Parvovirus Symptoms

Before 1978, no one knew about the canine parvovirus symptoms as this virus was supposed to be a mutation of feline distemper virus. Many drug companies swung into action and came with an highly effective canine parvovirus vaccine. Canine parvovirus type 2 or CPV2 is a contagious virus affecting dog health. In this article, we shall discuss the canine parvovirus symptoms in detail.

What is Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is one of the most dangerous and contagious virus that causes life-threatening dog health problems. Parvovirus can manifest itself in two ways: intestinal and cardiac. The intestinal human parvovirus symptoms will include vomiting and bloody diarrhea in dogs. Cardiac parvovirus may lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Puppies are highly susceptible to parvovirus and there is 90% mortality seen in puppies who do not receive timely treatment.

How Does Parvovirus Spread
The parvovirus can spread though direct or indirect contact with fecal matter. The virus has the ability to survive in soil or other environment for over a year. It is not possible to prevent contact of the virus with dog as it maybe present in any environment. Animal shelters, animal rescues or puppy mills are some of the most risk prone areas for dogs to contract the parvovirus. This highly contagious virus may spread through direct contact between infected animal with a healthy animal.

Canine Parvovirus Symptoms
The most common form of canine parvovirus that infects dogs and puppies is the intestinal virus. This virus damages the inner lining of the intestinal tract. That causes the intestinal tract to die. As the intestinal tract gets damaged, it paves way to a massive secondary bacterial infection in the dog. The parvovirus symptoms in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness due to loss of electrolytes
• Depression
• Lethargy in dogs
• Bloody diarrhea with a very bad dour
• Dehydration
• Shock
• Death

The cardiac parvovirus generally affects puppies that are less than 8 weeks of age. The cardiac parvovirus symptoms in puppies include:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Unwillingness of the pup to nurse
• Weakness
• Extreme depression
• Crying
• Breathing difficulty and gasping for breath
• Almost sudden death

Canine Parvovirus Treatment
It is very heart rendering to see you pet dog suffer. The first thing to do if you suspect parvovirus in dogs, is take the pet to a veterinary clinic or hospital immediately. The basic treatment that will help increase the chances of your dog's survival is replacing the fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea. The vet will need to get the dog or puppy hospitalized to carry out further treatment.

Once the dog or puppy is hospitalized, the doctor will begin with antibiotic therapy that includes drugs such as cefoxitin, cefozolin, enrofloxicin, ampicillin, gentamicin, amikacin, chloramphenicol or trimethoprim-sulfa. He may also begin with antacids to prevent the esophagus ulcers due to vomiting like tagamet, zantac or pepcid. Anti-ematics like maropitant, chlorpromazine or ondansetron maybe administered for controlling nausea and vomiting. Tamiflu will be advised and there may be a need for plasma transfusions. The dog or puppy maybe kept hospitalized for about 5 days. The dogs will not be fed anything till 24 hours pass without an incident of vomiting. After 24 hours the dog is fed and if he does not vomit, the vet may think about discharging the animal. The dog or puppy may continue to pass soft stools or mild diarrhea for several days.

Prevention of Canine Parvovirus
The best way to prevent canine parvovirus symptoms is through vaccination. Young puppies are at high risk of developing an infection as their natural immunity through the mother's milk wears off soon. To prevent parvovirus symptoms in puppies, one should get them vaccinated between 14 to 16 weeks of age. Adult dogs should receive the parvovirus vaccination according to their vaccination program. Pet owners should keep in mind, that till their puppies are not given all the required doses of parvovirus vaccination, they should avoid taking them to places where other dogs visit. These places include pet shops, parks, dog obedience classes, kennels or grooming shops. This is to reduce the risk of parvovirus infection.

As a responsible owner, you should be able to spot the parvovirus symptoms in dogs as soon as possible. Parvovirus symptoms prove to be life-threatening, especially in puppies. Proper and immediate treatment and vaccination is the only way to help your pet survive. If you spot the parvovirus symptoms, never waste a second and visit the vet straight away.

Disclaimer: This article attempts to provide basic information about canine parvovirus. You should speak to your veterinarian for more information about canine parvovirus symptoms and its prevention.