Parvovirus infection ( CPV ) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects s . The virus occurs in two different forms . The most common form is the bowel , and as you can imagine is characterized by vomiting , diarrhea, weight loss and lack of appetite (anorexia ) . Less common is instead the cardiac form , which attacks the heart of very young puppies , unfortunately, often leading them to death : in most cases between six weeks and six months of life of the animal . The incidence of parvovirus infection in s than in the past has been reduced thanks to early vaccination of puppies against this virus .
Symptoms of infection with parvovirus
The main symptoms associated with the intestinal form of dog parvovirus infection include severe diarrhea and bleeding , lethargy , anorexia , fever ( or against hypothermia, temperature too low ) , vomiting and weight loss . The intestinal form of the CPV therefore affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients and retain fluid . In short the animals infected by parvovirus tend to dehydrate and weaken. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes can become red and greatly increased heart rate excessively. It ' clear that a visit to the vet becomes precious and decisive : to touch the puppy will demonstrate abdomen aches and pains .
The cause of the infection and infection with dog parvovirus
The culprit of what may be considered even a violent dogs gastroenteritis, is the " parvo " virus , but now well modified genetically the origin. E ' for this ( as for other viruses and bacteria that affect also the human being ) , the disease can manifest itself in various forms depending on the dog . Transmission occurs by direct route between sick and healthy animal , or by fecal-oral transmission : simply that a healthy puppy sniff infected feces of a sick dog to become infected . This virus also seems also very durable : some scientific research it spotted survival in even land up to 12 months . And also to remove a kick suspect from the floor at home it is important to use bleach : normal detergents do not kill parvovirus.
The diagnosis of parvovirus in dogs
The CPV is diagnosed with a physical exam and medical history , of course, the stool test , but also biochemical blood tests , urinalysis , abdominal radiographs or ultrasound . Low levels of white blood cells are indicative of this viral infection , especially if associated with bloody diarrhea . Urinalysis may also reveal an increase in liver enzymes , lymphopenia , and electrolyte imbalances . X-rays can be used to verify a possible intestinal obstruction , while abdominal ultrasound can detect enlarged lymph nodes in the groin , or the whole body , and intestinal segments filled with fluid.
How to treat dog parvovirus infection
Because the disease is a viral infection , there is no real cure . Treatment is therefore aimed at treating the symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections . An intensive therapy is essential and includes the administration of intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration , along with the correct power . They can be also used drugs to stop vomiting ( antiemetic ) and reduce nausea . The survival rate in dogs is about 70 percent , but sometimes death can result from severe dehydration , a serious secondary bacterial infection ( in this case can be also useful antibiotics ) , bacterial toxins in the blood , or a severe intestinal bleeding. The prognosis is less for puppies , since they have a less developed immune system .
The dog management after parvovirus infection
It 'clear that once past the acute phase of infection, the dog will be much longer and deserve weakened many cuddles as well as feeding him restore her energy. But be careful, because for about 60 days even after her recovery may still be contagious to other dogs. Better to isolate and wash and disinfect (using a suitable product) all the puppy objects. After healing typically it develops immunity to this virus, but a relapse is not uncommon. The vaccine against parvovirus dogs The best prevention is the vaccine, exists and is practiced at 6,9 and 12 weeks of the puppy dog life that must remain in isolation until at least 14 weeks throughout this period. Some breeds are particularly susceptible to this infection and vaccination protocols might take longer, up to 22 weeks: we are talking about Rottweiler, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bull, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and the Springer Spaniel. Disease or immunosuppressive drug therapies increase the risk of infection in all breeds of dogs.
Symptoms of infection with parvovirus
The main symptoms associated with the intestinal form of dog parvovirus infection include severe diarrhea and bleeding , lethargy , anorexia , fever ( or against hypothermia, temperature too low ) , vomiting and weight loss . The intestinal form of the CPV therefore affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients and retain fluid . In short the animals infected by parvovirus tend to dehydrate and weaken. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes can become red and greatly increased heart rate excessively. It ' clear that a visit to the vet becomes precious and decisive : to touch the puppy will demonstrate abdomen aches and pains .
The cause of the infection and infection with dog parvovirus
The culprit of what may be considered even a violent dogs gastroenteritis, is the " parvo " virus , but now well modified genetically the origin. E ' for this ( as for other viruses and bacteria that affect also the human being ) , the disease can manifest itself in various forms depending on the dog . Transmission occurs by direct route between sick and healthy animal , or by fecal-oral transmission : simply that a healthy puppy sniff infected feces of a sick dog to become infected . This virus also seems also very durable : some scientific research it spotted survival in even land up to 12 months . And also to remove a kick suspect from the floor at home it is important to use bleach : normal detergents do not kill parvovirus.
The diagnosis of parvovirus in dogs
The CPV is diagnosed with a physical exam and medical history , of course, the stool test , but also biochemical blood tests , urinalysis , abdominal radiographs or ultrasound . Low levels of white blood cells are indicative of this viral infection , especially if associated with bloody diarrhea . Urinalysis may also reveal an increase in liver enzymes , lymphopenia , and electrolyte imbalances . X-rays can be used to verify a possible intestinal obstruction , while abdominal ultrasound can detect enlarged lymph nodes in the groin , or the whole body , and intestinal segments filled with fluid.
How to treat dog parvovirus infection
Because the disease is a viral infection , there is no real cure . Treatment is therefore aimed at treating the symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections . An intensive therapy is essential and includes the administration of intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration , along with the correct power . They can be also used drugs to stop vomiting ( antiemetic ) and reduce nausea . The survival rate in dogs is about 70 percent , but sometimes death can result from severe dehydration , a serious secondary bacterial infection ( in this case can be also useful antibiotics ) , bacterial toxins in the blood , or a severe intestinal bleeding. The prognosis is less for puppies , since they have a less developed immune system .
The dog management after parvovirus infection
It 'clear that once past the acute phase of infection, the dog will be much longer and deserve weakened many cuddles as well as feeding him restore her energy. But be careful, because for about 60 days even after her recovery may still be contagious to other dogs. Better to isolate and wash and disinfect (using a suitable product) all the puppy objects. After healing typically it develops immunity to this virus, but a relapse is not uncommon. The vaccine against parvovirus dogs The best prevention is the vaccine, exists and is practiced at 6,9 and 12 weeks of the puppy dog life that must remain in isolation until at least 14 weeks throughout this period. Some breeds are particularly susceptible to this infection and vaccination protocols might take longer, up to 22 weeks: we are talking about Rottweiler, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bull, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and the Springer Spaniel. Disease or immunosuppressive drug therapies increase the risk of infection in all breeds of dogs.