Parvovirus - the facts
Parvovirus is a common but serious disease that targets dogs. Parvovirus is spread through direct or indirect contact with dog faeces, which means you should be especially careful when handling your puppy before it has had its vaccines, as you can come into contact with faeces at any point, and then when taking off shoes/clothes etc. it becomes very easy to pass onto your pet. Today Animal Friends is providing you with all the facts you need to know about Parvovirus.
What is it?
Parvovirus is an extremely hardy virus that can survive in many environments for a long period of time; months or even years in soil, which is very unusual for a virus. It has adapted to be resistant to extremely hot or cold temperatures, and the only household disinfectant which can currently kill it is bleach –these all add up to make this highly contagious virus very deadly, as it can hang around and harm pets time and time again.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine for the virus to prevent your pet catching it – and as it is deadly to puppies, it is vital that your puppy receives it’s vaccinations as soon as possible. Puppies are generally vaccinated in a series of doses, extending from the earliest time that the immunity derived from the mother wears off until after that passive immunity is definitely gone. Older puppies (16 weeks or older) are given 3 vaccinations 3 to 4 weeks apart. To put it into perspective, untreated Parvovirus mortality rates are around 91%, whereas the survival rate for those treated aggressively is approaching 80-95%.
This disease is diagnosed by physical examination, signalment (age, vaccination status, breed, etc.), and a faecal Parvo (ELISA) test. Additional diagnostics include blood work and radiographs. Dogs infected with Parvo typically have a low white blood cell count. Radiographs help rule out other potential causes for vomiting and diarrhoea such as blockages or foreign bodies.
Manifestations of Parvovirus
There are three main manifestations of Parvovirus. Asymptomatic Parvovirus is common in dogs over a year old and vaccinated dogs, which has no signs. Although this will not be fatal for your dog, there is a risk it can pass on the virus to other dogs, some of which may be young and susceptible or not vaccinated. If your dog is diagnosed with this manifestation, then please ensure you keep your pet quarantined to stop any unnecessary spread.
The cardiac form of the disease is much less common than the intestinal form, mostly in thanks to widespread vaccination. Severe inflammation and necrosis (cell death), of the heart muscle causes breathing difficulty and death in very young (less than 8 weeks of age) puppies. Older dogs that survive this form have scarring in the heart muscle. This form of the virus is the most dangerous version, and can be very distressing.
The intestinal form of the virus causes extreme damage to the intestinal tract, causing sloughing of the cells that line the tract; this leaves the victim open to secondary bacterial infections. Around 85% of the affected dogs are less than a year old (usually between 6 – 20 weeks old) which is before any vaccinations can be given. In this age group, the mortality rate is 16-35%. The intestinal signs include lethargy, vomiting, a loss of appetite, diarrhoea - usually bloody, and very foul-smelling (a characteristic odour, particular to Parvovirus infection), Intussusception - when a section of the inflamed intestinal tract telescopes into itself and a fever.
Are any particular breeds more at risk?
Unfortunately, it appears as though some breeds are more susceptible to the Parvovirus. These breeds are the Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls and Labrador Retrievers. Conversely it appears as though Toy Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are at a reduced risk from Parvovirus; however it is important to remember that any breed can catch the virus, and you should keep your vaccinations up to date.
Animal Friends offers a wide range of comprehensive cover for pet insurance. Don’t risk paying out those large vet bills; get yourself protected with the ethical insurance company. Call us now on 0845 55 70 300 or check us out on Facebook.
