Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus is a very severe and highly infectious disease that we see cases of occasionally. It can prove fatal if not treated rapidly.

What is it and how is it transmitted?

Canine Parvovirus [CVP2] is attracted to rapidly growing cells within the body like intestines, lymph nodes and the heart.  Large quantities of the virus are excreted in faeces of infected dogs and so can be passed directly from dog to dog. Ingestion of anything contaminated by infectious faeces like grass or bones etc is one method. Another method is by indirect contact, for example the virus can be carried on clothes, shoes, and dogs feet. The virus is extremely resistant and so can be carried for a long distance.

Symptoms

Symptoms and the severity of infection vary depending on the age of the animal. Young dogs and particularly puppies are most at risk.

Sudden death in puppies 4-6 wks of age
Sudden severe vomiting, sometimes containing blood
Diarrhoea most often bloody
Depression/lethargy and anorexia

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can only be made by testing a faecal sample of a suspected patient. There are several other illnesses that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and so these may also need to be ruled out.

Treatment

Cases of Parvovirus need to be admitted to the isolation unit of the practice. They require Intravenous fluids, antibiotics and anti emetics (drugs used to stop vomiting and nausea). Due to the large amount of fluids lost through vomiting and Diarrhoea, Intravenous fluids are often given in large quantities until these symptoms stop and the animal regains appetite.  Treatment for this disease is very intense due to the seriousness of it. Younger dogs generally under a year old and puppies have a lesser chance of surviving. Older dogs or those that have been partially protected through vaccination have a better chance.

Prevention

Vaccination, vaccination, vaccination!

Vaccinations are the most important mode of prevention for this disease. It is part of the standard yearly vaccinations your dog should have. Puppies need to be vaccinated from 8wks onwards and completes the full course of 2 injections before being protected. They should not be exposed to parks, pavements or other dogs etc until a week after their full course is complete.

Annual vaccine should then be continued throughout the dog's life to prevent disease.