Canine parvovirus: causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and prevention

Canine parvovirosis is a contagious viral disease that can affect any dog, especially unvaccinated ones and puppies less than four months old. Unfortunately, in some cases, it can have fatal consequences. In the following, you will learn about the causes leading to canine parvovirosis, how it manifests, and how it can be correctly diagnosed and treated.

• What is canine parvovirosis and what are its causes
• Which dogs are susceptible to parvovirosis
• What are the symptoms of canine parvovirosis
• How is parvovirosis diagnosed
• How is parvovirosis treated
• How can parvovirosis be prevented

What is canine parvovirosis and what are its causes

Parvovirosis is caused by canine parvovirus. This virus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with another infected dog or indirectly, through contact with a contaminated object (water bowl, leash, collar, clothes). Canine parvovirus can also be transmitted through sneezing, through objects licked by the infected dog, or through contaminated feces.

Also, the virus can be transmitted by people who have touched an infected animal and then touched another healthy dog. It is important to mention that canine parvovirosis is not transmissible to humans or other animals.

The virus affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, with the most affected areas being the stomach and small intestine, where it destroys cells, affects nutrient absorption, and disrupts the intestinal barrier. In puppies, parvovirosis can affect bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues, and sometimes can also affect heart health.

Parvovirus is resistant to heat and cold, humidity, dry air, and can survive in any type of environment for a long time. The virus also persists on small amounts of feces from an infected dog and can be transmitted to a healthy dog.

Parvovirosis is a serious disease that weakens the immune system in puppies, causing a decrease in white blood cell levels. This reduces the body's ability to fight other secondary bacterial infections that may arise as a result of intestinal damage.

On the dog's skin and coat, the virus can survive for at least a month, and outdoors, for several months and even up to a year.

Types of parvovirosis

Canine parvovirosis can manifest in two ways:

• Gastrointestinal form - this is the most common form of canine parvovirus and is characterized by the appearance of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite;
• Cardiac form - this is a less common form and is characterized by cardiovascular and respiratory failure, being frequent among puppies (under eight weeks); in some cases, it can be fatal.

Which dogs are susceptible to parvovirosis

Puppies between six weeks and six months old are most susceptible to parvovirus infection. Usually, those under six weeks still have maternally acquired antibodies, as long as the puppies' mother was previously vaccinated.

The severity of the disease can vary, and puppies are usually the most affected. If, in addition to parvovirosis, there is another infection or parasite, the disease can be more severe. Regarding dog breeds, some have a higher risk of developing this disease. These include: Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retriever, American Staffordshire Terrier, and German Shepherds.

Both puppies and adult dogs are contagious for the first 4-5 days after being exposed to the virus. However, this period does not always coincide with the manifestation of the first symptoms. Thus, animals can be contagious long before owners realize they are sick.

What are the symptoms of canine parvovirosis

Canine parvovirosis is a dangerous disease, and the earlier it is detected, the greater the chances that it will be treated correctly and that other complications will not arise. Therefore, it is important for owners to identify the main symptoms and act accordingly:

• Diarrhea and bloody stools
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• Anorexia

It is recommended to contact the veterinarian as soon as these signs appear, especially if it is a puppy. At the same time, it is good to know that these symptoms may indicate the presence of parvovirosis in dogs, but they can also be a sign of another condition. The veterinarian can offer a correct diagnosis after a thorough investigation.

In the case of canine parvovirosis affecting the digestive system, the virus prevents the absorption of nutrients, leading to dehydration in the dog and the manifestation of fatigue due to a lack of protein and vitamins. The tissue around the mouth and eyes takes on a reddish hue, and the heart begins to beat faster. In some cases, dogs affected by parvovirus can suffer from hypothermia (low temperature), even if a common symptom is fever.

Also, frequent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration of the body, damage to the intestines and immune system, causing septic shock.

