The Deadly Parvovirus
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)🐾
Canine Parvovirus (also referred to as CPV, CPV2, or parvo) is a contagious virus mainly affecting dogs and wolves. CPV is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Vaccines can prevent this infection, but mortality can reach 91% in untreated cases. Treatment often involves veterinary hospitalization. Canine parvovirus often infects other mammals including foxes, wolves, cats, and skunks. Felines(cats) are also susceptible to panleukopenia, a different strain of parvovirus.
The virus attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other canids like coyotes, wolves, and foxes. In puppies, the virus also can damage the heart. All dogs are susceptible to canine parvovirus, although some dogs are at greater risk than others. These include puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, and certain breeds, such as the following:
- Rottweilers
- Boerboels
- Doberman pinschers
- Bull terrier breeds
- German shepherds
- English springer spaniels
What are the signs of canine parvovirus?
The signs of parvovirus infection vary from dog to dog, depending on the severity of the infection. These are some important signs to watch out for:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Severe, often bloody, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
How can canine parvovirus be treated?
- Dogs suspected or confirmed to have canine parvovirus should be immediately isolated from other dogs to prevent spread of infection IV fluids and management of electrolytes are the cornerstone of treatment for parvo. Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary infections, along with medications to help relieve vomiting, nausea and pain. De-wormer should be given since many puppies also have intestinal parasites that can worsen diarrhea. If the sugar levels are low, IV supplementation will be required.
- Nutrition is a very important part of treatment. Since most patients are not eating enough on their own, some may require a temporary feeding tube that goes into their nose and directly into the esophagus or stomach to provide nutrients.
- Severe cases may also need a treatment called a plasma transfusion, which helps replenish loss of clotting factors and blood proteins, such as albumin which are important for maintaining blood pressure.
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