What is the Parovirus?

Parovirus is a viral disease that affect canines, specifically puppies and unvaccinated dogs. The virus lowers the white blood count and grows in rapidly dividing cells, attacking the GI tract and the intestinal lining. In very young puppies, the parvovirus can affect the heart muscle. "Parvo" is a virus that attacks the lining of the digestive system. It causes dogs and puppies to not be able to absorb nutrients or liquids. Puppies are especially prone to it because they have an immature immune system. This is a very serious and life-threatening disease. The parvovirus in canines only affects canines and cannot be transferred to cats or humans and the like. Without prompt treatment, approximately 80% of infected puppies would die from parvovirus. With treatment, roughly 80% will survive the virus.

Parvovirus symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), depression and low white blood cells. While there could be other reasons behind a dog's diarrhea, it is better to be on the safe side and have you puppy or dog examined by a vet. Canine parvovirus is very contagious to puppies and unvaccinated dogs, as it is present everywhere. When dogs and puppies contract parvo, they often have diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Usually they stop eating and develop a bloody, foul-smelling, liquid stool. Loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting and high fever are also symptoms of a parvovirus infection. Puppies who survive parvo infection usually remain somewhat unhealthy and weak for life. Most deaths occur within 48-72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. Puppies suffer most with shock-like deaths, occurring as early as two days after the onset of illness. If you these signs in your dog or puppy, or if they have been exposed to a dog who has had the parvovirus, contact your vet immediately.

The treatment for parvovirus is antibiotics and rehydration. This might include hospitalization and intense treatment. The parvovirus symptoms can take from 3-7 to show up, but once you start seeing symptoms, it is very important that you do not hesitate to bring the dog into a vet for treatment. Catching it early is better, but treatment is not a guarantee that your dog will survive the parvovirus infection. Although that may be hard to hear, there can be a 50-50 chance of survival. Usually, if the dog does not show signs of improvement by the fourth day of treatment, he is unlikely to survive. Dogs older than one that have had their vaccinations can get the parvovirus, though it is unusual. The parvovirus can be spread through shedding fur from the infected dog and through infected stools.

Even if your new puppy has been vaccinated with the parvovirus, it is possible for the puppy to contract the disease. In essence, the parvovirus vaccine is, basically, injecting live parvovirus into the puppy. For example, with some human vaccines and immunizations, children are injected with the live virus in order to build an immunity against them. If you think that just because your puppy has had a vaccination for the parvovirus and cannot get the disease - think again. A puppy has lower immunity to disease, which is why they are more susceptible than older dogs. Older dogs should continue with their vaccinations and boosters.

If your dog or puppy has survived a bout with the parvovirus, you need to take some precautions. Keep the dog away from all other dogs for at least a month. Clean up any stools in your yard. As I mentioned earlier, the parvovirus can infect through stools and shedding. Anywhere the dog has laid, you must clean. Use chlorine bleach and water to disinfect water bowls, crates, kennels, linoleum and wash any bedding the dog has had contact with.

If you act quickly and get your dog or puppy medically treatment immediately, there is a good chance for survival.