The Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is a highly infectious disease spread among dogs and puppies either through direct contact or indirect contact through feces.
Background
The Parvo virus is a relatively new disease discovered in the late 1970s. In total four different strains have been discovered, although most infections are due to two particular strains of CPV - CPV2a and CPV2b. It can be found in dogs, puppies, wolves, foxes and other canids. It does not transfer to birds or humans. Some limited transfer to cats has been found.
Puppies are most susceptible to the virus. The two forms of infection are intestinal and cardiac. More than 80% of infected dogs do not show symptoms. With severe infection, dogs can die within 48 - 72 hours. The less severe infection, which is more common, only has a death rate of 10%.
Breeds such as Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers and Pit Bull Terriers are considered more susceptible to the parvo virus.
The cardiac form of CPV is less common, but can affect puppies in utero or after birth up until 8 weeks. It attacks the heart and the puppy typically dies (suddenly) following symptoms of breathing difficulty.
The intestinal form of CPV can infect a dog through contact with feces, infected soil or fomites. The dog sheds the virus in the feces after a few days of infection and may do so for a number of weeks. The dog may not display symptoms and continue to shed the virus periodically.
Symptoms
Dogs and puppies that develop the canine parvovirus show symptoms within 3 - 10 days of infection.
Symptoms include:
- - Lethargy
- - Vomiting
- - Fever
- - Diarrhea (bloody)
- - Dehydration due to secondary symptoms
- - Distinct odor in later stages due to secondary symptoms
- - Sudden death in puppies due to cardiac form, preceded by breathing attacks
Survival
A puppy with minimal symptoms caught in the early stages of the virus can recover in 2 - 3 days. More severe cases will require hospitalization and in some instances blood transfusions from dogs that have survived the virus in the past may be used. This has been shown to provide passive immunity to the sick dog.
There is no cure, and treatment typically consists of IV fluids to prevent dehydration and methods to restore protein.
Prevention
Parvovirus is extremely contagious. It has been found to survive in fecal matter and soil up to a year even in extremely hot and cold conditions. Bleach is the only household cleaner that is known to kill the virus.
The #1 prevention measure is to have your puppy or dog vaccinated. Older dogs should be given boosters.
Dogs that have recovered from CPV can still be contagious for up to 2 months. If you have multiple dogs, they must be isolated and bleach cleaner should be used for all shared items. Other dogs should be vaccinated or have a booster given.
- - Clean up all your (and others) dog’s stool in your yard. This is a main method for infection.
- - Keep your dog or puppy away from other dog’s stool in parks and yards. While on walks, clean up your dog’s stool.
Be sure to ask your Veterinarian about treatment and vaccinations. Vaccines are low-cost and effective, get your dog or puppy vaccinated!!
