What is it
Parvovirus is an often-fatal viral disease. If not treated immediately, it will almost always lead to death. There are two main types of infections – cardiac (heart-related) and intestinal. It is possible for a dog to contract both infections at once. Cardiac infections cause breathing problems and heart failure, while intestinal infections attack the lining of the digestive system. This makes the dog unable to absorb nutrients or liquids. If not treated immediately, parvovirus will lead to dehydration, shock, and death.
Symptoms
Generally, dogs start displaying symptoms 7 to 10 days after infection.
Cardiac infection symptoms are breathing difficulties, followed by heart failure.
Early symptoms of intestinal infection are:
· high fever
· lethargy
· depression
· loss of appetite
Advanced symptoms are:
· vomiting
· severe, bloody diarrhoea. The diarrhoea is foul-smelling and may be yellowish in colour.
How it spreads
Parvovirus is highly contagious, and spreads through direct or indirect contact of feces. This includes oral contact with infected soil, or even infected objects such as rags and toys. It is also possible for other animals (such as birds or even humans) to come into contact with infected objects and pass the virus on. Pregnant dogs may also spread the infection to unborn puppies, even if they do not display the symptoms themselves.
Who it affects
Dogs of all ages can contract parvovirus, but puppies are especially susceptible. Dogs that have contracted parvovirus in the past are more likely to contract the disease again.
Vaccinations and prevention
Colostrum (milk produced by the mother immediately after giving birth) carries antibodies that help nursing puppies fight off diseases. However, puppies may not take in enough antibodies to be able to effectively ward off parvovirus. Therefore, it is important to vaccinate your dog against this disease.
It is important to note that it can be difficult to successfully vaccinate a puppy, since lingering antibodies from the colostrum could prevent an effective response against the vaccine. You will therefore need to give your puppy a series of vaccinations over a period of time, usually every 3 to 4 weeks when your puppy is between 6 to 20 weeks of age, or as recommended by your veterinarian.
Bleach is effective in killing parvovirus. A mixture of chlorine bleach and water (1 part bleach, 30 parts water) may be used to disinfect areas and objects that may be contaminated.
