PARVO
(Canine Parvovirus)
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) is a highly contagious viral disease
that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and some adult
dogs. Parvo attacks the rapidly dividing cells of the bone marrow and
the small intestine. Parvo affects the bone marrow by slowing the
production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting
infection. Damage to the intestine prevents normal digestion and allows
bacteria normally found there to invade the rest of the body.
Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest the
virus that is found 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 is readily transmitted
from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or by contaminated
shoes, toys or other objects.
All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs
that have not been vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus are at an
increased risk. Certain breeds such as rottweilers, dobermans, and
pitbulls are at the highest risk for infection.
DIAGNOSIS
Parvovirus is diagnosed using a fecal sample analysis. The test can
be completed in the hospital and results are available within 20 minutes.
A positive result is definitive diagnosis for Canine Parvovirus. However, a
negative result does not rule out the disease. A CBC (complete blood
count) may be necessary. A low white cell count is often present with
Canine Parvovirus.
TREATMENT
Hospitalization for 5-7 days is required to aggressively treat puppies
that are positive for Parvovirus.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. It includes fluid
therapy, antibiotics, and anti-vomiting medication. Intravenous
administration of fluids through an IV catheter is essential. Fluids are
administered to correct fluid loss and dehydration resulting from
vomiting and diarrhea. Antibiotic injections are given to 'fight' the
systemic bacterial infections. Anti-vomiting drugs are occasionally given
to prevent further vomiting and reduce additional fluid and electrolyte
loss.
MONITORING
Any puppy that is hospitalized for Parvovirus is observed carefully. We
routinely check the puppy's temperature for fever. Heating pads are
placed in the cage to provide extra warmth. Blankets and towels are
changed as soon as they become soiled. Puppies are taken outside
regularly for a "potty" break and to stretch and move around.
AT HOME CARE
Once your puppy has been released to you it will require some
at-home care. Your puppy will be finishing up a course of antibiotics. It
is important that you give your puppy its medication for the full amount
of time prescribed.
A prescription diet will be sent home with you. It is a bland diet that is
easy to digest. It is important that your puppy is eating regularly without
any vomiting.
Before your puppy comes home it is best to disinfect all toys, shoes,
and other objects that your puppy may come in contact with, along
with removing feces from the yard.
After a long recovery from the Parvovirus, owners often forget to
resume the vaccination schedule. Ask your veterinarian when your
puppy should return for its next vaccination.
More information:
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/canine_parvo/parvo_bro
chure.asp
http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=242
http://www.petsdoc.com/html/usefulinfo/canineparvo.html
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will not
be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper use of
information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it.
(Canine Parvovirus)
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) is a highly contagious viral disease
that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and some adult
dogs. Parvo attacks the rapidly dividing cells of the bone marrow and
the small intestine. Parvo affects the bone marrow by slowing the
production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting
infection. Damage to the intestine prevents normal digestion and allows
bacteria normally found there to invade the rest of the body.
Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest the
virus that is found 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 is readily transmitted
from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or by contaminated
shoes, toys or other objects.
All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs
that have not been vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus are at an
increased risk. Certain breeds such as rottweilers, dobermans, and
pitbulls are at the highest risk for infection.
DIAGNOSIS
Parvovirus is diagnosed using a fecal sample analysis. The test can
be completed in the hospital and results are available within 20 minutes.
A positive result is definitive diagnosis for Canine Parvovirus. However, a
negative result does not rule out the disease. A CBC (complete blood
count) may be necessary. A low white cell count is often present with
Canine Parvovirus.
TREATMENT
Hospitalization for 5-7 days is required to aggressively treat puppies
that are positive for Parvovirus.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. It includes fluid
therapy, antibiotics, and anti-vomiting medication. Intravenous
administration of fluids through an IV catheter is essential. Fluids are
administered to correct fluid loss and dehydration resulting from
vomiting and diarrhea. Antibiotic injections are given to 'fight' the
systemic bacterial infections. Anti-vomiting drugs are occasionally given
to prevent further vomiting and reduce additional fluid and electrolyte
loss.
MONITORING
Any puppy that is hospitalized for Parvovirus is observed carefully. We
routinely check the puppy's temperature for fever. Heating pads are
placed in the cage to provide extra warmth. Blankets and towels are
changed as soon as they become soiled. Puppies are taken outside
regularly for a "potty" break and to stretch and move around.
AT HOME CARE
Once your puppy has been released to you it will require some
at-home care. Your puppy will be finishing up a course of antibiotics. It
is important that you give your puppy its medication for the full amount
of time prescribed.
A prescription diet will be sent home with you. It is a bland diet that is
easy to digest. It is important that your puppy is eating regularly without
any vomiting.
Before your puppy comes home it is best to disinfect all toys, shoes,
and other objects that your puppy may come in contact with, along
with removing feces from the yard.
After a long recovery from the Parvovirus, owners often forget to
resume the vaccination schedule. Ask your veterinarian when your
puppy should return for its next vaccination.
More information:
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/canine_parvo/parvo_bro
chure.asp
http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=242
http://www.petsdoc.com/html/usefulinfo/canineparvo.html
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will not
be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper use of
information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it.
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*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*