Parvovirus: a serious disease

By Jennifer Williamson

A serious virus that everyone who owns a dog should know about is parvovirus (parvo). The most important information to take away from this article is how the virus is transmitted. If you are a breeder or have a new puppy, pay close attention to what you are about to read.

Parvovirus is specific to dogs alone and cannot be transmitted to humans or other pets of a different species, such as cats. Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers and other black-and-tan breeds are especially prone to parvo. Generally, it takes seven to 10 days from the time of exposure for dogs and puppies to start showing symptoms and to test positive for parvo.

Parvo affects puppies much more frequently than adult dogs. The virus causes foul-smelling diarrhea (often bloody), depression/lethargy and suppression of white blood cells. In very young puppies, it can infect the heart muscle and lead to sudden death.

Parvo causes malabsorption of nutrients or liquids, causing dehydration and possibly death. A puppy is especially prone because of an immature immune system. Parvo can also cause congestive heart failure, which can occur months or years after recovery. Puppies who survive parvo usually remain somewhat unhealthy and weak for life.

Parvo can infect dogs and puppies can even if they never leave their yards. Parvovirus is not an airborne virus; it is excreted in the feces of infected dogs. If someone - human, dog, bird, etc. - steps in (or otherwise comes in contact with) the excrement, the possibility for contamination is great. Adult dogs may be infected carriers without showing any symptoms.

Parvo can occur in any unvaccinated dog. The virus can be brought home to your dog on shoes, hands and even car tires. You won't even know that you have it on you, so be very careful where you go and what you do (don't play with a dog you don't know). Be careful about who you let play with your puppy before he is finished with his vaccination schedule.

Many vets recommend vaccinating puppies every three to four weeks for this virus, starting at 6 weeks old and continuing until they are at least 16 to 20 weeks old. All puppies should not be allowed to socialize with unknown dogs outside of the home or areas such as dog parks until two weeks after the last vaccination.

Immunization for parvo is usually included in your dog's distemper vaccine; this shot gives protection against several potentially fatal canine diseases all at the same time.

Without intense treatment, the victims of parvo die of dehydration. Treatment generally consists of IV fluids, antibiotics, blood transfusions and regulating body temperature, among other things. This is a very serious disease, and there is no cure. Parvo strikes fast and without mercy. Dogs who have survived parvo can get it again.

A puppy testing negative for parvo one day could succumb to the virus within a matter of days. Some puppies infected with parvovirus will die despite prompt and adequate treatment. Without treatment, probably 80 percent or more of the infected puppies will die; with treatment, about 80 percent will live. If your dog becomes infected with parvovirus, it is vital that he receives supportive therapy immediately. It must be stressed that this is not a bad case of doggy flu; without medical treatment, most puppies die.

A lot of other diseases and disorders can cause diarrhea. If you have a puppy, don't take any chances. Have your vet examine your puppy if diarrhea is a factor in any disease. It is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Parvo can remain infectious in ground contaminated with fecal material for five months or more in favorable conditions (temperature and humidity). Chlorine bleach is the most effective and inexpensive agent that works. Other cleaners (ammonia, vinegar, etc.) will not kill the virus.

If you think that you may have come in contact with the parvovirus, a strong bleach-and-water solution (at least 30 percent) kills the virus, so washing your shoes, clothes and your hands with it will reduce the risk of infecting your dog. If the virus has been in your home, use the bleach-water solution to kill it. Soak the yard with it, and wash your clothes, all surfaces, kennels, feeding bowl, etc., before you bring another dog home.

Thanks to www.workingdog.com, from which the information for this column was derived. Be sure to visit our Web site at www.capsnv.org to check out what we're doing and who is available for adoption.

Jennifer Williamson is president of CAPS.