Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a sudden onset of profuse, smelly, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.
Parvovirus infection in dogs can lead to severe dehydration and death, and is prevalent throughout New Zealand.
How is it spread?
Dogs infected with parvovirus excrete infectious virus in their faeces. This starts BEFORE symptoms show and continues for 10 to 21 days after the onset of the disease. It can be spread from one dog to another through direct and indirect contact such as water and faeces.
Unlike many other viruses, Parvovirus is very stable in the environment. It can survive freezing temperatures, and most household disinfectants will not kill it.
This stability means the virus can also be spread to dogs via human shoes and clothing. Dog kennels, parks, riverbanks and showgrounds are also sources of infection.
What are the symptoms?
The clinical signs and symptoms of CPV disease can vary, but generally they include severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. The diarrhoea often has a very strong smell, may contain lots of mucus and may or may not contain blood.
Additionally, affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, marked listlessness and depression, and fever. It is important to note that many dogs may not show every clinical sign but vomiting and diarrhoea are the most common and consistent signs; vomiting usually begins first.
Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in unvaccinated dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are usually the most severely affected, and the most difficult to treat.
Any unvaccinated puppy that shows the symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea should be tested for CPV.
How is Parvo treated?
There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog.
Treatment relies on replacing lost body fluids and correcting disturbed electrolyte balance. Both the severity of the challenge and the timing of when treatment is started will affect the outcome. Treatment usually involves intensive care for several days in a veterinary hospital.
In the majority of cases, a dog that contracts parvovirus will die.
Can Parvo be prevented?
Yes! Parvo is included in the core DHPPi vaccine.
Vaccinating your dog is the best way to prevent canine parvovirus infection. We can additionally do anti body testing to check your dogs immunity from the disease.
The vaccine stimulates the dog’s immune system to produce antibodies against parvovirus and should be given at the appropriate time. During the first day or two of life, pups usually receive some immunity (antibodies) from their mother’s first milk (colostrum). This natural immunity allows the puppy to resist disease and will help protect the pup for its first six to 12 weeks of life. After this time, the level of immunity drops off and the pup can no longer be sure of protection.
Puppies should start their vaccination programme from six to eight weeks of age to ensure that their risk of infection is greatly reduced, and their final vaccination should be at 16 weeks or later.
It is extremely important that puppies complete their vaccination programme, so they are protected against this disease. They will also need regular vaccinations throughout their lives for continued protection.
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated (10 days after its final puppy vaccination) do not walk or put it down in any park or public place, including footpaths. Stay home and restrict any contact with soil to a minimum until your puppy is fully vaccinated.
Vaccination programmes may vary depending on disease risk, geographical area, age, and the health and lifestyle of your dog. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you about your dog’s vaccination and health requirements.
For more information on canine parvovirus, or to book a vaccination appointment, please ring us or pop into your local branch.
