What are some signs of Parvovirus infection?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease
caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies,
dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen
worldwide. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young
and unborn puppies.
How is Parvovirus spread?
Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest
virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine
parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions
and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces
containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and
the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair
or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.
What dogs are at risk?
All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs that have
not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are at increased risk of
acquiring the disease. Certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiler and Doberman
Pinscher) appear to have a high risk of experiencing severe disease.
What are some signs of Parvovirus infection?
Canine parvovirus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever;
vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea
can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus
occur within 48 to 72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If
your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact
your veterinarian promptly.
How is Parvovirus diagnosed and treated?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease
caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies,
dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen
worldwide. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young
and unborn puppies.
Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest
virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine
parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions
and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces
containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and
the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair
or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.
How is Parvovirus prevented?
Vaccination— Vaccination is important. Young puppies are very
susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity
provided in their mothers’ milk may wear off before the puppies’
own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection. If
a puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus during this gap in protection,
it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity provided
by a mother’s milk may interfere with an effective response to
vaccination. This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally
succumb to parvovirus. To narrow gaps in protection and provide
optimal protection against parvovirus during the first few months
of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered.
To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their
dog’s parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. Ask your veterinarian
about a recommended vaccination program for your canine
companion.
In spite of proper vaccination, a small percentage of dogs do not
develop protective immunity and remain susceptible to infection.
Hygiene— Until a puppy has received its complete series of
vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their
pet to places where young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops,
parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and
grooming establishments). Reputable establishments and training
programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health
examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs.
Contact with known infected dogs and their premises should
always be avoided.
Finally, do not allow your puppy or dog to come into contact
with the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing
outdoors. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always
advisable as a way to limit spread of canine parvovirus infection.
Source: www.avma.org
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