Parvo virus is highly contagious, spreading through traces of feces from dogs that do not show any obvious symptoms of illness. Puppies are especially prone to parvo, though it can affect older dogs too.
Early treatment is key and usually necessitates hospitalization to combat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by frequent vomiting and diarrhea. The goal is to restore balance to dehydrated systems affected by vomiting and diarrhea episodes, and maintain adequate fluids levels.
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Vaccination
Puppies, unvaccinated dogs and those with weak immune systems are particularly at risk from parvo. The virus can quickly spread between infected dogs through direct contact or through contaminated environments like kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes of infected dogs as well as people handling an infected one. Its resistance to heat, cold drying or most disinfectants means it could continue to infiltrate environments even after recovering from parvo.
There is no medicine available that will eliminate virus infections once they occur in dogs; treatment involves providing support until their immune systems can overcome it themselves. This may involve replacing fluids and electrolyte imbalances to combat dehydration; providing fluid replacement therapy; restricting vomiting/diarrhea; as well as preventing secondary infections.
Vaccination is the best way to safeguard puppies against parvo virus infection. Puppies should receive their first parvo vaccine dose as part of a series called the DHPP (also known as DAPP, DA2PP or DHLPP) between 6-8 weeks old; further doses should be repeated between 16-20 weeks of age, as well as once every year or three.
Diagnosis
Puppies infected with parvo typically display signs of illness that quickly progress to severe vomiting and diarrhea. The virus attacks the intestinal lining, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances as well as bacteria entering their bloodstream which causes shock to their system. It’s crucial that pet parents monitor early symptoms such as lethargy, not wanting to eat and low or high fever levels in their pet as early detection can make a big difference for treatment success.
Any puppy or unvaccinated adult dog displaying these symptoms should be assessed by a veterinarian, using an ELISA fecal test that looks for parvo antigens in its stool sample, or conducting a PCR stool sample test to gain more specific details of infection. IV fluids and balanced electrolyte solutions typically serve as cornerstones of treatment; other medication may include antibiotics and antiemetics. Therapy’s goal should be to strengthen your dog’s body systems until their natural immune systems can successfully fight off infection with their own natural immune systems.
Treatment
Though parvo can cause extensive diarrhea and vomiting in puppies, most can survive when treated by veterinarians. Treatment often includes IV fluids to combat dehydration and replenish lost nutrients from diarrheal waste products, along with medications designed to combat vomiting or nausea as well as prevent secondary infections.
Dependent upon the severity of a case, x-rays and ultrasounds may be recommended as necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. Furthermore, samples such as stool or blood should often be sent off to laboratories to confirm this information.
Once the veterinary staff has verified that your pup has CPV-2, treatment can begin immediately. With rapid diagnosis and treatment, survival rates for quickly diagnosed puppies have reached 90 percent; most often those who recover will remain immune for life. Working closely with your vet to make sure all your pups get their vaccine series on schedule, avoid unvaccinated people and dogs as much as possible and be sensible around unknown pooches will ensure they have every chance at survival and flourishing.
Prevention
Puppies and young dogs are especially prone to contracting parvovirus due to their immature immune systems still developing, so making sure your puppy receives all necessary shots and boosters is key in protecting them from contracting the illness.
When puppies contract the virus, it damages the intestinal lining and reduces white blood cell numbers significantly, leading to severe dehydration as well as possible bacteria entering their bloodstream (septicemia).
Since there is no drug to kill the parvovirus, treatment consists of supporting your puppy’s body until its immune system can fight off infection on its own. This often means providing fluids or controlling diarrhea and vomiting symptoms. When treated correctly, survival rates have reached up to 90%! As puppies can start shedding the virus 4 or 5 days post exposure or before displaying symptoms themselves, isolation is crucial for controlling its spread and stopping further infections from spreading to new puppies.
