What are the symptoms of Parvo Virus Disease and how it can be treated?
Canine parvo virus is a disease afflicting dogs which was first reported in the world in 1978. Dogs of any age, breed or sex can be affected by this disease. Man, however, is not known to be affected by it. It is especially severe in young puppies less than five or six months of age. Mortality amongst unvaccinated old dogs may also be higher.
The Canine parvo virus is very hardy in nature. It survives under very high and low temperatures. It is resistant to common detergents and disinfectants.
Causes and Symptoms:
Caused by a virus, several factors like stress, parasites and the general health status of an infected dog are responsible in so far as the severity of the illness and mortality are concerned.
The disease is spread when a dog with a parvo virus infection comes in contact with a healthy dog. The virus can be carried through the hair and feet of affected dogs. Even the owners who handle the diseased dog can carry the virus on their clothes, shoes and hands (if not washed). Though all excretions of a dog with parvo virus infection may carry the virus, the faeces being very rich in virus, are primarily responsible for the spread of the disease through contact and through flies. The disease process starts with the oral ingestion of the virus from the faeces of an infected dog.
The main symptoms in small pups of less than two months of age are sudden death or depression, accompanied by difficult breathing and weakness. The temperature is generally below normal, though in some cases, there is a slight fever. Amongst adult dogs there may be fever of 39.4 deg C or 103 deg F or above, dullness, and vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood. Sometimes there is also dehydration.
When there is blood in the stool, the problem becomes more serious. A large number of cases recover and the success in treatment depends on an early and accurate diagnosis by the veterinarian.
Treatment and Prevention:
The main line of treatment is symptomatic along with replacement of water and salts lost through vomiting and bloody diarrhea. There is no specific drug for the virus. However, antibiotics are often given to suppress any secondary bacterial infection.
Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure of saving dogs from this disease. The decision relating to the timing and frequency of how often the vaccination should be given, should be left to the veterinarian, as it depends upon various factors.
As mentioned earlier, the parvo virus is one of the most resistant and can remain alive at room temperature for a long time. However, we can at least reduce contamination by thoroughly cleaning the floor where the affected dog is kept and by using disinfectants containing chlorine compounds.