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What is canine parvorius?
Canine parvovirus is a specific kind of virus
that attacks the intestinal tract of dogs. This virus is
a serious, deadly threat to an unvaccinated dog or
puppy. The virus is extremely hardy; it can survive
searing heat and subzero temperatures for long
periods of time.
How do dogs get parvovirus?
The most common route of exposure to this
virus is contact with an infected dog's feces (bowel
movements). Because the virus is so hardy, a sur-
face that had infected feces on it may still contain
live virus even after the feces have been removed.
It is also possible for people's shoes or clothes to
pick up and carry the virus.
An unvaccinated dog that ingests the virus
will likely get the disease. Ingestion occurs when a
dog licks or eats anything containing the virus.
What kind of pet is most suscepitble
to parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus affects only dogs not
humans or cats. A dog of either sex and any breed
or age can become infected with parvovirus.
Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers have a higher
susceptibility to the virus than other breeds. Because
the virus is spread so easily, unvaccinated dogs that
are more frequently exposed to other dogs' feces are
at higher risk. Such exposure occurs in parks, pet
shops, kennels, and other areas where many dogs
walk.
Puppies are at particular risk of severe illness
or death, because their immune systems are not
capable of handling the effects of the disease.
Puppies younger than five months of age are the
most severely affected and are the most difficult to
treat. Parvovirus is seen more frequently in pup-
pies with unvaccinated mothers and in puppies
from unclean environments contaminated with the
disease. Be sure your puppy comes from a rep-
utable source.
What are the physical signs of parvovirus?
Physical signs of canine parvovirus generally
appear in five to seven days after ingestion of the
virus. If you notice any of the following physical
signs in your dog or puppy, call your veterinarian
immediately. He or she will examine your pet
and may perform clinical tests to determine the
cause of these signs of gastrointestinal disease:
Vomiting
Severe diarrhea, often tinged with blood
Depression
Loss of appetite
High fever (104 °F to 106 °F) |
How is parvovirus treated?
Just like the flu in humans, there is no way
to kill parvovirus in dogs. However, supportive
treatment is available to control the physical signs
and complications of the disease. Treatment may
include intravenous administration of fluids to
correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Antibiotics may be given to control second-
ary infections. The veterinarian will likely give
your dog medication to control vomiting and
diarrhea. Puppies with parvovirus are routinely
hospitalized, in isolation from other animals, until
they recover.
Research continues on procedures and med-
ications to treat canine parvovirus. The death toll
among parvovirus victims is significantly lower
now than in the past, particularly when the dis-
ease is diagnosed and treated promptly. it is
absolutely essential that your puppy be taken
immediately to the veterinarian if You suspect a
parvovirus infection. A delay of only a few hours
can significantly reduce his chance of survival.
How can I keep my dog from getting
parvovirus?
Most veterinarians recommend multiple par-
vovirus vaccinations for the growing puppy to
establish protective mmunity, which can reduce
the risk of the disease. Once your dog has been
vaccinated, booster shots can help maintain his
immunity. It is vitally important to vaccinate your
dog or Puppy against this disease!
Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe:
Be sure that all of your dogs and puppies are
properly vaccinated against the disease.
Don't skip or delay any of your puppy's shots in
the initial immunization series.
Ask your veterinarian to remind you when your
dog needs booster shots.
Minimize contact with other dogs or puppies
and places frequented by other dogs. Until your
Puppy is fully vaccinated, avoid contact with
high-risk areas such as parks and pet shops.
If one of your dogs has parvovirus, keep him
physically separated from the others.
If you suspect you have walked through areas
where feces of unvaccinated dogs were present
(even if the feces were promptly removed), wipe
off the soles of your shoes with a solution of
one-half cup bleach in a gallon of water.
If a visiting dog or puppy that has or may have
parvovirus has an ''accident'' in your home,
promptly remove any fecal material and disinfect
the area with the bleach and water solution as
a precaution.
Use the bleach and water solution as part of a general
cleaning process for areas of your house
frequented by unvaccinated dogs. |