Deaths can occur within the first 48 or 72 hours of symptom onset, so it is recommended to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible. Death can occur due to severe dehydration, another secondary bacterial infection, a blood toxin, or severe intestinal hemorrhage.

Read also: Skin diseases in dogs – causes, treatment, prevention

How is parvovirosis diagnosed

Canine parvovirosis is diagnosed based on a physical examination, biochemical tests, and a stool sample analysis to detect the presence of parvovirus. Urine analysis or abdominal ultrasound can also be performed. If white blood cell levels are low and there are signs of dehydration, in association with bloody stools, then the presence of parvovirus in the dog can be confirmed.

Biochemical and urine tests may indicate high levels of liver enzymes, lymphopenia, or electrolyte imbalance. Abdominal ultrasound helps detect an intestinal obstruction.

The veterinarian should be informed about the dog's medical history, vaccination history, and the symptoms that have appeared.

How is parvovirosis treated

Parvovirosis is a viral infection that cannot be cured. The treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, prevent the appearance of a secondary bacterial infection, and provide the necessary support so that the dog receives optimal nutritional intake.

There is no specific medication to eliminate the virus from the body, so the treatment recommended by the veterinarian will help the puppy's immune system fight the viral infection. Medication should be started as soon as possible and is usually based on preventing dehydration, other secondary infections, and episodes of vomiting or diarrhea.

The veterinarian may recommend nutritional therapy and intravenous administration of fluids to prevent acute diarrhea, dehydration, protein deficiency, and to maintain electrolyte balance.

Other medications may also be recommended, which have the role of stopping vomiting episodes (antiemetics), protecting the digestive system and fighting parasites, as well as antibiotics, to combat secondary bacterial infections that may occur. At the same time, the dog will be monitored to prevent other possible complications. Also, during treatment, it must rest in a warm environment. Intensive therapy and providing the necessary support are of great help for recovery after canine parvovirus infection.

Since parvovirosis is extremely contagious, it is advisable to isolate sick dogs to reduce the risk of infection transmission. Therefore, proper disinfection of the dog's living space and the rest of the house is essential to control the spread of the virus. It is resistant and can survive for long periods, so decontamination of the environment after parvovirus infection is even more important. The procedure can be performed with a water-based chlorine solution or with chlorine disinfectants.

Also, dogs infected with parvovirosis remain contagious for another 10 days after treatment, during the recovery period. It is recommended that they do not come into contact with other unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs.

How can parvovirosis be prevented

Proper hygiene and dog vaccination are two ways to prevent parvovirosis. The latter is the safest way to protect and is recommended for puppies and adults alike, especially female dogs, as puppies depend on antibodies received from them during the first weeks of life.

Puppies should be vaccinated starting from the sixth week of life. As a rule, vaccinations are given in weeks 6, 8, and 12. Puppies are vulnerable to parvovirosis until they have received all vaccine doses. Also, they must receive another vaccine dose between weeks 14 and 16, regardless of those received previously, to develop the necessary protection. In addition, puppies should not come into contact with other unknown dogs for at least two weeks after the administration of the third vaccine dose.

For dogs that belong to high-risk breeds, the vaccination period extends to 22 weeks. During this period, animals are not allowed to come into contact with other unknown dogs, only with those already vaccinated. It is recommended to avoid public places, such as dog parks, pet stores, or similar spaces.

Owners must ensure that puppies and adult dogs do not come into contact with the feces of other dogs. Also, if you have a sick dog, you must clean up the feces as quickly as possible to avoid spreading the virus.

It is important to note that, despite the vaccine, there is a small percentage of puppies that do not develop protection against the virus and remain susceptible to its development.

Canine parvovirosis is an extremely dangerous contagious disease. It can occur predominantly in puppies but can also affect adult dogs. Early recognition of symptoms is essential to prevent complications and to keep the disease under control. Also, vaccination plays an important role in preventing canine parvovirosis.

Photo source: Shutterstock

MOST RECENT POSTS