What You Should Know About Canine Parvovirus
June 2005
Q: What is canine parvovirus?
A: Canine
parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus
that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs, and wild
canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen worldwide. It also
can damage the heart muscle in very young and unborn puppies.
Q: How is parvovirus spread?
A: Puppies
and dogs usually become infected when they ingest virus that is passed
in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine parvovirus is resistant
to changes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods
of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as
reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place
to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes,
or other objects.
Q: What dogs are at risk?
A:
All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs
that have not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are at
increased risk of acquiring the disease. Certain breeds (e.g.
Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher) appear to have a high risk of
experiencing severe disease.
Q: What are some signs of parvovirus infection?
A:
Canine parvovirus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever; vomiting;
and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause
rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to
72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows
any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian promptly.
Q: How is canine parvovirus diagnosed and treated?
A:
Veterinarians diagnose canine parvovirus on the basis of clinical
appearance and laboratory tests. No specific drug is available that
will kill the virus in infected dogs. Treatment should be started
immediately and consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by
replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and
diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections. Sick dogs should be kept
warm, receive good nursing care, and be separated from other dogs.
Proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated kennels and other
areas where infected dogs are housed is essential to control the spread
of parvovirus. Canine parvovirus is not easily killed, so consult your
veterinarian for specific guidance on cleaning and disinfecting agents.
Q: How is parvovirus prevented?
A:
Vaccination and good hygiene are critical components of canine parvovirus prevention.
Vaccination—Vaccination is important. Young puppies
are very susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural
immunity provided in their mothers' milk may wear off before the
puppies' own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection.
If a puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus during this gap in
protection, it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity
provided by a mother's milk may interfere with an effective response to
vaccination. This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally
succumb to parvovirus. To narrow gaps in protection and provide optimal
protection against parvovirus during the first few months of life, a
series of puppy vaccinations are administered.
To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their
dog's parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. Ask your veterinarian about
a recommended vaccination program for your canine companion.
In spite of proper vaccination, a small percentage of dogs do not
develop protective immunity and remain susceptible to infection.
Hygiene—Until a puppy has received its complete
series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing
their pet to places where young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops,
parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and grooming
establishments). Reputable establishments and training programs reduce
exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health examinations, good
hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs. Contact with known
infected dogs and their premises should always be avoided.
Finally, do not allow your puppy or dog to come into contact with
the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing outdoors. Prompt
and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable as a way to
limit spread of canine parvovirus infection.
Although this brochure provides basic information about canine parvovirus,
your veterinarian is always your best
source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more
information about canine parvovirus and its prevention.
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This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Article Source: http://www.mydogplace.com/dog-content/dog-health-series/canine-parvovirus-article.html
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