VetBlog – The Web Magazine For Pet Owners

The photo above is of a young client of mine who recently brought her new pup for a routine vaccination, the main disease which we worry about these days is canine parvovirus, sometimes known simply as ‘parvo,’ this is a serious contagious disease caused by a virus. This illness is spread when dogs come into contact with the faeces of infected animals. Parks, and popular dog walking areas in cities are places where dog faeces are often found, and where an unvaccinated dog may pick up the virus. Humans may also unknowingly bring the virus home on the bottom of their shoes or in other ways, so dogs who never go outside the house can still be infected with this disease. The virus can live in the soil or other contaminated surfaces for as long as six months.

Most animal rescue centers and kennels make every effort to avoid the spread of contagious diseases by cleaning the kennels with special disinfectant, but any time that large numbers of animals are kept in close quarters, there is a possibility of infection, so keeping up to date on your dog’s vaccinations is always a good idea.

Although puppies are more commonly affected by this illness adult dogs can become became seriously ill from canine parvovirus as well, adult dogs may recover more easily but that may be only after several weeks of intensive in-clinic care.

Since this virus attacks the lining of the dog or puppy’s digestive system, the symptoms of the disease are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and bloody, foul-smelling stools. In addition to severe abdominal discomfort, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, the dog may also have a high fever, and congestive heart failure is possible. Severe symptoms may follow several days of gradually decreasing appetite. Illness usually becomes apparent from three to 12 days after the dog was exposed to the virus.

Obviously, this is a very serious disease, and immediate medical care is required to reduce the risk of death. The vet will make sure he keeps the dog from becoming dangerously dehydrated, which can keep the dog or puppy alive long enough for its own immune system to fight the disease. Antibiotics are not effective against this virus, but they are usually given to an infected animal to help prevent the occurrence of secondary bacterial infections, which can cause shock or septicemia. Secondary infections can occur without antibiotics because parvovirus suppresses the dog’s immune system.

Because the illness causes severe dehydration, the dog will also be put on intravenous fluids, and the animal will probably need to stay under the vet’s care a week or more. Because the gastrointestinal tract has been affected, the vet may withhold food and water from the dog until the virus has come under control.

Unfortunately, some dogs and puppies who survive a bout of parvovirus can still be affected by symptoms six months or more after the original symptoms, particularly if the virus has infected the heart.

To prevent infection, puppies must be vaccinated following a proper schedule, and they should not be taken outside the garden or introduced to any other dogs until at least two weeks after the last puppy shots are administered. Some vets may suggest that you avoid parks entirely during this period because of the possibility of picking up this or other contagious canine illnesses. If you adopt an older dog from the rescue center you should take him to your vet for a checkup and ask that he be vaccinated as a priority.