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Viruses are among the numerous dangers to the health of our beloved feline friends. One particularly severe example is the Canine Parvovirus. Discover how Parvovirosis (Canine Parvovirosis) manifests, the available treatment options, and how you can protect your dog from it.
Canine Parvovirosis is a highly contagious infectious disease that comes with very severe symptoms. It can quickly become fatal, especially for young and unvaccinated dogs. However, if treatment begins promptly, the chances of survival increase significantly.
Symptoms: What Are the Key Signs of Parvovirosis?
Immediately after transmission, fever and general lethargy can occur in dogs. Following an incubation period of four to seven days, Parvovirosis typically leads to severe and persistent vomiting.
Next comes watery, often bloody diarrhoea, which can be very foul-smelling. The disruptions in the gastrointestinal system cause the dog to lose a lot of fluids, leading to dehydration.
In addition to the gastrointestinal tract, the Parvovirus attacks thedog’s heart and immune system, resulting in myocarditis and secondary infections.
Puppies, unvaccinated young dogs, and older dogs are particularly vulnerable and may die from the consequences of Parvovirosis. A severely damaged heart muscle is often the cause of death.
The key symptoms of Parvovirosis at a glance:
Fever and lethargy
Severe, persistent vomiting
Watery, often bloody diarrhoea
Dehydration
Weakening of the immune system
Secondary infections
Diagnosis: How Is Parvovirosis Detected in Dogs?
Vomiting and diarrhoea can have many causes. The vet will begin by thoroughly questioning the owner and conducting a general examination.
If there is a suspicion of Canine Parvovirus (CPV) infection, the vet will initiate specific tests. A blood test typically reveals a deficiency of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets. For this reason, Parvovirosis is also known as Panleukopenia. Panleukopenia translates to a deficiency of all white blood cells.
A direct detection of the virus can also be achieved through stool samples.
Tiredness and weakness are also symptoms of parvovirus
Treatment: What Are the Treatment Options?
If the vet recognises Parvovirosis early, many dogs can be saved. Infected animals usually require intensive inpatient care. The primary aim of the treatment is to counteract the often severe symptoms of the disease.
Recommended therapeutic measures include:
IV fluids to combat dehydration
Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
Warmth
Stomach protection tablets
Medication for nausea
Pain relievers
Prognosis: What Are the Chances of Recovery from Parvovirosis?
If Parvovirosis is diagnosed in time and treatment is started immediately, the prognosis – especially for adult dogs – is generally very good. The first few days of Parvovirosis are particularly dangerous. If the dog survives the initial four to five days, its chances of survival increase significantly.
The disease is more perilous for young dogs. As the immune system of puppies is not fully developed, their chances of survival are lower. Unvaccinated young dogs also have a higher risk of dying from Parvovirosis.
Causes: How Does the Disease Occur?
Parvovirosis is caused by Canine Parvovirus 2, which exists in different variants (a, b, and c), each leading to varying degrees of illness.
Interestingly, Canine Parvovirus 2b can also affect cats. The virus is highly contagious and can survive for a long time in the environment.
Since affected animals suffer from diarrhoea, the virus spreads quickly, particularly in larger groups of dogs. Infection can also occur indirectly through contact with contaminated objects.
Within the dog’s body, the viruses enter cells with a high division rate via the bloodstream. These include the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, heart muscle cells, and lymphoid tissue like bone marrow. This typical distribution of the virus in the body explains the classic symptoms of Parvovirosis – vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.
Prevention: How Can I Prevent Parvovirosis in My Dog?
Since Parvovirosis can be very dangerous and potentially fatal for your dog, it is vital to take preventive measures.
Vaccination
Since the 1970s, there has been a vaccinationagainst Canine Parvovirus. Antibodies form in the dog’s body, so it does not fall ill upon contact with the virus.
The recommendation from the Standing Vaccination Commission is to vaccinate young dogs at eight, twelve, and sixteen weeks of age. The vet will repeat the vaccination after one year, completing the basic immunisation. Thereafter, a booster is needed every three years.
Protective Measures in Case of Illness
To prevent the infection of other dogs, dog owners must take immediate preventive measures if their dog falls ill.
Important: As infected dogs shed the virus in their faeces for about a week, you must isolate your dog immediately. Keep all items in the dog’s area in place to prevent the virus from spreading.
Wear disposable gloves and change clothes after contact with the ill dog. Remove faeces immediately and regularly disinfect faecal sites, feeding areas, toys, and surfaces.
When choosing a disinfectant, ensure it is effective against Canine Parvovirus, as not all disinfectants can combat the virus.
Important Note: The content provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, please always consult a licensed veterinarian.
Franziska G., Veterinarian
At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene.
Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future.
Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
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