pm. We will have lots of information and fun stuff to share. See you there!
The caring doctors and staff at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital 3451 Elkhorn Blvd. North Highlands, CA 95660 916-332-2845
Parvo first appeared in dogs in 1978. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, parvo has aroused a great deal of public interest and has become a key element of the “core” vaccines given to puppies and adult dogs.
The main source of the parvo virus is from the feces of infected dogs. The virus begins to shed in the feces just before clinical signs develop and shedding continues for about tem days. Parvo is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of the infected dogs, or on shoes, clothes and other objects contaminated by infected feces. Unlike most viruses, parvo is very stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, alcohol, and many disinfectants and has been detected on surfaces contaminated with infected feces even after three months at room temperature.
Susceptible dogs become infected by ingesting the virus. After ingestion, the virus is carried to the intestines where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within six to ten days after exposure.
The clinical signs and symptoms of parvo infection can very, but they generally include severe vomiting and diarrhea as well as lack of appetite, depression, lethargy and fever. Unfortunately, the clinical signs can also mimic many other diseases that cause vomiting and diarrhea; consequently, the diagnosis of parvo is often a challenge to the veterinarian. Luckily, there is a simple in-clinic test for parvo that will screen for the virus.
There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. However, the virus itself does not cause death. The virus does cause loss of the lining of the intestinal tract which causes severe damage and can result in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and infection in the bloodstream.
The first step in treatment is to correct the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can be accomplished by the administration of intravenous fluids (sometimes continuing for several days) by a veterinary staff. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control any infection in the bloodstream. Antispasmodic drugs are used to control diarrhea and vomiting. Most dogs with parvo virus recover if aggressive treatment is used and is begun early in the disease process.
The best method of protecting your dog against the parvo virus is to have your pet properly vaccinated. The “puppy series” should include a parvo virus element and is recommended to be given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. After the initials series of vaccinations, boosters will be required on a regular basis.
If you are unsure of your pet’s vaccination status, talk to your veterinary staff who can review your pets’ medical history. If your pet is new to you and you have no written history of vaccines, assume your pet is not current and contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Your pet will thank you.
Come visit our booth at the “North Highlands Jubilee” October 15th from 11:00-3:00pm. We will have lots of information and fun stuff to share. See you there!
The caring doctors and staff at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital 3451 Elkhorn Blvd. North Highlands, CA 95660 916-332-2845