Protecting your Puppy from Parvo Virus
| Print | March 16, 2009 2:37 PM

Protecting your Puppy from Parvo Virus

Parvoviral enteritis (or parvo) is a viral disease that affects young, unvaccinated dogs between 6 weeks and 6 months of age. It attacks rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal tract and bone marrow, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, impaired immune function and sometimes death.

Common name: Parvo
Scientific name: Canine parvoviral enteritis

Signalment: Any unvaccinated dog is susceptible to contracting parvoviral enteritis; however dogs between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 months are especially susceptible. Breeds at increased risk include Rottweiler, Doberman pinscher, Labrador retriever, American pitbull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, German shepherd and Alaskan sled dogs.

Incidence/prevalence: Parvovirus particles can be found everywhere in the environment. They are hardy and can survive for five months or more. Infected dogs shed the virus in their feces, and infective virus particles can be found in grass, on concrete and anywherean infected dog has defecated. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted from infected dogs to susceptible dogs through ingestion, nasal exposure or fomites (humans, clothing, bedding, bowls).

Geographic distribution: Canine parvovirus is found throughout the United States, Europe, the Far East and Japan. Different strains are prevalent in different regions.

Clinical signs (primary, most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms): Severe vomiting, inappetance, diarrhea (with or without blood), rapid dehydration follows , Lethargy, decreased activity, Fever (sometimes very sick animals have a low temperature), Secondary infection and sepsis, Sudden death.

Clinical signs (secondary, most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms): Intussusception (the telescoping of one segment of intestine into another), Clotting disturbances, Neurologic signs, Ulceration of skin, mouth, footpads.

Causes (scientific, common term): Canine parvovirus strains 2a, 2b and 2c, Canine parvovirus-1 (less common).

Organ systems affected (most to least affected): Gastrointestinal tract, Cardiovascular system, Central nervous system, Skin.

Diagnostic tests: Fecal ELISA test for viral antigen (virus particles), Complete blood count (can corroborate clinical suspicion), Differential Diagnosis, Dietary indiscretion, causing gastroenteritis, Foreign body ingestion, Intestinal parasitism

Pancreatitis, Other viral and bacterial diseases, Endocrine diseases such as hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease).

Overview: Parvovirus is a serious, life-threatening viral disease affecting young dogs that have not had a complete set of vaccinations (see prevention section, below). The virus is hardy, can be found everywhere in the environment and survives many common household disinfectants. Parvovirus is highly contagious and is spread through oral-nasal or fecal-oral routes.

The virus can survive in cages, on food and water dishes, and can also be transmitted by human beings on hands and clothing. There is usually a one- to two-week period in which the pet shows no signs (incubation period). They can be shedding the virus in their feces before showing any signs of infection.

The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells, the lining of the intestine and the bone marrow. Infected dogs have vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood, and severe dehydration soon results. Because the lining of the intestine is destroyed, bacteria in the intestines gain access to the blood. The virus also destroys white blood cells, which help fight infection. The loss of white blood cells combined with the bacteria in the bloodstream contributes to blood infections.

Some dogs develop myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), clotting disturbances and neurologic signs usually secondary to bleeding in the brain or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Because of the low white blood cell count that accompanies parvovirus, it is not uncommon for dogs to develop urinary-tract infections or IV-catheter-site infections.

Treatment

Professional Care: The diagnosis of parvoviral enteritis is based on signalment (age and breed), an incomplete or absent vaccination history, clinical suspicion, a positive ELISA antigen test and a low white blood cell count. The ELISA fecal antigen test is diagnostic; however, a negative test does not rule out infection due to the short period of fecal shedding. Pets recently vaccinated (5 to 12 days post-vaccination) may yield false-positive test results; however, the reaction is typically weak positive. Other causes of vomiting and diarrhea, such as foreign-body ingestion, should be ruled out.

Hospitalization is critical for success. Since the disease is viral, treatment is largely supportive. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment – these are used to fight the systemic infection that results from loss of the intestinal lining and low white blood cell count. Antiemetic drugs are given to lessen vomiting.

Sometimes plasma is needed to replace proteins lost to diarrhea as well as to provide clotting factors. Plasma has the added benefit of providing antibodies to the virus if it has been taken from a recently vaccinated dog. Antiviral therapies are being studied but are not routinely used at this time.

Home Care: The virus is extremely hardy and resistant to common household disinfectants. The exception is household bleach, a solution of one part bleach to 30 parts water for at least 10 minutes will inactivate the virus. Recovering dogs should be isolated from other dogs as well as from cats, it has been shown that canine parvovirus is transmissible to cats. Fecal shedding can occur for up to 10 days. All feces should be disposed of and the area should be treated for 10 minutes with the dilute bleach solution.

