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Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus is a major cause of death in puppies and dogs of all ages, in South Africa.

Parvovirus is a simple virus that attacks rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in the gastrointestinal tract. It is extremely contagious and causes an acute enteritis in dogs and other animals.

This virus can survive for up to five months or longer in kennels and on objects. It is usually spread via contaminated faeces. Parvovirus enters its host when it does something like lick it’s foot, or put another (infected) dog’s pooh in its mouth when on a walk. The virus first affects and penetrates the tonsils, and then moves from there through the lymph system and bloodstream to the lining of the intestines, as well as “homing” itself in the bone marrow and thymus gland.

Infected dogs begin to display symptoms from 7 to 14 days after initial exposure to the virus. However, parvovirus is contagious from day 3 of the initial infection, and faeces will have the virus present.

Symptoms include:

Vomiting

Lethargy

Abdominal pain

Dark, bloodey or even smelly diarrhoea

Dehydration (as a consequence of the diarrhoea and vomiting)

The disease is positively diagnosed after a few simple blood and faecal tests are done by your Vet.

Treatment is relatively straightforward, and involves replacing fluids lost by vomiting or diarrhoea. Antibiotics are given to control secondary infections, Drugs to stop vomiting are given.

Mortality is high. Without proper evaluation and the administration of, often-times, drips to replace fluids lost, the chances of your dog recovering are slim. You cannot treat parvovirus yourself. Your Vet is needed and necessary.

Prevention is possible, and the best treatment method!

Puppies initially receive a small measure of immunity from their mother’s first milk, called colostrum, for the first few weeks of life. Thereafter, vaccinations are given.

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