Best care, for your best friend!

Canine Parvovirus (PARVO)

Parvo is a very infectious disease of dogs.  It is caused by the virus, Parvovirus enteritist and is primarily a disease of puppies and young dogs less than a year old.  Certain breeds including Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Beagles, American Pit Bull Terriers and Dobermans appear to be more prone to infection than other dogs.

Transmission
Parvo is transmitted by unvaccinated dogs coming into contact with infected dogs, infected stool (the virus is shed in stool) or an infected environment such as a kennel.  Dogs that have recovered from Parvo (and show no symptoms) can continue to shed the virus periodically in their feces.

Progress
The Parvo virus is ingested and makes its way into the blood stream and into the rapidly-dividing cells of the body including the lining of the intestines.  In the intestines, it can destroy various cells causing diarrhea and upset and allowing bacteria to invade the rest of the body.

Symptoms
The symptoms of Parvo include high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, depression, dehydration and severe and bloody diarrhea. In the most severe, and rare cases, puppies can have sudden heart failure.  Parvo symptoms mimic other viral bowel diseases including Canine Coronavirus.  Blood and stool work must be conducted in order to confirm Parvo.

Take Puppies to the Vet
A puppy that is displaying these symptoms should be examined by a veterinarian.   There is no particular treatment to eliminate the virus, the symptoms need to be attended to.  Sick puppies will require IV fluids to maintain water and electrolyte balance and possibly antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.  They may need to be treated for additional symptoms such as vomiting.  At times, the incidence of death can be as high as 30-40%.  Generally, with immediate veterinary assistance, the majority of puppies can recover.  Puppies that survive the first 2-4 days generally recover.  As they recover, they can be fed a bland diet (rice, for example) or a prescription commercial food available from your vet.