All living areas, bedding, food and water dishes and toys should be either disposed of or cleaned with the bleach solution. Be sure they are washed thoroughly with soap and water before reuse. Although canine parvovirus has not been shown to infect humans, many dogs have concurrent parasitic or viral infections, and proper hygiene should always be used when handling fecal materials.

Dogs recovering from natural infection are typically immune to reinfection for up to 20 months and potentially for life. It is still highly recommended that they receive their regular immunizations, as the disease is easily prevented with proper vaccination.

Action/Prevention

Proper vaccination has been shown to be protective against parvoviral enteritis. Starting between 6 and 8 weeks of age, puppies should receive a modified-live virus vaccine every three to four weeks, until they are 14 to 18 weeks of age. They should receive a booster vaccine one year following their last puppy vaccine and every three years thereafter. Puppies that have not completed their entire series of vaccines should not be walked outside until they are fully immunized.

Outcome

If caught early, puppies typically recover from infection with appropriate supportive care; however, sudden death is possible. Young animals, animals with a low white blood cell count and Rottweilers typically have a poorer prognosis.

References/Additional Readings

Greene, Craig E.  Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat.  St. Louis, Missouri:  Elsevier, 2006; 63-70.

Author: Sarah K. Alward, DVM

Editor: Steven Hansen, DVM, MS, MBA, DABVT, DABT

2007. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Comments (18)

Nora Keene March 23, 2009 8:44 PM

I have some boston terrier puppies and they have some of the symptoms but they are recovering all but 2 and I have not seen any blood in the stools.I am feeding them a baby food diet with pedialite. And some antibodics I got from my vet. I just cant get the littlest ones over the hump of this infection.

mamun April 2, 2009 2:12 PM

outstanding writings.

Cale Hadaway April 2, 2009 3:25 PM

Very Nice

ty June 7, 2009 10:31 PM

my kids have a 6 month old puppy that is very sick im not sure if its parvo what can i do to help it

choca June 11, 2009 10:19 AM

Have a puppy with Parvo, found her in the park in Mexico. She has been on med from the Vet and was doing well. I have been hand feeding her boiled chicken breast. If I give her a bowl of food she eats so fast it comes right up. She is very small dog and I'm not sure if she's getting enoght food. I have been giving her about 3 to 4 pieces every 2 hours and still seams so hungy. Is there any other food I could give her to feel her up that I could hand feed to her?

choca June 11, 2009 10:35 AM

Found a puppy at the park in Mexico. Took her to the vet and he gave her Med for Parvo. She has been getting better, but if I give her a bowl of food she eats so fast it comes up. I have been feeding her pieces of boilded chicken breast by hand to get her to slow down and it seams to be working. The only thing is I'm not sure if she's getting enough because she won't stop when she's full. She is a very small dog and i've only had very large dogs. I give her about 4 to 5 pieces of chicken every 1 to 2 hours. Is there any thing eles I could make for her to feel her up. Someone told me to give her white rice? Thank you

nicole baxter June 22, 2009 10:49 PM

i just got a new puppy, have been giving him iams puppy (dry food) and he has plenty of water to drink, i guess the question is, he poops and pees alot, and his poop isn't dry poop it is runny and he looks all constipated.. does anybody know what can be wrong with him??

Anonymous August 11, 2009 4:36 PM

HElp I belive my puppy has the provo virus, she will not eat, and she will stand only in one place. Yesterday she was out running and playing last night for her snack she did not eat and today she is not eating anything and the doctor can not get her in unil friday.

Wendy September 28, 2009 9:44 PM

I have a 6 week old Rottie that is going through Parvo as we speak, He is not doing very well although he was doing great and then had a relapse and is still there. There is no guarantee that he will make it his chances are 50-60%...Parvo is a very distingushed illness..they vomit and become very lathargic very quickly....to have the treated costs alot of money...I am in alomst 2000 and I still have no guarantee he is going to make it...although I pray every chance I get I hope he makes it

Buddy October 3, 2009 9:01 PM

Our 5 mo old pit bull is currently hospitalized & being treated for Parvo. It came on suddenly, although in retrospect I should have had him treated with the first symptoms of violent nauseau, vomiting (actually- dry heaves- he had stopped eating earlier in the day)....this went on all night. Extreme lethargy, weakness, diarrhea. He progressed rapidly to unresponsiveness and was barely breathing when we took him to the vet. I couldnt feel any pulses. He had to be resuscitated, intubated immediately and responded to CPR. IV fluids, IV vitamins, meds andantibiotics. That was on Thursday....today is Saturday 10/03. He is still not out of the woods. He crashed again yesterday and today is stable. Gosh, I never expected anything like this and am floored by how close we came to losing him and as others have said....therre are no guarantees. I have faith that he'll make it...he's a special baby!

