Parvo

Picture of Canine Parvovirus:
Photo ©2005 Cornell University

Parvo and Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

Parvo Introduction

Parvo, also known as Canine Parvovirus is exceptionally contagious and extremely fatal. Parvo is particularly lethal in puppies as their immune system is still pre-mature. Manifesting itself in 1978, parvovirus is a relatively new disease very similar to feline distemper, appearing in nature to be practically identical leading many to suspect a mutation. Although this theory has never been proven, the virus is equally deadly.

The Parvo Virus

Parvo is a genus of the Parvoviridae family of viruses and are some of the smallest viruses found in nature. Parvoviridae are only known to infect animals, from dogs to cats and even mice. The only known strain of Parvoviridae known to infect humans is ParvovirusB19, which is an altogether different disease that causes fifth disease. Canine Parvovirus, feline distemper, or any other will not affect humans.

There are two varieties of Parvo in dogs, intestinal, which is the more common disease that we are covering and cardiac, which is far less pervasive. Equally deadly however, Cardiac Parvo strikes the heart muscle causing sudden death by heart attack.

Parvovirus Transmission Process

The parvovirus spreads through the feces of infected dogs. Although it isn’t an airborne disease as some may suggest, it can spread just as easily making caution around puppies extremely important. Outdoor dogs are have a larger vulnerability as we can’t control the outside environment – small animals can track Parvo across your yard just as easily as a bird can fly in and step on your puppy’s water bowl. In each case, if these animals have come into contact with Parvo beforehand, it is likely your puppy too, will find himself with it.

It is because of this terribly contagious nature of the parvovirus that most breeders whelp their puppies indoors, requiring an age up to 12 weeks before they come into contact with anyone outside the family. Likewise, the parents are essentially quarantined for this same duration.

Unlike most viruses, Parvo is also a durable virus that can itself live in an extreme environment without degradation. It can resist effects of extreme heat and cold, soaps and detergents, as well as alcohol and age. Parvo has been known to survive in dog feces over 3 months after it has been deposited and has been suggested to survive more than 9 months. For this very reason, professional suggest you wait at least 1 year before bringing home a new puppy – 1 year from the time you disinfect your home and property.

How Parvo Affects Your Dog

The Parvovirus is a disease that thrives on cellular division and cells that divide the most happen to be in a dog’s digestive system. This is where Parvo attacks, the lining of the intestines where its own virus can rapidly duplicate itself through the process of the host’s own cellular division. By damaging the intestines, the virus makes it difficult to absorb critical nutrients and fluid, beginning the ill and lethargic feelings a dog might have. The further damage to the intestines also lead to system wide infections as the resident bacteria freely flows into the bloodstream.

It replicates itself so quickly, it can cause sickness in just 7 days – at which point your puppy or dog may not survive without critical intervention. In just 2 weeks, an infected dog can discard over 1 billion Parvo viruses in its fecal deposits, increasing the chance of a dangerous spreading and further infection of others.

Signs and Symptoms of Parvo and Your Dog

Parvo causes several problems. Once the digestive system is compromised, the intestines aren’t able to digest food and nutrients resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. Once the resident bacteria of the intestines leak back into the bloodstream, septicemia usually manifests. Additionally, dehydration will set in due to the electrolyte imbalance in the dog’s body. 10 to 15% of water content can be lost sometimes requiring IV fluids. Ultimately, your dog will show signs of depression and lethargy as the illness takes hold and will typically stop eating.

Treatment and Medicine for Parvo

Survival of a puppy or dog ill with Parvo depends largely on how quick the diagnosis is made and how aggressive the treatment is given. Normally treatment consists of IV fluids or sub cutaneous fluids usually including an antibiotic mixture, injections to help with nausea, electrolyte regulation, stabilizing body temperature and simple rest. There is no real cure for Canine parvovirus and veterinarians simply try to support the dog’s organs and natural immune system to help fight the disease. It isn’t uncommon to give blood transfusions during this period.

Alternative treatments of Parvo are available from homeopathic all natural herbal formulas to naturopathic treatments. Make sure you talk to your vet about all treatments available.

Parvo Statistics

Normally puppies that win the battle with Parvo will develop immunity to it however others will contract it again. Some have said that puppies battling Parvo have a fifty-fifty chance of survival with aggressive supportive treatment. Regardless, 80% of puppies die without it.

Another note to mention is that certain breeds have a higher chance of infection as well as higher chance of death. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and other black and tan breeds are in this category. Some of these have been written to have a predisposition to Parvo and should be handled with greater care.

Prevention of Parvo and Decontamination

The single best method of Parvo prevention is taking prophylactic measure; providing early and regular vaccination. Injections are given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age. Booster shots are sometimes given at 4 to 5 months of age.

Decontaminating the Parvovirus isn’t done easily as the virus is extremely virulent. Actual chlorine bleach is really the only known household agent that can kill the virus, as it will corrupt the DNA, much like HIV or any other virus. To clean surfaces, floors and equipment, mix 1 part bleach with 30 parts water or 4 to 8 ounces of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Be sure to clean food and water bowels, crates, and any item the dog will come into contact with, even the ground outside.

If you suspect your dog might have Parvo, call your Veterinarian right away!