Parvo Virus Infection in Dogs | Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs | Treatment of Parvo |

 

Parvo Virus Infection in Dogs

What is Parvo Virus?

Parvo is a contagious disease of dogs. It is believed that this virus originated from Feline Pan Leukopenia virus. Parvo is a non-enveloped single stranded DNA virus which can persist in indoor/room condition for at least two months and even for years in outdoor conditions. 

Dogs Susceptibility:

Young dogs of 6 weeks to 6 months of age who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated are most susceptible. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Pit Bull Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and German Shepherds are especially more susceptible to this virus. 

Please Watch this Video to get Complete Info about Parvo:

Pathogenesis (How diseases develops in dog)?

Parvo enters a dog body through oral or nasal route when coming in contact with virus containing feces or other things like fomites etc. After entry, virus replicates in the lymphoid tissue of oropharynx. Then this virus spreads in the whole body through blood circulation. This virus preferably destroys rapidly dividing cells of small intestine crypt epithelium, lymphopoietic tissue and bone marrow. As a result of destruction of intestinal epithelium, its necrosis, atrophy, low absorption capacity occurs and there are chances that bacteria may travel from gut to blood, causing bacteremia. 

Signs and Symptoms:

Within 5 to 6 days of infection, enteritis develops. Initial clinical signs may be non-specific e.g. 

• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Fever

Within 24 to 48 hours, these signs progress to 

• Vomiting 
• Bloody diarrhea

Physical examination findings include: 

• Diarrhea 
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Low heart beat
• Low body temperature (Hypothermia)

Diagnosis:

If your dog/pup has above mentioned signs and in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated, parvo should be suspected. Animal with these clinical signs should be immediately tested to confirm the diseases. 

Treatment:

While treating Parvo, main goal is the restoration of fluid, electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities and prevention of secondary bacterial infection. Intravenous fluids are given to control dehydration. Isotonic fluids can be given orally if dehydration is less than five percent. 

Withhold food and water until vomiting stops. 

Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infections. 

Prevention:

Timely vaccination is the only solution to control this diseases.