Parvovirus

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Canine Parvovirus is highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects the lining of the intestinal wall.  Parvo is a relatively new disease that appeared for the first time in dogs in 1978.  It is thought to be a “puppy disease”, however adult and young adult dogs can be infected. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, Parvo has aroused a great deal of public interest. Even though Parvovirus can be prevented, there are still puppies that continue to be treated for Parvo every day.  Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are usually the most severely affected, and the most difficult to treat.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

The main source of the virus is from the feces of infected dogs. Susceptible puppies become infected by ingesting the virus, which is why puppy mills, shelters, kennels, and breeding facilities are highly susceptible for harboring the virus.  Unlike most other viruses, Parvo is incredibly stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, alcohol, and many disinfectants.  Active Parvo has been recovered from surfaces contaminated with infected dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects or areas contaminated by infected feces, therefore direct contact between dogs is not always required to spread the virus.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Puppies and adults that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within 7 to 14 days of the initial exposure. The virus begins to be shed just before clinical signs develop and continues for about 10 to 14 days, therefore any other unvaccinated puppies are at high risk for contracting the disease. The clinical signs and symptoms of Parvo virus can vary, but generally they include the following:

• Vomiting-usually after drinking water
• Diarrhea-usually contains blood and mucus and has a FOUL odor
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Depression
• No appetite
• Increase in water consumption, then it is vomited

It is important to note that many puppies and adult dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs. Vomiting usually begins first.  If your pet is experiencing these symptoms or a combination of these symptoms you need to get him/her to your veterinarian as soon as possible.  Diarrhea and vomiting cause dehydration and needs to be treated ASAP!

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam. Your veterinarian may do the following:

• Parvo snap test - Your vet will require a fresh stool sample and can have the results in minutes. The Parvo snap test is not always 100% correct, but if your pet is clinically ill, your veterinarian will begin supportive treatment regardless of the Parvo test result. 
• Fecal Floatation - Your vet may also recommend a fecal sample to rule out anything else that might be going on with your dog or puppy. This test is used to determine the presence of parasite eggs in your pet’s stool. It involves taking a small fecal sample from your dog using a lubricated fecal loop. The feces is then put in a small container with a solution that will allow most of the fecal matter to sink and the parasite eggs to float. A slide is then made of the floating material and examined under a microscope. The slide is then scanned for tapeworm eggs.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Parvovirus is just that a virus and must be allowed to run its course, as a virus it is not curable. There is no treatment to kill the virus once your pet in infected, treatment is considered supportive care.  This means most treatments will require a hospital stay that includes the administration of intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. The virus is carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation leading to diarrhea and vomiting.  Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Other specialized drugs are used to inhibit the diarrhea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems. Your pet may go home on medications and a bland diet until your puppy’s digestive tract is back to normal.

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

• The best prevention is to make sure your pet is well vaccinated according to your veterinarians schedule and current on all boosters. The usual vaccine schedule starts at 8 weeks and continues every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks.
• The stability of the virus in the environment makes it important to properly disinfect contaminated areas.  This is best accomplished by cleaning food bowls, water bowls, and other contaminated items with a solution of 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. It is important that chlorine bleach be used because most disinfectants, even those claiming to be effective against viruses, will not kill the canine Parvovirus.