Parvovirus infection in dogs

Canine parvovirus infection is an acute, highly contagious disease of dogs that was first described in the early 1970s. The virus tends to attack rapidly dividing cells, such as those that line the gastrointestinal tract.

The virus is shed in large quantities in the feces of an infected dog for several weeks after it enters the body. The disease is spread by oral contact with contaminated feces. Parvovirus can be carried on the fur and paws of dogs, as well as on contaminated shoes and other objects. If a dog licks fecal material from its fur or from anything that has been in contact with contaminated feces, it becomes infected with parvovirus.

Parvovirus can affect dogs of all ages, but most commonly affects puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age. Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers are the breeds most commonly affected and have the most severe symptoms. The reason for these breeds' lower resistance is unknown.

After an incubation period of 4-5 days, the acute phase of the disease begins with depression, vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs have no fever, while others may have a body temperature of up to 105°F (41.1°C). Puppies with severe abdominal pain may pull their paws up. Diarrhea is very profuse and contains mucus and/or blood. Dehydration can develop quickly.

In the past, this disease often affected the heart muscle of newborn puppies, but this is now quite rare. This is because routine vaccination of females 2-4 weeks before mating increases the level of antibodies in the mother's body so much that it provides better protection for the puppies.

Parvovirus infection should be suspected in all puppies with sudden vomiting and diarrhea. The most effective way to diagnose parvovirus infection is to detect viruses or viral antibodies in the dog's feces. For rapid veterinary diagnosis, a blood serum test (ELISA) can be performed in the clinic. However, false negative results sometimes occur. Isolated virus isolation methods are more accurate, but require special laboratory equipment.

Treatment: Dogs with this disease require intensive veterinary treatment. In most cases, despite the mildness of the symptoms, hospitalization is necessary to correct the water and electrolyte balance. Intravenous fluids and medications are often required to control vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, blood plasma transfusions and other types of intensive therapy are necessary.

Puppies and adult dogs should not eat or drink anything until vomiting has stopped. But during this time, they should receive maintenance fluids. This may take 3-5 days. Antibiotics are given to prevent septicemia and other bacterial complications, which are usually fatal.

Virulence depends on the virulence of the specific parvovirus strain, the age and immune status of the dog, and how quickly treatment is started. Most puppies that receive good treatment recover without developing complications.

Prevention: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the infected animal's kennel. Parvovirus is an extremely resilient virus that can survive most household cleaning products and will not die on surfaces for many months. The most effective disinfectant is household bleach diluted 1:32. Allow it to sit on the infected surface for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Vaccinations beginning at 8 weeks of age prevent most, but not all, cases of parvovirus infection. During the first weeks of life, puppies are protected by high titers of maternal antibodies. As these levels decline between 1 and 4 weeks, puppies are more susceptible to infection due to the lack of vaccine action. The period of increased susceptibility varies among puppies, so puppies may be most susceptible to developing parvovirus infection between 6 and 20 weeks of age. Almost all known cases of vaccination failure have resulted from exposure to parvovirus during the period of increased susceptibility.

Newer, high-titer, low-passage vaccines may narrow the window of susceptibility. These modified live vaccines contain a large number of virus particles (high titer) that are less attenuated (low passage; low-passage vaccines contain a large number of virus particles that are less attenuated (or weakened) than those in conventional vaccines). This means that high-titer, low-passage vaccines may generally elicit a response from the immune system of puppies that have some level of maternal antibodies that would normally prevent such a response.

However, it is still important to keep young puppies away from other dogs and potential sources of infection as much as possible until they are fully vaccinated against parvovirus infection at 16 weeks of age.

Currently, recommendations are for a booster immunization to be administered one year after the first, and then every three years.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ]