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Parvovirus
Parvovirus and Dogs
Trailheads often have signs requiring dogs be kept on a leash and sometimes, their poop be picked up and removed. Parvovirus may be mentioned, but little more information is given. This article relies on information provided by Ron Hines DVM PhD on the web.
Like influenza (the flu), Parvovirus exists as strains adapted to specific animals such as fowl, swine or humans. Normally the virus does not infect animals outside its preferred host animal. Canine (dog) parvovirus has not been reported to cause any symptoms of disease in humans. For dogs, especially puppies under 6 months of age, parvovirus is the worst, common disease in the USA. It causes ulcerative enteritis and diarrhea. The diarrhea often kills. Since 1980, the virus has mutated several times, but the CPV-2B strain is most often encountered today. Vaccination is very effective.
Parvovirus survives indefinitely on floors, food containers and rugs. It is resistant to phenolic disinfectants and heat, but is susceptible to household bleach diluted one part to 20 parts water. Outside, sunshine kills the virus. The virus is spread mostly by feces (poop). Shedding of virus can start on the third day after exposure. Symptoms may not appear until 2 weeks after exposure. Thus, a healthy, active dog can be shedding the virus on the trail and in the home before becoming ill.
Symptoms vary from none-at-all to death. True diagnosis requires testing a stool sample (some poop), but can be false-negative early in the disease. Bloody diarrhea is usually enough to assume parvovirus.
Immediate veterinary service is needed. Treatment requires intravenous fluids to correct dehydration. Medicine may be given to stop intestinal spasms. Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infection through damaged intestinal walls. Initially, fever may be present, but later chills often require a source of heat. Keep the dog indoors and/or near a heat lamp. It helps to pet and encourage the dog. Tail wagging and eating a little food are good signs.
Recovered dogs are immune for life, so carrier dogs don't exist. Vaccination produces good immunity when last given at the age of 18 weeks. A vaccine usually fails because it was given when maternal antibody (from the mother) was still present in the puppy's blood. A series of shots between 9 weeks and 18 weeks seem most cost effective.
It is impossible to keep a kennel absolutely safe from this disease. Despite a good vaccination schedule, there will be a short time gap when puppies can suffer from exposure. Parvovirus remains a common cause of death for puppies under six months of age.
Trailheads often have signs requiring dogs be kept on a leash and sometimes, their poop be picked up and removed. Parvovirus may be mentioned, but little more information is given. This article relies on information provided by Ron Hines DVM PhD on the web.
Like influenza (the flu), Parvovirus exists as strains adapted to specific animals such as fowl, swine or humans. Normally the virus does not infect animals outside its preferred host animal. Canine (dog) parvovirus has not been reported to cause any symptoms of disease in humans. For dogs, especially puppies under 6 months of age, parvovirus is the worst, common disease in the USA. It causes ulcerative enteritis and diarrhea. The diarrhea often kills. Since 1980, the virus has mutated several times, but the CPV-2B strain is most often encountered today. Vaccination is very effective.
Parvovirus survives indefinitely on floors, food containers and rugs. It is resistant to phenolic disinfectants and heat, but is susceptible to household bleach diluted one part to 20 parts water. Outside, sunshine kills the virus. The virus is spread mostly by feces (poop). Shedding of virus can start on the third day after exposure. Symptoms may not appear until 2 weeks after exposure. Thus, a healthy, active dog can be shedding the virus on the trail and in the home before becoming ill.
Symptoms vary from none-at-all to death. True diagnosis requires testing a stool sample (some poop), but can be false-negative early in the disease. Bloody diarrhea is usually enough to assume parvovirus.
Immediate veterinary service is needed. Treatment requires intravenous fluids to correct dehydration. Medicine may be given to stop intestinal spasms. Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infection through damaged intestinal walls. Initially, fever may be present, but later chills often require a source of heat. Keep the dog indoors and/or near a heat lamp. It helps to pet and encourage the dog. Tail wagging and eating a little food are good signs.
Recovered dogs are immune for life, so carrier dogs don't exist. Vaccination produces good immunity when last given at the age of 18 weeks. A vaccine usually fails because it was given when maternal antibody (from the mother) was still present in the puppy's blood. A series of shots between 9 weeks and 18 weeks seem most cost effective.
It is impossible to keep a kennel absolutely safe from this disease. Despite a good vaccination schedule, there will be a short time gap when puppies can suffer from exposure. Parvovirus remains a common cause of death for puppies under six months of age.
dodosan |
Latest page update: made by dodosan
, Jan 4 2012, 4:53 PM EST
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Second draft January 4, 2012
- dodosan
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canine
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parvovirus
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