Parvo Introduction
Parvo, also known as Canine
Parvovirus is exceptionally contagious
and extremely fatal. Parvo is particularly lethal in puppies as their immune
system is still pre-mature.
The Parvo Virus
Parvo is a genus of the Parvoviridae
family of viruses and are some of the smallest viruses found in nature.
Parvoviridae are only known to infect animals, from dogs to cats and even mice.
There are two varieties of Parvo in
dogs, intestinal, which is the more common disease that we are covering and
cardiac, which is far less pervasive. Equally deadly however, Cardiac Parvo
strikes the heart muscle causing sudden death by heart attack.
Parvovirus Transmission Process
The parvovirus spreads through the
feces of infected dogs. Outdoor dogs have
a larger vulnerability as we can’t control the outside environment – small
animals can track Parvo across your yard just as easily as a bird can fly in
and step on your puppy’s water bowl. In each case, if these animals have come
into contact with Parvo beforehand, it is likely your puppy will contract it.
Unlike most viruses, Parvo is also a
durable virus that can itself live in an extreme environment without
degradation. It can resist effects of extreme heat and cold, soaps and
detergents, as well as alcohol and age. Parvo has been known to survive in dog
feces over 3 months after it has been deposited.
How Parvo Affects Your Dog
The Parvovirus is a disease that
thrives on cellular division and cells that divide the most happen to be in a
dog’s digestive system. Parvo attacks the lining of the intestines where the
parvovirus can rapidly duplicate itself through the process of the host’s own
cellular division. By damaging the intestines, the virus makes it difficult to
absorb critical nutrients and fluid. It
replicates itself so quickly that it can cause sickness.
in just 7 days – at which point the puppy or
dog may not survive without critical intervention. In just 2 weeks, an infected
dog can discard over 1 billion Parvo viruses in its fecal deposits, increasing
the chance of a dangerous spreading and further infection of others.
Signs and Symptoms of Parvo and Your
Dog
Parvo causes several problems. Once
the digestive system is compromised, the intestines aren’t able to digest food
and nutrients resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration will set in due to the electrolyte
imbalance in the dog’s body. 10 to 15% of water content can be lost sometimes
requiring IV fluids. Ultimately, the dog will show signs of depression and lethargy and will typically stop eating.
Treatment and Medicine for Parvo
Survival of a puppy or dog ill with
Parvo depends largely on how quickly the diagnosis is made and how aggressively
the treatment is given. Normally treatment consists of IV fluids or subcutaneous
fluids containing an antibiotic mixture, injections to help with nausea, electrolyte
regulation, stabilizing body temperature and simple rest. There is no real cure for Canine parvovirus; veterinarians simply try to support
the dog’s organs and natural immune system to help fight the disease.
Prevention of Parvo and
Decontamination
The single best method of Parvo
prevention is providing early and regular vaccinations. Injections are given at
8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age. Booster shots are sometimes given at 4
to 5 months of age.
Decontaminating the Parvovirus isn’t
done easily as the virus is extremely virulent. Actual chlorine bleach is
really the only known household agent that can kill the virus. To clean
surfaces, floors and equipment, mix 1 part bleach with 30 parts water or 4 to 8
ounces of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Be sure to clean food and water
bowels, crates, and any item the dog will come into contact with, even the
ground outside.
If you suspect your dog might have
Parvo, call your Veterinarian right away!
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