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 Veterinary
News Network -- I have done some
research over last night and this morning
and I am not seeing any out of the ordinary
outbreaks of parvo in news headlines or
among veterinary publications.
Canine Parvovirus is normally a disease of
puppies but can strike any dog with an
unknown or non-existent vaccine status.
Parvo is very difficult to eradicate in the
environment and bleach is about the only
compound that will consistently destroy the
virus. Plus, a 10 minute contact time
between the bleach and infected surface is
required.
Parvoviral particles can show up on peoples’
shoes, on clothing, food bowls, etc. The
virus is very hardy and easily transferred
from one location to another. In most cases,
the incubation time from exposure to
symptoms is about 2-6 days, depending on the
source you read. Affected dogs (again,
mainly puppies) will go off food, show signs
of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
The diarrhea is extremely malodorous is
often bloody as well. Parvo attacks the
cells of the intestinal tract, which, in
turn, increases susceptibility of the pup to
bacterial infection and increases
dehydration. Parvo will also attack the
immune system, killing off the cells that
protect the pup from bacteria. Untreated
(and some treated) pets will die of
dehydration and sepsis.
Treatment is intense, generally requiring IV
fluids, antibiotics and a lot of TLC.
Prior to the mid 1970s, this type of canine
parvovirus was unknown in the US. Since
then, the virus has mutated at least three
times into several sub-types. However,
vaccinations are still protective against
all sub-types at this time.
Puppies are most often affected because of
1) interference from maternal antibodies
lessens effect of vaccines and 2) lack of
consistent and timely vaccines during
critical weeks of puppyhood. Most puppies
will not develop adequate antibodies to
parvo until after 16 weeks of age. Some
breeds are more susceptible (Rottweilers,
Dobermans, Pits) but it is unknown if this
is a genetic factor or due to the
socio-economic status and education of their
owners.
I also spoke with Dr. Sandy Norman and the
Board of Animal Health and she has not heard
of any major outbreaks either. This is
likely just a “typical” case of parvovirus
infecting shelters.
Let me know if you need more
information…Canine parvovirus was one of my
research projects during my grad work!
Tom Dock, Reporter Relations Manager
Veterinary News Network
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