Canine parvovirus infection (also called "parvovirus") is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease with a significant mortality rate. The virus spreads mainly in puppies. Experienced dog owners and breeders often panic when they suspect that one of their dogs is sick, as they are aware of how quickly this condition progresses and that it can be fatal. If your furry friend has parvo, you need to see a veterinarian promptly to increase his chances of survival; however, be aware that the symptoms of this infection can be confused with those of other canine diseases, such as coronavirus infection, hemorrhagic bacterial enteritis, coccidiosis and hookworm infestation.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Take the dog's age into account
Usually parvovirus occurs mainly in puppies between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks, however 85% of all infections affect dogs under one year of age. Puppies are more prone to contracting it because they have a very high number of rapidly mitotic gastrointestinal cells and these cells are the primary target of parvovirus. If your dog is elderly, it is more difficult for him to get this infection (although certainly not impossible).
If the mother of the puppy has not been vaccinated against parvo, it is possible that the virus manifests itself even earlier, already in the first weeks of life
Step 2. Assess the breed of your four-legged friend
Parvovirus affects some breeds more easily than others, such as the Rottweiler, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Doberman and the German Shepherd. If your dog belongs to one of these groups, you need to be especially vigilant and carefully check for symptoms attributable to parvo.
Step 3. Observe the animal's behavior
In general, the first sign that can suggest parvovirus infection is lethargy. The puppy begins to be less active and eventually retreats to a corner where he remains crouched. This lethargy is usually followed by weakness and loss of appetite.
Step 4. Take his temperature
If your faithful friend has the infection, he usually develops a fever between 40 and 41 ° C.
Step 5. Check to see if your dog is vomiting
Parvo damages the stomach which, as described above, contains rapidly dividing cells which are attacked by the virus. In this way the gastric walls become irritated and ulcers are formed that cause vomiting.
Step 6. Check your stool
If the dog has diarrhea (watery stools), produces mucous, bloody or particularly nauseating smelling stools, the cause could be the infection, which will also cause severe dehydration in the animal.
Step 7. Check for signs of anemia
This infection causes gastrointestinal bleeding that can lead to anemia. To determine if your faithful friend is anemic, press his gums. When you apply pressure to these mucous membranes in a healthy specimen, their color should quickly return to normal, usually after two seconds, after initial discoloration; however, if you realize that more time is required, it means that the animal may be anemic. Anemia can also make the gums extremely pale.
Part 2 of 2: Diagnosing Parvo
Step 1. Take your dog to the vet immediately
The sooner you get him to see the doctor, the better his chances of survival will be. Unfortunately, many dog owners fail to recognize symptoms early or wait too long before going to the vet. when they finally take the initiative, the animal is often already in the terminal phase of the disease, when death from dehydration is nearing.
Step 2. Ask the veterinarian to have the animal subjected to an ELISA antigen test
To correctly diagnose parvovirus, it is important that the “Immuno-Absorbent Assay linked to an Enzyme” (ELISA) is performed, which allows to analyze the dog's feces for the virus. Some veterinary surgeries are equipped to perform this examination directly.
The ELISA test allows for quick results, but may not be completely accurate. Be aware that sometimes false negative results occur
Step 3. Submit your furry friend for further testing
The ELISA test alone is sometimes unable to diagnose this infection. The veterinarian may also request other tests, such as the haemagglutination inhibition test, the blood count (complete blood count) and / or a direct fecal smear. The results of these tests, together with the ELISA test, will reveal the presence of parvovirus in the dog.
Step 4. Follow your vet's directions to take care of the pet
There is no cure for this virus; however, your doctor can recommend supportive therapies and practical measures to put in place to increase the chances that your faithful friend will survive. Among these there may be:
- Admission to a veterinary hospital;
- Antiemetic drugs;
- Intravenous hydration;
- Taking probiotics;
- Vitamin therapy.
Advice
- Vaccination is the only way to prevent your puppy from contracting parvo. The first vaccine can be done as early as 5-6 weeks of age and must be repeated every two or three weeks for a total of at least three injections.
- This virus is very stable and persistent. It is resistant to many disinfectants and can survive for long periods, even up to several months. It is important that the environments frequented by the dog are properly cleaned and disinfected. Look for products that are labeled effective in disinfecting against parvovirus or, to wash items that are resistant to bleach, make a solution with one part bleach and thirty parts water.
- Parvo is a viral disease and cannot be cured with antibiotics.