Jody October 15, 2009 2:26 PM

I just brought home my Yorkie after a 7 day and night stay in the hospital from parvo. He was a little over a year, and had his puppy shots but not the year booster yet due in Feb. He would not have made it without the hospital. It was very costly though. I have a new puppy we just brought home same day he got sick. We have them separated and I bleach the floors inbetween them every night. I will be concerned over the puppy probably until after he too is over a year. How long do I have to wait to bring them together?

Brande October 21, 2009 5:49 PM

Just nursed 2 litters through parvo. I've been breeding for over 12 yrs. Recently I discovered parvaid and vabactra plus. I treated my babies at hpme with hourly treatment and saved 3 out of 5. It was hard but worth it! It is rare for a dog over a year to contract the disease, he may have some other condition that complicated his immune system. Put all dogs on parvaid as a prevenative for major peace of mind. Research herbal studies through ambertech

Krista October 25, 2009 11:08 AM

My dog is sick right now and I don't think she is doing well. I stayed up with her all night, she keeps getting sick and it looks like it has blood clots in it. Also in her stools are runny and also look like blood. She will still drink a little water and she makes herself eat 1 bite of food. this is the 2nd day. Do yall think she has parvo? She is 23 weeks old.

lucie November 3, 2009 12:55 AM

I took my dog to hte vet last week and got her shots for parvo,sixs day later she felt sick.I took her to the vet and she came out postive on parvo. Can the test come out postive if she had her shot sixs days ago?

B Taylor November 4, 2009 10:56 AM

I had a blue chihuahua and I think he died of parvo-virus even though he had all his shots, the vet told me he did not know what was wrong with him and he did not give me nothing to help him only some deworming medication, which he did not have worms, was a healthy dog. They told me to force feed him, he still died.

lisa (rip bailey) November 4, 2009 8:08 PM

was sold a parvo puppy 2 days later in vet ill,2 days in vet he died,i wish i took him 2 vet sooner but i didnt know,im angey with myself,my lil baby bailey xx sleep tight xx

trish November 20, 2009 4:28 PM

my sister got a 7 week old puppy and did not know she had parvo and brought her to my house with my 2 dogs. she got sick 2 days later and found out it was parvo and put her on treatment, 4 days later she died. the next day my 5 yr old dog started vomitting and had runny stools. he was only 2 weeks over due for his yearly booster for parvo. took him to the vet about an hour after he started vomitting and put him on meds and the next day he was back to being himself. so glad i took him to the vet right away but shows that it doesnt matter how old and if they are vacinated they can still contract the virus.

John December 5, 2009 7:59 PM

I have a four month old Pit. She has not had her shots seeing as how i just got her a few days ago. i moved to a new home with her and she got sick out of no where. she will not hold anything down. everything i give her through a saringe she is throwing back up. She is very sleepy, has no energy, has lost alot of weight, and vomits fairly often. she has only had diarrhea once. I have been giving her all the pedialite i can. thats what the vet told me to do. I was just wondering if any of you can tell me if this is parvo? this is going on the fourth day now. she is trying to make it through. What else can i do to help around the house seeing as how i have no money to take her to an animal hospital? I have her shots but i can't give them to her while her immune system is fighting off whatever she has. The vet said it wouldn't do her any good right now.

Brittany February 5, 2010 7:27 PM
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My puppy is going through it now, possibly two of them. Zelda is my female and she had blood in her stool this morning. The other puppy , Dan Zig, is in the bathroom with it now. His stool had blood in it, but now it is loose and dark.
Dan Zig's brother was put down weds. from it. I Have bleached my house and have washed all clothes and covers with bleach water.
This is what I am doing and if it works I will let you all know.
I can't afford a vet bill, so home remedy is what will have to happen.
Danzig and his brother was adopted Monday from the pound and Zelda was dropped off behind my work a couple weeks ago. She had her shots Monday and Danzig I gave a 7in1 shot to yesterday.
- I am giving them both pedialite( started off with gatorade)
- Pepto, baby pain relief liquid, and Kaopectate
- scrambled eggs and turkey
- Red Cell vitamins for dogs
If there is anything else you can think of that might help please let me know.
- Cottage cheese and ACTIVIA are good for their stomachs and I and starting them on that tonight.

Reply
Brittany February 6, 2010 1:33 AM
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Actually this morning there was a little blood in his stool, but he is not running a temp. He is still dry heaving. I'm not sure 100% this is parvo, but it's my best guess that this is. Help?

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