Many communities are reporting an increase in the number of parvovirus cases being seen, particularly in puppies and young dogs. This increase is not unusual this time of year as warmer temperatures allow more outdoor activity with out pets. However, it does pose a threat to unprotected dogs.
What is parvovirus?
Parvovirus is an intestinal disease that is caused by a virus known as the parvovirus. Parvovirus attacks and destroys the inner lining of the intestines, leading to severe and oftentimes bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Affected dogs are usually weak and dehydrated with no appetite.
Parvovirus is especially common in puppies although it can affect dogs of any age. Parvovirus is frequently fatal for the infected puppy.
How is parvovirus treated?
Parvovirus has no definitive cure so treatment is primarily supportive in nature. Fluid administration to battle dehydration is an absolute necessity and intravenous fluid administration is generally the most effective means of supplying the fluids. Dogs or puppies that are vomiting due to infection with parvovirus are unable to hold down any fluids given orally.
Other treatments frequently administered for parvovirus include antibiotics to fight secondary bacterial infections that occur due to a suppressed immune system, medications to control vomiting and nausea, and proper nursing care.
Even with aggressive treatment, many puppies do not survive infection with parvovirus.
Can parvovirus be prevented?
Parvovirus can be prevented by vaccination. Puppies must receive a series of vaccines against parvovirus in order to overcome maternal immunity that is passed to them through their mother's milk. Vaccines against parvovirus are normally administered beginning at 6-8 weeks of age and then repeated every 2-4 weeks until the puppy has reached 14-16 weeks of age. The vaccine should be boostered one year later.
Parvovirus is one of the "core" vaccines that is generally recommended for all dogs.
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