PARVOVIRUS INFECTION IN DOG Posted Date: 21 Apr 2009     Resource Type: Articles/Knowledge Sharing     Category: General Author: NARO Member Level: Silver     Rating: Points: 35 (Rs 25)

PARVOVIRUS INFECTION IN DOG What is canine parvovirus? Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious, fatal viral disease mainly affecting dogs with manifestation of signs like enteritis and myocarditis. Parvovirus in canine was first recognized in 1978. Canine parvovirus is caused by Parvo, a DNA virus which is the smallest known virus in different species of animals. How is parvovirus transmitted in dogs? Parvovirus is transmitted via direct contact with infected dog or indirect contact with their faeces. All secretions and excretions of the infected animal like vomitus and faeces contains parvovirus. The parvovirus spreads from parks, animal shelters, clinics or even at dog shows. It is transmited from one place to another on the feet and hair of infected dogs. What dogs are at risk of parvovirus? Unvaccinated dogs against canine parvovirus and puppies less than four months old are at increase risk. Breeds of dogs like Labrador, Dobermann, Rottweilers are also at high risk What are the signs of Parvovirus infection? Parvovirus occours in two forms a. Enteric form- Parvovirus has got affinity to epithelial lining of intestine leading to haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Parvovirus infection occours in all ages of dog but occours in serious proportion on pups.Various signs observed in dogs suffering from enteric form of parvovirus are ~ High rise of temperature initially but gradually turn to subnormal temperature ~ Vomitting- Severe vomition and vomitus may be of frothy yellow colour ~ Diarrhoea - Brownish semi- solid faeces mixed with mucus which is followed by foetid haemorrhagic diarrhoea ~ Dehydration- When vomittion and diarrhoes is severe there is loss of fluid and electrolyte and so the dog become dehydrated ~ Restlessness, increased thirst, loss of appetite b. Cardiac form- Parvovirus damages the heart muscle. It is less common than enteric form and is more common among pups below 10 weeks of age. There is inflammation of the heart, breathing diffculity. Death occours due to cardiogenic shock How is parvovirus diagnosed? Parvovirus is diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs. But it doesn’t mean that all cases of vomiting and haemorrhagic diarrhoea are caused by parvovirus. So for confirmation laboratory diagnosis such as Animal inoculation test, Serum Neutralization test, ELISA, Haemagglutination, Fluorescence antibioty technique is to be made. How is parvo treated in dog? Dogs with parvovirus infection need immediate veterinary care because if not treated in time can kill a dog within 2 to 3 days. There is no specific treatment against parvovirus and so symptomatic treatment can be rendered. a. Fluid therapy- To restore fluid and electrolyte loss in dog b. Antibiotic like cefazolin, gentamycin, ampicillin, cefotoxin- To prevent secondary bacterial infection c. Antiemetics such as Reglan ( Metaclopromide)- To treat vomitting d. Acid blocker drugs like ranitidine, cimetidine- To correct gastritis e. Metronidazole, loparamide- To prevent diarrhoea f. Whole blood transfusion- In case of severe blood loss Don’t feed the dog with anything for atleast 24 hours if the dog is vomiting continuously. How to control and prevent the spread of parvovirus? a.Vaccination- Vaccination against parvovirus will provide protection and control the disease. Puppies less than 3 months old should be given 2 injections. The first injection should be given between 6 and 8 weeks and the second injection after the 12th week. Adult dog should also be vaccinated. All dogs should be boostered at least once a year. To transfer immunity to the puppies, the bitch should be boostered within two weeks of whelping. b.Hygiene- Strict hygienic measures to be followed are- ~ Dogs kennel should be kept clean and disenfected ~ Contact with suspected dog specially their faeces should be minimized ~ Isolation of infected dog from healthy ones and should be treated What to do if your house has parvovirus? Disenfect contaminated areas. Bleach kills parvovirus. Bleaching of bowls, floors, toys and contaminated things should be done. It is better not to bring another dog for about a year. Attachments

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