PARVOVIRUS: Dogs Deadly Disease

Today we are going to discuss about Dogs deadly disease called  PARVOVIRUS simply called PARVO.

WHAT IS PARVOVIRUS?

Parvovirus in dogs is a potentially fatal infection that damages the intestines and causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. With severe dehydration, blood no longer circulates as it should and your dog may die before diarrhea develops. When the intestine is damaged, blood vessels that nourish the intestine are also damaged. The blood vessels break and blood enters the intestine. At the same time, bacteria travel from the intestines out into the blood vessels and are carried throughout the body. Just as diarrhea can cause death, an infection in the blood (septicemia) can also cause death.

• WHAT CAN CAUSE PARVOVIRUS?

Parvovirus is caused by infection with CPV, most often, CPV-2a or CPV-2b. All dogs are at risk for developing canine parvovirus especially Puppies less than 4 months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated  against the virus are at increased risk for infection.

Although newborn puppies receive antibodies from their mothers that help provide immunity, but immunity to CPV wears off before the puppies' immune systems are developed enough to destroy the virus and fight off infection.

• DOGS THAT CAN CONTACT PARVOVIRUS?

Dogs in pet stores, animal shelters, and breeding kennels  also are at increased risk. Overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions make it easier for the virus to spread. Certain breed of dog (e.g., English springer spaniels, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers) and dogs that have another health condition may have a higher risk for developing severe disease.

• SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PARVOVIRUS

Parvovirus is an acute illness, which means that symptoms develop suddenly, usually within 2–10 days of exposure. In most cases, dogs that are infected with the virus do not develop the disease (called asymptomatic infection). Canine parvovirus often is fatal in puppies. Sometimes, puppies collapse and die without showing prior signs of infection.

Signs and symptoms of canine parvovirus include the following:

• Bloody diarrhea (often severe)
• Fever
• Lethargy (lack of energy)
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise (discomfort associated with illness)
• Rapid weight loss
• Vomiting

Without immediate treatment, canine parvovirus often progresses quickly. CPV can cause death within 2–3 days of the onset of symptoms, so it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

• VETERINARY TREATMENT FOR DOGS WITH PARVOVIRUS

A dog with parvovirus should receive immediate veterinary care. Treatment will include the following:

• IV fluids to counter dehydration
• Antibiotics to prevent septicemia
• Probiotics to replenish the normal intestinal flora
• Injectable vitamins, especially Vitamins B & C to help the immune system
• Colostrum to provide antibacterial elements to fight the infection within the gut
• Glucosamine to coat the intestines

Recommended for dogs with parvovirus

Fast Balance GI Paste

Purina FortiFlora

• HOME TREATMENT FOR DOGS WITH PARVOVIRUS.

Give dogs with parvovirus Fast Balance-G.I. to repopulate the damaged intestine with good bacteria. Provide frequent feeding of small amounts of warmed chicken broth. Once the vomiting has stopped, add a mashed potato (no butter or salt) to the warmed broth and continue feeding small amounts. If your dog's symptoms continue to improve, add a tiny amount of chicken to the broth and mashed potato. For a dog allergic to chicken, try dilute cottage cheese and rice or a form of rice baby food that is acceptable.

Human drinks, such as Gatorade and sports drinks, are not ideal for rehydrating pets because they are high in carbohydrates. They can be used for a short period. Meat broth is better for dehydrated or sick pets.

• VACCINATION FOR PARVOVIRUS.

Vaccination helps dogs avoid symptoms of parvo infection. Many dogs vaccinated as puppies maintain resistance to infection throughout life. In part, this protection is provided by antibodies made by your dog's white blood cells.

To confirm that your dog is protected, have your veterinarian draw blood and measure the level of parvo antibodies. This antibody level, also called a titer, is one gauge of your dog's protection against this specific disease. Many dog day care facilities accept titer tests as proof of protection rather than requiring that dogs be re-vaccinated annually.

• PROBIOTICS FOR PARVOVIRUS

In addition to vaccine-induced antibodies, you can help prevent parvovirus by promoting good bacteria in your pet's intestines. Good, healthy bacteria help your dog resist all types of infection. Feeding NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotic is an excellent way to maintain good intestinal bacteria.

• DEWORMING

Dogs with intestinal worms tend to have a weak immune system, which puts them at a higher risk of contracting parvovirus. Prevent worms by using monthly heartworm medication that includes an intestinal dewormer. For example, use Heartgard Plus or Revolution. All heartworm medications require a prescription.

An alternative is to worm your puppy or adult dog four times a year with an over-the counter medication.

• SANITATION, AVOID DOG FECES.

Do not take a puppy without vaccine protection to pet stores, dog parks, or roadside pet elimination areas. If dogs with parvo have ever defecated in these areas, the virus can persist in the soil for several years. In addition to staying in the soil, the virus can be carried away from the site of defecation on shoes, so that areas in the vicinity of where dogs have defecated can also be a source of infection. You can use bleach to kill the virus on the soil.

•  AVOID DOG STRESS.

Dogs stressed mentally or physically become ill easily because the adrenal glands secrete cortisol. Cortisol alters blood flow and it slows down disease-fighting white blood cells. If stressed, your dog's intestines will not receive the blood, oxygen, and white blood cells he or she needs to stay healthy. If your dog is exposed to parvovirus, the virus has an easier time becoming established and causing illness.

• CAN PARVOVIRUS SPREAD TO HUMANS?

NO! it can never, Parvovirus can only be transmitted through dogs, cats and other mammals. Although humans cannot catch the parvovirus from dogs, they can and often do play a major role in spreading the disease in the dog population. The canine parvovirus is an extremely hardy disease that can live in a dormant but infectious state in the environment for one year or longer. When people handle dogs that may be infected with the parvovirus at shelters, kennels, animal clinics or dog parks and then pet another dog before thoroughly washing their hands, they unwittingly infect otherwise healthy dogs with the virus particles that they carried over from the infected dog.