Everything You Need to Know About Canine Parvovirus

Su had a long day at work. When she came back, she found her young Pitbull lethargic enough to not touch its food. She considered it a tantrum and decided to ignore it. Within days, the pup developed severe bloody diarrhea and was diagnosed as a “parvo”. 

The pup died within three days of diagnosis but the situation could have been controlled if the symptoms were identified right on time because Canine Parvovirus has become a leading cause of death, especially in young unvaccinated pups on a global level.

What is Parvovirus?

Parvovirus belongs to the contagious class of viruses that affect the canines primarily. The Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract of the young pups and develops into the intestines. It is apparently present in the stool (feces) of the infected dog right after two days of the infection and in some cases, it’s present in the stool within 24 hours.

Transmission

The Parvovirus is extremely contagious. Its transmission is quite easy since it is present in the stool of the infected dog. So, all the places contaminated with the infected stool contract virus easily including food bowls, kennels, cages, open surfaces, and water buckets. It is transmitted either through an oral or nasal contraction. As soon as the virus develops in the stool of the infected dog, it can be transmitted easily to healthy dogs because of the surface contraction. 

Symptoms of the Parvovirus

Parvovirus has a time span of infecting its host. Some symptoms develop at the initial phase of infection, whereas, some develop after 24 to 72 hours and lead to death. The most common symptoms of this fatal disease are:

●Fatigue

●Loss of appetite

●Extreme bloating

●Low-grade fever

●Low blood pressure 

●Intense abdominal pain

●Vomiting

●Bloody diarrhea

●Severe dehydration (as a result of consistent diarrhea and vomiting)

Some of these symptoms like loss of appetite and fatigue develop at the very beginning of the infection, so it’s important to take notice of any subtle change in your pup’s behavior and report it to the associated veterinarian.

How to diagnose parvovirus in infected dogs?

Quite often, the feces sample of the infected dog is used for the diagnosis. There are two ways to detect parvo in an infected dog.

1. Testing Kits: These are easily available and indicate the extent of the spread of the virus as well. The key is to use an efficient testing kit for the best results.

2. Lab Testing: Many owners often rely upon the lab results to strengthen their doubt. Many veterinary labs test the fecal sample to diagnose the presence of the virus. 

Most affected hosts

It is most common among young pups of a few weeks or dogs which are unvaccinated. They are attacked by the virus at a greater rate because their immune system is not prone to respond against severe viruses. 

Treatment against the Parvovirus

There is no particular treatment regarding the Parvovirus. The only drugs given are to develop the immunity of the dog to fight against the virus using its antibodies. However, a few things should be considered if a dog contracts parvo

●Early diagnoses can enhance the chance of survival by 90%.

●Isolate the infected dog from the pack and provide a warm environment to control the hypothermia.

●Provide sufficient electrolytes through oral ways or injections to make up for the severe dehydration.

●Increase active protein supplements to normalize the dog’s body temperature.

Prevention against the Parvovirus

1.Make sure you vaccinate your young pups by an early age so that they develop a resistance against the Parvovirus.

2.Don’t let your pup wander near the feces of other dogs to avoid the potential contraction.

3.Dispose of the dog feces properly.

4.Always make sure to wash your hands after disposing of your dog’s feces.

By taking these measures, the lives of many precious dogs can be saved at the right time.