One of the most frightening words a pet owner can hear is parvo. Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that attacks the white blood cells and causes serious damage to the intestinal tract and sometimes the heart. Parvovirus most commonly affects puppies or dogs under one year of age, since in most cases, they have not been fully vaccinated and have weaker immune systems. In fact, 85% of dogs diagnosed with parvo are between 6-20 weeks old. However, unvaccinated adult dogs are also at risk.
Symptoms of Canine Parvovirus
Once a dog becomes infected with parvovirus, the virus replicates and spreads through the bloodstream. It then begins to attack the cells of the body, creating the symptoms often associated with canine parvovirus. These include:
As the illness progresses, it can also lead to cardiac inflammation and failure or respiratory failure. That is why responding quickly to initial gastrointestinal symptoms is imperative to treatment.
How is Parvo Treated?
Parvovirus is one of the most deadly of viruses affecting pets, and often takes a serious turn within a matter of hours or days. This is why catching the onset of symptoms and responding with emergency veterinary care is so important. The additional challenge to treating parvovirus is that treatment is limited to supportive care as the virus runs its course.
Treatment for parvovirus generally entails administering intravenous fluids, injections to prevent vomiting and nausea, and antibiotics, with electrolyte balance and fluids playing key roles in recovery.
Preventing Parvovirus
Despite the seriousness of parvovirus, the illness is preventable through a safe, effective vaccine. The vaccine for parvovirus is highly recommended and is our best defense in keeping young puppies and adult dogs safe from this deadly virus.
In addition, avoid exposing puppies under the age of 5 months to public places, such as parks, pet supply stores, and other places where dogs are present, and carry him or her when coming in to see the veterinarian.
While the gravity of parvovirus weighs heavily on the minds of loving dog owners, the good news is that it is entirely preventable.
Billings Animal Family Hospital offers wellness care tailored to help protect our smallest, most vulnerable puppies and kittens. To learn more about your young pet’s wellness care and vaccination schedule, or to inquire about your adult pet’s vaccine needs, we welcome your call.
