Parvo In Dogs
Posted: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
by Mark Farrar
http://www.ParvoBuster.com/
Canine Parvovirus, often abbreviated to CPV, or shortened to just Parvo, is a particularly nasty virus that affects dogs, although it should be noted that other mammals, such as raccoons, can carry it, and that cats can now get it too, although it manifests itself as Feline Distemper (aka Feline Panleukopenia) in their case.
Symptoms, which appear anywhere from three to 15 days after the initial infection (although one week is about normal) include, in no particular order:
- Vomiting, which sometimes starts as an off-white, mucus-type substance, turning later on into a yellow, frothy bile
- Diarrhea, which at some stage during the course of the virus will contain blood - sometimes just spotting, but sometimes more like a gusher - and which usually has an incredibly foul smell (unlike anything else)
- Lethargy / lack of playfulness
- Not eating
- Not drinking
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Depression
Having said that, the first thing that many owners notice is that their dog is not eating, not playing, and is just not their normal self.
Now, while it's true that there are many causes of vomiting and diarrhea, you must be careful not to assume it's just something your dog ate and wait to see what happens.
If that's all that's wrong, then you're OK, but the problem is, especially with the latest 2c strain of Parvo (sometimes known as the F-Strain), that some dogs are dying within six to twelve hours of the very first symptoms appearing.
And even with the older strains of Parvo (e.g. 2a and 2b), 80% of dogs die within four to five days, if they're not treated.
So remember - the one thing you don't have with Parvo is time!
Nobody knows exactly why, but some breeds (Dobermans, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and some of the larger black and tan breeds such as Coonhounds) are not only more prone to Parvo, but it also hits them harder. Unfortunately, this list includes some of the most popular dogs in the US today.
Conversely, there are a few breeds, including Cocker Spaniels and Toy Poodles, that are less prone to Parvo, although that doesn't mean they can't get it.
Historically, the virus has been spread through contact with infected feces - one gram of infected feces contains tens of millions of virus particles, but it only takes 100 or so to infect the next dog - but these days, it can also be spread through infected vomit and nose-to-nose contact with an infected dog.
But, that's not how most dogs contract Parvo.
The virus can also be transmitted by birds and insects (they only need to land in infected feces somewhere else, and then land in your yard, and now you've got the virus too).
Sadly, dog owners can unwittingly give their dog Parvo themselves - it can be carried into the house on shoes, clothes and, of course, your hands, or on your car tyres on to your property.
There is some debate as to whether the virus is now airborne, but in the strict sense of this term, it is not. However, when infected feces dries out, particles can be blown in the wind, carrying the virus who knows where, so the net effect is much the same.
And if all that weren't bad enough, the virus can survive outdoors for up to 20 years, according to some experts, and that includes both extremes of temperature - frost all the way up to desert heat.
The virus is prevalent all over the US - Arizona is the worst state, on a per capita basis, although we've had cases as far apart as Alaska and Hawaii too - as well as many other countries.
Now, you may be thinking, probably because this is what your vet has told you, that you're OK because your dog has been vaccinated, but the current 2c strain is now too strong for the vaccines currently on the market.
Yes, fully-vaccinated adult dogs, as well as puppies, are now getting Parvo (and dying if not treated), and we're seeing more and more customers who are in this boat.
Although the virus itself does an incredible amount of damage to your dog's body (which is the reason you see blood in the diarrhea), there are two other real dangers with Parvo:
- Dehydration.
- Hypoglycemia.
What most vets don't address, however, is the hypoglycemia (i.e. low blood sugar levels), which is caused by the fact your dog may not have eaten for several days, and in our extensive experience of dealing with over 800 cases as at April 2009, this is what kills a large number of Parvo-infected dogs.
Apart from the obvious weight loss, that can be very rapid, the drop in blood sugar levels can cause additional and unnecessary complications (e.g heart strain, seizures, and a corresponding drop in body temperature).
While dogs with Parvo don't and won't eat, it is vital to get nutrients into their system, otherwise, they will simply run out of fuel and die, just like cars do when they run out of gas. (There are very effective solutions for this problem which, again, you can administer at home using easily-available ingredients.)
So, in conclusion, Parvo is a horrific virus, sometimes wiping out an entire litter in a matter of days, it's very contagious, and traditional preventatives (i.e. vaccinations) and treatments are just not working any longer.
The best course of action is therefore to be both educated and prepared, because the virus is getting ever stronger and more wide-spread.
Mark, together with his wife, Rae, specialise in helping people to administer home Parvo treatments, having dealt with over 800 cases since March 2007. More information about Parvo symptoms, treatment options and much, much more is available in their free 100+ page ebook, Parvo Treatment 101, which you can download in minutes to your computer
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)This is definitely something to bring up to my vet on the next visit. Thanks for the information.
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