Parvovirus

What is Parvovirus?
Parvovirus is a contagious viral disease that affects the gastrointestinal system causing severe bloody diarrhea and debilitation. It is often fatal, especially in young puppies.

How does my dog get Parvovirus?
Most commonly, affected dogs have not been effectively vaccinated against parvovirus (or vaccinated at all), and are then exposed to virus shed in the feces of infected dogs.  

How do I know if my dog has Parvovirus?
Dogs usually show signs about one to two weeks after being exposed. Puppies are first lethargic, then progress to losing their appetite, vomiting, and having intractable bloody, mucousy  diarrhea. They lose weight rapidly. The abdomen is often tender. Your veterinarian will perform blood tests to check for organ function. He may also take radiographs of the abdomen to rule out other possibilities. A special (ELISA) fecal test will be performed to detect the parvovirus antigen.

What can I do about Parvovirus?
Your puppy will need to be hospitalized so he can receive supportive care. This mostly consists of intravenous fluids, although  plasma or serum transfusions might be necessary as well. Medicine to combat vomiting may be given. He must be isolated from other dogs, with precautions taken by any who touch him so that the disease is not spread. As he improves, he can eat small easily digestible meals.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting Parvovirus?
Vaccinate your puppy with modified live virus parvovirus vaccine before taking him to places possibly unvaccinated dogs frequent. Parvovirus can live a long time in the environment, although it can be killed by a bleach solution. Vaccine failure may occur because of interference from maternal antibodies. This is why puppies are revaccinated at three week intervals until they are 16 weeks old. Some breeds have a more difficult time acquiring immunity from vaccines, and may require revaccination considerably longer.

Are there certain breeds that get Parvovirus more often?
Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Springer Spaniels seem to have a more difficult time acquiring immunity.