Parvo

Parvo, or Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and if left untreated, kills them within day's, primarily due to dehydration. The virus is similar to Coccidiosis in fowls and severe scouring in calves and all other animals.

Canine parvovirus cannot be transmitted to humans, and in case you were wondering, human parvovirus B19 is an unrelated disease.

Parvo virus is very contageous

The parvo virus infection starts by the dog picking up infected feces while eating food, chewing bones, licking itself etc... there's so much parvo virus in the environment that all older dogs are somewhat immune to it, however puppies are extremely susceptible, especially from around weaning age.

Symptoms of the virus

Initial visible parvo symptoms are severe depression and a loss of appetite. The pup will appear to be in a lot of pain, with a tucked up abdomen. A high fever quickly develops accompanied by severe diarrhea, and acute dehydration. The diarrhea will usually be bloody within 24 hours. Puppies infected with parvo virus usually die within 48 hours, if left untreated.

How the virus works

Parvo virus initially lodges and multiplys in the lymph nodes of the throat. 3 or 4 days later it spreads to the bone marrow and gastro intestinal tract, which both contain rapidly multiplying cells, which is just what the virus needs. In the bone marrow it kills the young immune system cells, and because of this, a low white cell count is the first clinical sign of possible parvo virus infection. Having a low white cell count also means that the host cannot fight the infection.

Simultaneously the parvo virus is attacking the gastro intestinal tract, killing the new cells of the intestine walls before they have a chance to grow. The result is an inability to absorb nutrients, causing acute diarrhea. The gastro-intestinal wall becomes so damaged and thin, that bleeding occurs, allowing bacterial infection to start.

So parvo puppies can die from either severe dehydration and shock, or bacterial infection... or more commonly, both.

Treating sick puppies

Being a virus, parvo cannot be treated with antibiotics. However antibiotics are routinely given to help prevent the secondary bacterial infections that attack the gastro-intestinal tract. The parvo just has to run it's course, while the immune system attempts to fight it.

It's necessary to put the pup on a saline drip to fight the dehydration, possibly for as long as 24+ hours. Giving antibiotics orally is pointless because of the vomiting, so they will be fed through the drip tube with the saline solution. This is necessary to fight the secondary infections in the intestines.

The best treatment for parvo virus is prevention. And the best form of prevention is Vaccinating, which should be mandatory for all puppies before they are 3 months old. Follow up every 12 months with a booster shot.

Pregnant Brood Bitches

Pregnant brood bitches should be vaccinated with a killed parvovirus vaccine either before mating, or 2 weeks before their puppies are born. Note: DON'T administer a live vaccine to pregnant bitches. It must be a KILLED Vaccine.

If the brood bitch is protected, she will pass on protection to her puppies via the colostrum. This protection will last until the puppies are about 6 to 7 weeks old. The danger period for puppies is between then and when they are given their full shots at 3 to 4 months of age.

In intensive breeding situations, like dog farms and breeding barns, it is advisable to give puppies a 3 in 1 shot that includes parvo virus and corona virus vaccines at about 7 weeks, followed by their full 5 in 1 shot at 3 to 4 months of age. Vaccines won't be effective if the puppies immune system is compromized in any way. For example, if they have kennel cough, which is a virus, their white cell count will be low, and giving a vaccination at this time will be pointless.

Decontaminating the kennels and yards

The only way to kill parvo virus in the environment is with either Bleach diluted 30 to 1 with water, or some other proprietary brand containing bleach. Thoroughly clean the kennel area, including the wire, walls and floor. Be sure to clean out the corners and any cracks between the boards. Thoroughly soak the entire kennel area, including the walkways and all equipment, clothing and footware used when the puppies were sick.

Left to it's own resourses the virus will die in the ground in around 7 to 8 months, but leaving contaminated dog yards vacant for 12 months is safer. Freezing protects parvo virus cells, so if the affected area is covered in snow in winter, it may be 2 years before it is safe to have puppies on it again. Liming the ground is advisable. Dig the lime into the soil and leave the yard empty for at least 6 months.