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PARVO PUPPIES

Many young dogs are coming into the clinic lethargic, some are not eating. Some are vomiting, or experiencing diarrhea. A substantial number of these dogs have tested positive for Canine Parvo Virus. This disease is frustratingly aggressive and can be fatal.

This virus is passed via a fecal-oral route. Millions of virus particles are passed in each stool sample. Commonly another dog will be exposed to the virus by smelling where the infected dog defecated. The virus is then licked off the nose, swallowed, attaches to and destroys the intestinal lining.

Because the intestinal lining absorbs food and water while protecting the body from bacteria that live within the intestines, the loss of the lining is life threatening. Without the lining the animal can die of dehydration or serious infection (sepsis). Dehydration is the major cause of death in Parvo cases.

Dogs that feel “sick to their stomach” often do not drink enough to compensate for what they are losing in the diarrhea. Some dogs do try to drink but are unable to retain fluids due to vomiting. Treatment focuses on correcting dehydration, irradicating infection, reducing vomiting and controlling pain. Hospitalization is the best options to accomplish these goals.

Smelling where another dog has defecated is not the only way a dog can encounter Parvo. Almost anything can act as a fomite to carry the virus to the dog. The virus can be tracked on the bottom of owner’s shoes, clothing, hands/skin, or companion animals. Things like blankets, dishes, and toys can also harbor the virus. The virus is hardy and difficult to eradicate. In the environment it can survive for weeks to months and perhaps years. The best approach to fighting this terrible disease is prevention.

Since puppies are the highest fatality group, vaccines play a crucial role in protecting them from Parvo. Puppies should begin the vaccination series at 6 weeks of age. Remember vaccines are not 100% effective. Numerous puppies seen at the hospital, sick with parvo have been vaccinated at home.

Vaccination failure can occur for various reasons. For example; the animal’s body was not stimulated by the vaccine. This can happen if the “active ingredient” in the vaccine is destroyed by heat, if the vaccine is not given correctly or if the pet is sick from something else.

Veterinarians play a key role in quality control of the vaccines handling and administration. More importantly veterinarians are trained to interpret the animal’s body for underlying illnesses. The good news is Canine Parvo Virus does not affect humans, and it can be killed with bleach.

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