Parvovirus
Parvovirus is the other well-known canine viral disease. Parvo initially appeared in dogs in the 1980s and is thought to be a mutation of a feline virus.
At first, many dogs became ill in epidemics because none had natural immunity. Now, with vaccination programs and exposures, more dogs recover from the disease or never even get ill.
Still, this is a disease that can kill up to 30 percent of the dogs it infects. It is especially dangerous to Doberman pinschers, rottweilers, and German shepherd dogs. Parvo is spread through infected stool and dogs taking in the virus by mouth (licking or sniffing).
Signs You Will See
Parvo tends to show up as an explosive vomiting and diarrhea disease. The virus enters through the mouth and then travels to the rapidly dividing cells of the intestines. As it destroys those cells, the intestinal lining is now open to invading bacteria.
In addition, the dog loses nutrients and fluids. Bacterial toxins add to the illness. Most dogs have a bloody, runny diarrhea with a very distinctive odor. Vomiting and diarrhea may be so severe that the dog becomes seriously dehydrated.
A less common version of parvo is seen in newborn puppies whose mother did not have adequate immunity against the disease. These puppies may be born with severe damage to the heart (myocarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle), and most of them die.
Treatment and Prevention
Dogs with parvo almost always require hospitalization for at least a few days. During this time, they are fed intravenous fluids (as their stomachs can't handle anything at all, even water!), and they may even get a blood transfusion to boost their immunity.
Medications will be given to try and reduce the vomiting, keep inflammation to a minimum, and fight off bacteria taking advantage of the disruption in intestinal defenses.
This virus is quite tough and can survive in the environment for up to a year in the right conditions. It is important to be very thorough in cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces, crates, blankets, bowls, and toys that come in contact with a dog infected with parvo.
Once again, proper vaccinations can be lifesavers in the fight against this disease. Puppies should receive parvo vaccine in their initial puppy series with a booster at one year. The subsequent booster schedule depends on the customized vaccine regimen that your veterinarian draws up for your dog.
