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CANINE PARVOVIRUS!
Despite widespread vaccination for canine parvovirus, it remains a common life-threatening infection in puppies and young dogs. Canine parvovirus is shed in the feces of infected dogs in very large numbers and can remain in the environment long-term unless
Despite widespread vaccination for canine parvovirus, it remains a common life-threatening infection in puppies and young dogs. Canine parvovirus is shed in the feces of infected dogs in very large numbers and can remain in the environment long-term unless
the area is disinfected. While puppies are vaccinated for parvovirus in their initial vaccines, they may not be fully protected until they are 16 weeks old after receiving 3 vaccines.
The most commonly infected dogs with parvovirus are puppies or young dogs.
The most commonly infected dogs with parvovirus are puppies or young dogs.
Parvovirus attacks rapidly dividing cells which include the gastrointestinal tract and the bone marrow. Due to destruction of immature cells in the bone marrow, dogs with Parvovirus often have low white blood cell counts. This low white blood cell count predisposes them to
bacterial infection. In the gastrointestinal tract, Parvovirus prevents renewal of the intestinal lining resulting in malabsorption and diarrhea which often becomes bloody. Dogs develop vomiting and ultimately become dehydrated.
Loss of the normal intestinal lining can result in translocation of bacteria from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream which can then infect the entire body.
One of the most important parts of therapy for Parvovirus involves restoring and maintaining hydration through the use of fluids, ideally given intravenously. Antibiotic therapy is also important in trying to prevent widespread bacterial infection secondary to the low white
blood cell count and destruction of the intestinal lining. Anti-vomiting medications can aid in reducing the frequency of vomiting and the subsequent loss of further fluid. The introduction of a liquid diet, oftentimes through a small feeding tube, is also helpful in preventing
further damage to the intestine which can occur with protracted fasting.
Aggressive therapy in a veterinary hospital is recommended in dogs with Parvovirus to improve the success of treatment. Dogs hospitalized for Parvovirus are typically kept isolated from other patients in
Aggressive therapy in a veterinary hospital is recommended in dogs with Parvovirus to improve the success of treatment. Dogs hospitalized for Parvovirus are typically kept isolated from other patients in
the hospital. Outpatient treatment of dogs infected with Parvovirus with fluids administered under the skin, oral antibiotics, and oral anti-vomiting medications can be successful in some dogs.
Prevention of Parvovirus is far easier than treating active infection. Pet owners should keep puppies less than 16 weeks old away from other dogs even if they are receiving their scheduled vaccines.
