Canine Parvovirus
What is canine parvovirus?
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 canine parvovirus diagnosed and treated?
Veterinarians diagnose canine parvovirus on the basis of
clinical appearance and laboratory tests. No specific drug
is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs. Treatment
should be started immediately and consists primarily of
efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte
and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and
preventing secondary infections. Sick dogs should be kept
warm, receive good nursing care, and be separated from
other dogs. Proper cleaning and disinfection of
contaminated kennels and other areas where infected dogs
are housed is essential to control the spread of parvovirus.
Canine parvovirus is not easily killed, so consult your
veterinarian for specific guidance on cleaning and
disinfecting agents.
How is parvovirus prevented?
Vaccination and good hygiene are critical components
of canine parvovirus prevention.
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.
Although this webpage provides basic information
about canine parvovirus, your veterinarian is always your
best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian
for more information about canine parvovirus and its
prevention.
* The above information was provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association. |
