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Parvovirus in Dogs
Excerpt : Parvovirus infection, commonly called "parvo," is a disease of dogs that affects the intestinal tract and causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and decreased ability to fight infections. It is especially
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Oral intake of virus-infected materials transmits the infection to susceptible dogs. Parvovirus multiplies in the intestinal tract of infected dogs, and a billion virus particles per teaspoon of stool can be passed during an infection. The virus is sturdy and persists in the environment for at least 6 months. It is impossible to eliminate the virus from contaminated soil without killing all vegetation. For inside facilities, thorough washing and rinsing followed by careful application of a chlorine bleach solution containing 1 ounce of bleach per quart of water is needed. Avoid skin and eye contact with the bleach solution. Infection of puppies usually results from exposure to contaminated soil, and signs of disease are seen from 4 to 14 days after exposure. The initial signs are
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Bitches that are immune by vaccination or previous exposure to the virus pass some of their antibodies to their puppies in milk. Depending on the amount of antibodies passed to the puppies, the antibodies protect them for a few weeks to as long as 3 months. The puppies' bodies gradually degrade or break down the antibodies and the puppies must then produce their own immunity to be protected. The initial damage to the body in parvo occurs because the virus destroys the cells in which it
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In addition to the fluid loss, the virus destroys the lining cells of the intestinal tract, which allows bacteria from the intestine to enter the body. When this bacterial invasion occurs (septicemia), antibiotics must be given to kill the bacteria in the bloodstream. In addition to allowing bacterial entry into the bloodstream, the parvovirus damages the bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced. Neutrophils, a specific type
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The best approach to parvo is prevention of disease with vaccination. Puppies should be started on vaccines at 6 weeks of age and exposure to infected environments should be minimized until the vaccination series is complete. Puppies should be vaccinated every 2 to 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. The long course of vaccination is necessary because of the maternal antibodies passed from the mother to the pups. Although these antibodies protect against infection, they also interfere with an effective response to vaccination. Low levels of maternal antibodies interfere with vaccination but may not protect puppies from infection. Advances in parvovirus vaccines
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The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months. About the author: From the Textbook of Veterinary Internal Information: Client Information Series. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company. All rights reserved. Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate, Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in Pacifica, California. To find a veterinarian or to learn more about the vet clinic and our staff, visit:[http://lindamarvet.com/]
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