Shilo Stag

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a severe and highly contagious disease which predominantly affects puppies.
It first appeared in 1977 and now is found worldwide.
How does a dog become infected with parvovirus? Canine parvovirus, as the name suggests, is caused by a virus. The main source of virus is from the feces of infected dogs, although their vomitus or saliva can also contain viral particles. Susceptible animals become infected by ingesting the virus. It is then carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation.
Unlike many other viruses, CPV is very stable in the environment and is resistant to heat, detergents and alcohol. The virus can be carried on the hair or feet of infected dogs, as well as contaminated shoes, clothes or other objects.
Direct contact between dogs is not required to transmit the virus. Susceptible dogs will usually become ill within seven to 10 days of the initial infection.
How does this disease affect the dog? Typically, affected animals exhibit severe vomiting and diarrhea, with vomiting usually presenting first. The diarrhea may or may not contain blood.
Your canine companion are often depressed, feverish and disinterested in food. Because the virus causes the loss of the intestinal lining, dehydration, electrolyte (sodium and potassium) imbalances, and septicemia (infection in the bloodstream) may occur. The animal will likely die without aggressive treatment.
Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but puppies less than five months old are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat.
How is parvovirus diagnosed? Since the clinical signs of CPV infection can mimic other diseases causing vomiting and diarrhea, diagnosis can be a challenge.
It can be confirmed by testing for virus in the stool. Occasionally, a dog will have parvovirus but test negative for virus in the stool; this is uncommon.
A tentative diagnosis can be based on the presence of a reduced white blood cell count (leukopenia). However, some Parvo dogs may not necessarily be leukopenic. In dogs that do have leukopenia, follow-up blood samples can help determine the severity of the infection and the likelihood of recovery.
Can it be treated successfully? Because nothing can kill the virus in infected dogs (the dog’s own immune system has to fight it over time), treatment is aimed instead at controlling the symptoms. The first step is to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances by the administration of intravenous fluids. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs may be required to inhibit severe diarrhea and vomiting.
The length of hospital stay varies from a few days to over a week, depending on the severity of the disease. After recovery, a bland diet and possibly antibiotics are required for several weeks to allow healing of the intestinal lining.
What is the survival rate? Most dogs with CPV infection recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is initiated before severe septicemia and dehydration occur.
For reasons not fully understood, some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, Doberman pinscher and German Shepherd have a higher fatality rate than other breeds.
Can parvovirus be prevented? Proper vaccination is the best method of protecting your dog against CPV infection. Puppies receive a vaccination against parvovirus as part of their multiple-agent vaccine at eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age.
In some situations, veterinarians will give the vaccine at two week intervals and/or additional boosters at 18 to 20 weeks of age. After the initial series of puppy vaccinations, all dogs should be boostered at least once a year. Bitches should be boostered within two weeks of whelping in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies.
Can parvovirus occur in my vaccinated puppy? Although antibodies obtained from the mother’s milk help protect the puppies from infection during the first months of life, they also interfere with the puppy’s response to vaccination.
There may be a lapse in protection as maternal antibody declines and before the puppy responds to vaccination. Despite these possibilities, proper vaccination is still the best means of prevention your family vet have.
Is there a way to kill the virus in the environment? It is important to properly disinfect contaminated areas since the virus is so stable in the environment. Clean food bowls, water bowls, and other contaminated items with a solution of 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water (133mL in 4 liters of water).
Clothing, blankets and towels should also be soaked in this solution since regular washing and drying will not kill the virus.
How do I minimize a puppy’s exposure to the virus? Puppies are most susceptible between the ages of six to 20 weeks. Be cautious!
Avoid areas which are contaminated with feces and clean up feces from your own animal. Even an apparently healthy dog can be a “carrier” of infection and shed the virus in their feces or saliva. By the second set of vaccinations, most puppies are protected against parvovirus. Still, large amounts of the virus can overcome this protection (for example, ingesting vomitus from a sick animal).
So continue to take precautions until the vaccination series is complete.

Dog owners should ensure they visit your family vet to ensure your canine companions receive the appropriate medications to avoid Canine parvovirus (CPV). Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag