Parvovirus in dogs: nature of the disease, signs, treatment

Characteristics of parvovirus

In a dog’s body, pathogenic bacteria trigger complex processes; in addition to pathological changes, pregnant bitches may develop intrauterine fetal death.

Over time, the parvovirus mutated and modern diagnostic studies have shown that about 80% of the lesions it causes are associated with CPV-2b, an adapted DNA helix.

Virus under a microscope

Why does infection occur?

The virus is transmitted from one pet to another. Thus, a dog that is infected can easily infect another animal. When pets become infected, after a few weeks (maximum 3) the first signs of the disease begin to appear - vomiting and diarrhea, and microbes come out along with the discharge. As a result, pathogens enter the environment. However, discharge is not the only form of infection in dogs. Infection can occur through shoes, clothing, toys and much more.

Enteritis is a strong virus. The peculiarity is that the pathogen shell is able to withstand both low and high temperatures up to +100 degrees. After entering the animal’s body, the incubation period lasts from 4 to 10 days. You can notice the first symptoms after 3 days. Both adults and small puppies are susceptible to the disease. Since puppies have insignificant body weight, the number of deaths among them is much higher.

Attention! In puppies, the incubation period lasts from 1 to 2 months.

Common forms of parvovirus infection

Parvovirus infection in dogs is divided into several subgroups by experts.

Intestinal form

It is characterized by an acute and subacute course; the main symptoms of its development are the animal’s refusal to take food and water. The virus is localized on the intestinal mucous membranes; during deep penetration, the pet experiences bloody diarrhea. When trying to defecate, the dog experiences severe pain and vomits for several days.

A few days after infection, the dog often asks to go to the toilet or walks right on the spot. Loose, brownish stools include mucus and blood particles. The stool has a foul smell, the body gradually loses fluid and moves to the stage of dehydration.

Attention! Symptoms are accompanied by weakness and weight loss; in parallel, signs of cardiovascular or respiratory failure may be present.

The most difficult period is 2-3 days from the beginning. At this time, damage to the gastrointestinal tract occurs. It takes about 72 hours to restore normal digestive functionality. The body recovers on its own - if there are no secondary complications.

Heart shape

Often occurs in babies 1-2 months old; rapid development negatively affects the functioning of the heart.

Parvovirus in a puppy resembles the symptoms of the pathology in an adult. The young refuse to eat food or mother's milk. Increased heart rate, breathing problems and heart failure lead to death on the second day.

Mixed form

Includes clinical manifestations of the cardiac and intestinal types. The virus actively spreads throughout the digestive, cardiac and pulmonary sections. Problems arise after the immune system is weakened and when there is insufficient antibody production.

The pathology occurs in the first months after birth - the source of infection is the mother without vaccinations. Sometimes pathogenic bacteria penetrate during other diseases, when the body is not able to simultaneously resist several infections.

Important! With a mixed type of canine parvovirus, animals experience a high temperature - about 40 degrees. It does not decrease until 3 days, then it returns to the standard framework. If the form is severe, it can drop to 37 degrees after 48 hours.

During the development of infection, the dog appears sick

Animal treatment

Considering the viral nature of the pathogen, specific therapy for this insidious disease has not been developed. In veterinary practice, to alleviate the condition of furry patients, they resort to symptomatic therapy.

Efforts are aimed primarily at eliminating dehydration. For this purpose, animals are prescribed antiemetic drugs - Cerucal, Acepromazine. At the same time, detoxification and combating dehydration are carried out through intravenous injections of electrolyte solutions of glucose, calcium chloride, and Ringer's solution.

How does parvovirus become infected?

Parvovirus enteritis in dogs most often occurs in young animals aged 1.5 to 6 months. Mature individuals have immunity against infection, developed in response to vaccination or a previous disease.

Important! Puppies fed on the milk of a vaccinated mother receive temporary protection. Antibodies work for 6 weeks, then the body opens up to pathogens, and they are at risk of becoming infected.

In certain breeds, factors that can trigger the disease mechanism are inherited. The list includes terriers, Rottweilers, Labrador retrievers, etc. These species have a high risk of getting sick even with timely vaccination.

Who's at risk

Susceptibility to parvovirus does not depend on the breed or size of the dog, although there is a suggestion of increased incidence in certain breeds:

German Shepherds;
Staffordshire Terriers;
Rottweilers;
Dobermans;
Giant Schnauzers;
pinschers;
spaniels.

Newborn puppies up to 6 weeks are protected by maternal immunity. If the dog is vaccinated against parvovirus on time, the young animals receive antibodies along with breast milk. The dangerous period begins after weaning and continues until the first vaccination.

The most unprotected category is puppies born to unvaccinated dogs who do not receive proper care.

Unbalanced feeding, stress, and especially worms reduce resistance to infection. The likelihood of infection depends on the density of the dog population. The more animals live in 1 sq. km, the higher the risk of contracting an infection.

Causes of parvovirus infection

The sources of development of parvovirosis include the following prerequisites:

poor living conditions - constant dirt in housing, small, densely populated housing;
the presence of helminthiasis and the lack of regular helminth prevention;
direct contact with the carrier of the virus.

Important! Infection can occur in utero, from a sick mother to the fetus. In most cases, the problem ends in their death.

Causes of infection

The type of transmission can be direct or indirect

Experts divide canine parvovirus infection into two areas:

With direct infection - the pathogen enters through the oral-fecal route, through saliva or feces of a sick animal. The pet can step into them and lick its paws.
Indirectly, the problem is associated with the high resistance of pathogenic microflora. It can last for years on any surface, including dishes and toys. Any contact with the oral mucosa will lead to the development of pathology.

Important! Veterinarians recommend regularly washing your dog’s bowls and toys with special detergents. Immediately upon returning from a walk, thoroughly wash the paws and do not allow the animal to take anything into its mouth during walks.

Canine parvovirus enteritis: symptoms, treatment, vaccinations

Do you love your dog and want him to be happy and healthy? Then you should take care of protection from a dangerous disease. Here you will learn why prevention against parvovirus infection is extremely important.

What is canine parvovirus infection?

Canine parvovirus is an infectious disease that primarily affects the small intestine. The disease is highly contagious. It ends with serious consequences, often fatal.

How is parvovirus infection transmitted?

The disease is transmitted to other dogs through direct or indirect contact with contaminated feces. The virus is highly resistant in the external environment and can survive for several months. Parvovirus can survive for a long time on a variety of surfaces, such as food and water bowls, toys, floors, clothing and anything that has been in contact with an infected dog's feces. The virus is most widespread in places where dogs gather: kennels, shelters, and animal walking areas. Any place where dogs come into contact with each other can become infected.

Who is at risk?

Parvovirus primarily affects unvaccinated dogs. Puppies are the most vulnerable, as they may not have had time to be properly vaccinated during infection. High incidence rates occur in puppies between six weeks and six months of age. Certain breeds of dogs may be more prone to infection. For example, the American Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Pit Bull and Rottweiler. Representatives of the canine family: coyotes, wolves, foxes, can also be infected and carry parvovirus infection. Caution should be exercised if you live in areas where your pet may come into contact with wildlife.

How is parvovirus diagnosed in dogs?

Upon examination, your veterinarian may detect clinical signs of parvovirus infection.
A blood test can reveal low levels of white blood cells, which is often an indicator of infection
Stool testing can be used to detect viral antigen

What are the symptoms of canine parvovirus?

Infected dogs usually show the following symptoms:
Severe vomiting
Bloody diarrhea caused by intestinal bleeding
Severe dehydration
Loss of weight and appetite
Lethargy and weakness
Abdominal pain
Rapid pulse

Can parvovirus infection be prevented?

Vaccination is the best option to protect your dog from parvovirus. Early vaccination of puppies is recommended for protection during the most dangerous period. Puppies should be vaccinated against parvovirus enteritis at 6, 8 and 12 weeks. For dogs belonging to the above risk breeds, additional vaccination may be required at 16 weeks.

For early vaccination of puppies, Eurican Primo or Nobivak Puppy DP vaccines are used.

In adult dogs, it is important to maintain immunity at the proper level. For dogs that are medically prohibited from vaccination, it is recommended that the antibody titer against parvovirus enteritis be checked.

After vaccination, avoid contact of your pet with other dogs until 2 weeks have passed since the day of the booster vaccination (administration of the second vaccine). Never bring unvaccinated pets to dog parks, pet hotels, or other places where infected dogs may be present.

Can a dog be cured of parvovirus?

Dogs with parvovirus are given treatment based on the symptoms of the disease. Since there is no cure for parvovirus itself, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. Your veterinarian can treat your dog for vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Intensive care is often required at a veterinary clinic, where they can constantly monitor your pet's condition. Supportive care may include intravenous fluids and, in some cases, blood transfusions to combat the anemia.

What is the prognosis for recovery?

If treatment is started without delay, adult dogs with a fully developed immune system have a better chance of recovery. However, adult dogs also have problems with immunity and they also need to be vaccinated regularly. For puppies, the threat is much more serious. Infection is often fatal. Parvovirus infection is a serious threat to your dog's health and life. By regularly vaccinating, you can protect your pet from contracting a potentially fatal disease. Find out more about puppy vaccinations

Signs of parvovirus in a dog

The incubation period is 2-14 days; if the immune system is weakened, the period is significantly reduced. Upon penetration into the oral cavity, the pathogen infects the lymph nodes, after reproduction it penetrates the circulatory system and spreads through the tissues with accelerated cell division:

into the heart muscle;
Bone marrow;
inner layer of the intestinal epithelium.

The main symptom of the disease is diarrhea with blood. Damage to the intestinal mucous membranes leads to general infection of the circulatory system, the development of sepsis and disruption of the functionality of all important organs.

Secondary symptoms of the disease are presented:

vomiting;
feverish condition;
fatigue and apathy;
refusal to eat;
high temperature.

Important! General septic damage to the body provokes the failure of vital organs and the death of the pet.

Main symptoms

The mechanism of spread of parvovirus after infection

Parvovirus enters the body through the respiratory tract and digestive tract. For reproduction, it is integrated into cells with a high level of metabolism. In puppies, this is the epithelium of the small intestine, cardiac muscle, and lymphoid tissues. Cells divide, generate new viral particles and are destroyed.

During the first 2 days, parvovirus settles and multiplies in the lymph nodes of the oropharynx, invading immune cells and lymphocytes.
On the 3rd – 4th day it spreads through the bloodstream and begins to be released into the external environment.
In puppies up to 1.5 months old, myocardial cells rapidly divide. The virus settles and replicates (multiplies) in the heart muscle, causing parvovirus myocarditis.
In animals older than 1.5 months after weaning, the division of cardiomyocytes slows down. But the renewal of epithelial cells of the small intestine is accelerated. At this age, the classic intestinal form, parvovirus enteritis, often develops.

After the virus invades, the intestinal epithelium is destroyed, and fragments of the mucous membrane are rejected. The organ cannot work normally: absorb water, digest food. The intestinal walls remain defenseless against opportunistic microflora. Bacteria gain direct access to the bloodstream, and the weakened immune system cannot fight off new pathogens.

Diagnosis of parvovirus in a dog

At the first visit to the clinic, the veterinarian collects an anamnesis, on the basis of which he makes a preliminary diagnosis. Its confirmation is carried out by laboratory diagnostic testing, taking stool and blood tests. Testing is done on the basis of ELISA.

Important ! It is important for pet owners to know what Canine Parvovirus is in dogs - this is how the pathogen is determined by PCR analysis. Diagnostics are expensive and are used when there are obvious signs of pathology, but there are no positive results with standard testing.

What to do? How to treat?

Treating parvovirus in dogs is not an easy process. A serious illness requires an accurate diagnosis; it is not enough to identify the virus itself, it is important to find out which organs are affected. Treatment is most effective at an early stage, when the animal’s body still has the strength to resist infection.

The first thing the doctor starts with after making a diagnosis is prescribing antiviral drugs. Their goal is to strengthen the dog’s immunity so that the body itself begins to get rid of the infection naturally through urine and feces. That is why contacts of dogs with other people’s feces on the street are very dangerous, since it is the waste product that can contain the virus removed from the previous body.

Ediotropic drugs are also prescribed, which reduce the activity of the virus. Often such drugs are prescribed together with immunostimulants, since the course of the disease is rapid and relying on only one group of drugs is very dangerous. In cases where the dog’s blood is severely affected by the virus, drugs are prescribed to increase the level of leukocytes and broad-spectrum blood-restoring drugs.

After these most important doctor’s appointments, it is necessary to stop symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as conduct a course of IV drips with rehydrating drugs. Simple desoldering is often impossible precisely because of vomiting, and intravenously administered compounds circumvent this problem. After the dog starts drinking on its own, it is prescribed hemodez, which is designed to speed up the removal of virus breakdown products from the body, since they are a strong toxin.

In cases where the dog’s elevated body temperature does not go away on the first day of active treatment, antibiotics are prescribed. And if it has been determined that the source of infection is in the heart muscle, then drugs are prescribed that normalize myocardial function in dogs. The biggest drawback of such drugs is that they are not suitable for puppies, so they more often die from the cardiac form of infection than from the intestinal form, which is easier to diagnose and relatively easier to treat.

Parvovirus Treatment Methods

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis in dogs involves aggressive methods of suppressing infection activity and concomitant supportive therapy. The pet is prescribed complete isolation and regular treatment of surfaces with which it comes into contact.

Important! For treatment, you need to use compounds containing bleach - the virus is immune to the rest.

Medication requires the following procedures:

drips based on saline and glucose - help restore balance after prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, performed until the animal’s appetite returns;
blood transfusions - recommended for puppies with severe blood loss;
antibiotic therapy - drugs can destroy bacteria that have spread throughout the intestinal mucosa.

Immunostimulants and antidiarrheals are prescribed according to indications. In the first case, they are recommended for pets at risk and are given according to a certain scheme.

Important! The serious condition of the dog allows parenteral or intravenous nutrition. It is used until the intestines are completely restored, then the animal is transferred to normal food.

IV treatment

Treatment of parvovirus in puppies

The main goal is to maintain the vitality of the animal for the first 5 days, until its own antibodies to the virus begin to act. Full treatment is possible only in a veterinary hospital, since it includes several areas:

Contain the spread of the virus.
Prevent dehydration.
Stop vomiting, diarrhea.
Remove toxins.
Prevent the development of bacterial infection.
Restore intestinal functions.
Support the cardiovascular system.

Until vomiting stops, all drugs are administered only subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously.

Antiviral therapy

For the prevention and treatment of viral diseases, combined serums and immunoglobulins are produced. They contain ready-made antibodies to antigens of a number of infections: parvovirus, adenovirus, plague, coronavirus.

Giskan-5;
Immunovet;
Vitacan;
Globcan-5.

In addition to serums, drugs with interferon and antiviral agents help at the initial stage. They stimulate cellular immunity and increase resistance to the virus.

Kinoron is a veterinary drug with interferon. Add 2 ml of distilled water to the ampoule with powder. Then the solution is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously according to the following scheme: for the first three days every 12 hours, then once every 48 hours until recovery.

Single dose from 2 to 4 ml.

Fosprenil is an antiviral drug for animals. Prevents the introduction of infectious agents into cells, disrupts replication, stimulates the synthesis of interferons. According to the instructions, a single dose for puppies for viral infections is 0.3 ml per kg of body weight, the daily dose is 0.9 - 1.2 ml per 1 kg. The administration regimen is prescribed by the doctor based on the condition of the animal.

Serums, immunoglobulins, antiviral drugs help only at an early stage at the very first signs of infection. When more than 3 days pass from the moment of infection, they will not work and will even cause harm and interfere with the formation of your own immune response.

Rehydration therapy

Dehydration is deadly for your puppy. Solutions for fluid replenishment are used from the first day until vomiting stops, when the pet begins to drink on its own.

Solutions are administered through a vein by drop or stream, heated to 38 - 40℃.

The daily dose is calculated by weight:

Trisol – 8% of body weight.
Ringer-Locke – 20 ml/1 kg.
Saline solution with the addition of glucose and ascorbic acid – 30 ml/1kg

If intravenous infusion is not possible, then the drugs are injected under the skin in small doses of 10 ml. After vomiting stops, liquid is given through the mouth in small portions.

Symptomatic and supportive therapy

Medications are prescribed individually depending on the condition of the puppy. The animal may need antitoxic, antiemetic, hemostatic drugs, antibiotics, and means to strengthen the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract.

Here are examples of specific drugs:

Detox is a relatively new veterinary solution with antitoxic action. Binds and removes toxic waste products of parvovirus and cell breakdown. Puppies are administered subcutaneously or intravenously once a day for 5 days. 1 ml of Detox is designed for 10 kg of animal weight.

Sereniya is a veterinary antiemetic drug for injection. For debilitating vomiting, inject under the skin once a day for up to 5 days. Dose: 0.1 ml of liquid per 1 kg of animal weight.

Vikosal – increases blood clotting. Prescribed for prolonged bloody diarrhea. The solution is administered intramuscularly at a dose of 1 ml per 10 kg of weight once a day for 3 to 5 days.

Cefazolin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected, when the temperature persists for several days. The drug is released for humans. The dose and course of treatment for the puppy is determined by the attending veterinarian.

Tonocard is a veterinary solution for animals with multiple organ failure. Prescribed in critical cases as an antishock agent. Single dose – 1 ml per 10 kg. The duration of the course depends on the condition of the puppy and is prescribed by the attending physician.

Nutrition during infection

The return to the standard method of feeding usually takes place on the 3rd day - with the correct assistance. The dog may whine and try to beg for food, but this should not be done until the doctor’s permission - damage to the intestinal mucosa may worsen.

The daily diet is a balanced dietary food that is sold at any pet store. Natural food is prohibited - it will do more harm than good. The affected mucosal surface is a wound surface and rough food can become a source of massive bleeding or intestinal perforation. The main rule is the dog’s voluntary desire to eat - attempts to force feed will lead to serious consequences.

The strict diet continues until complete healing - up to one calendar month. There are cases where a pet was switched to diet food for the rest of its life. The daily menu is based on the following rules:

food is served crushed and pureed;
Canned rather than dry diets are more suitable for feeding.

Important! Owners who constantly feed their animals with natural products and who do not have the opportunity to buy expensive food must adhere to the same rules.

Life prognosis for parvovirus in dogs

The final scenario of events is impossible to predict. The results depend on the age of the dog, the level of its immunity and the form of pathology:

with a mild course, spontaneous recovery occurs within 24-72 hours;
on average - after 3-5 days, with intensive therapy;
in severe cases (with prolonged vomiting and bloody diarrhea) it is fatal; active treatment rarely gives positive results.

Important! Young animals under 6 weeks of age die within 24 hours due to the development of myocarditis (inflammatory damage to the heart muscle). Such cases are rare, but may occur due to the mother's lack of vaccinations.

Prognosis depends on diagnosis

What may be the outcome of the disease in dogs?

Once an animal has become infected with parvovirus, there may be several options for the outcome of this infectious disease:

If the disease is mild, then in an adult the recovery occurs in about two days.
If the dog’s condition is serious, then it is worth urgently hospitalizing it and taking all necessary measures aimed at completely restoring the animal’s immune system and maintaining the entire body as a whole. If all measures are taken correctly, the animal will feel some relief after about five days.
If a dog experiences a very severe form of a viral infection, which is accompanied by bloody diarrhea and uncontrollable vomiting, then most such cases end in death for the animal. It is also worth noting that death can occur on the very first day of the disease. This form mostly affects small puppies whose immunity is not yet strong enough.

Thus, parvovirus is an insidious disease that requires timely vaccination of dogs.

Preventing parvovirus in dogs

A successfully transmitted disease develops temporary protection for the body - the pet does not become infected again for 1.5-2 years. Lifelong immunity occurs in exception cases. Vaccination is considered the best measure to prevent the disease.

To prevent the development of the disease, the owner must provide basic hygienic conditions for the pet:

personal household items - bowls, toys, bedding, etc.;
reduce the frequency of contacts with other animals - the rule applies not only to stray dogs, but also to domestic dogs living in the mud;
regularly disinfect the dog’s personal belongings: wash dishes and toys with detergent, regularly wash the dog’s bed;
do not ignore the vaccination schedule.

Important! A single attack of diarrhea with vomiting is a reason for an unscheduled visit to the veterinarian. Ignoring signs of increasing pathology can cost your pet’s life.

Prevention methods

Is the disease dangerous for other animals?

The problem with viral infection is its prolonged activity on any surface. It only threatens canines; for other animals, the pathology is not dangerous or contagious.

If there are other dogs in the house, the patient is quarantined and any contact is interrupted. Timely treatment of all accessible surfaces with chlorine will reduce the risk of disease in other dogs.

Veterinarians remind that after the death of the previous pet from the virus, the next one can be acquired no earlier than in a year. Before purchasing, you need to pre-treat the entire living space; there should not be a single thing in the house from the deceased dog. This approach will help avoid infection of the puppy.

Parvoviruses in canines are not transmitted to humans or other pets. The outcome of the disease depends on many indicators, and weakened and sick animals have practically no chance of survival. The best way to avoid the problem is timely vaccinations and compliance with hygiene rules, refusal to use old dog beds, toys, water and food bowls.

Parvovirus in dogs

What it is? As Wikipedia and similar resources write, we are talking about a contagious viral disease that is difficult to tolerate by four-legged pets and, without proper treatment, causes their death, but not in all cases. The article is for informational purposes only, so for advice on treating a specific animal you should contact a veterinary clinic.

Parvovirus in dogs symptoms and causes

Among the symptoms, it is worth highlighting diarrhea with blood, anorexia, the temperature may rise, lethargy appears, the dog vomits, and it rapidly loses weight. If a urine test shows an intestinal form of the disease, it manifests itself in the form of an impaired ability to absorb nutrients, which leads to dehydration and severe fatigue.

Possible inflammation of the mouth and increased heart rate. In the abdominal area, any pressure provokes pain. In rare cases, the temperature drops significantly. You need to understand that without contacting a specialist, it is not possible to accurately determine the existing problem.

Parvovirus in dogs recovery, disinfection, incubation period

If you have this problem, it is worth remembering that the incubation period is 4–10 days, and in the case of a puppy one month old, this value is only 1–3 days.

Prayers

In most cases, intensive therapy and special support are practiced, which allows one to achieve good results if treatment is started in a timely manner. There are times when it is necessary to provide intravenous fluids and nutrition, which will restore the balance of fluid in the body after its rapid loss.

The main drugs used are antivirals, as well as H2 blockers, special anthelminthic drugs and antibiotics. Common complications include bacterial infection, toxins in the blood, and intestinal bleeding.

If we talk about disinfection, it is worth noting that parvoviruses are considered persistent organisms that can withstand low and high temperatures, so it is worth using soda lime, a five percent solution of sodium hypochlorite or another product with chlorine.

Parvovirus infection in dogs: what to do

Veterinarians practice aggressive therapy because no specific treatment has yet been developed for this disease. If the dog’s body, with the support of special drugs, cannot cope on its own, then there is no chance of survival. If complete isolation is not ensured during all possible procedures, the problem will make itself felt in other animals.

Parvovirus enteritis in adult vaccinated dogs, quarantine, how to treat

In this case, we are talking about a problem that is difficult to notice, because most of the animals do not survive due to the fact that they are trying to treat them for other problems, and this is what speaks in favor of immediately contacting a veterinarian rather than self-medicating at home.

If an acute form of coronavirus enteritis is diagnosed, then adult dogs can cope with it, but young dogs have practically no chance of surviving.

Parvovirus gastroenteritis in dogs consequences

If the problem was resolved and the animal survived, this does not mean that there will be no difficulties in the future. In most cases, the dog will be on a diet for the rest of its life due to intestinal problems, and puppies may limp, which does not always go away and can remain for life. Adults may develop heart failure.

Parvovirus infection in dogs is dangerous for humans and is it contagious to humans or not, is it transmitted to humans?

It is generally accepted that a person cannot become infected from a dog.

Parvovirus in a puppy, what to feed during treatment, is it dangerous for cats?

Vitamins prescribed by a veterinarian are added to the regular diet, to which antibiotics, drugs to improve heart function, and anything that will help cope with the previously described consequences can be added. There are known cases of cats contracting parvovirus (strain) from dogs.