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Client Library Article
PARVO VIRAL ENTERITIS
| About the Parvo Virus |
| Parvo is a highly contagious & severe viral
infection the attacks the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, especially young pups between
6 – 20 weeks of age. Without therapy, most dogs will die due to severe
dehydration and sepsis (bacterial infection in the blood). Similar to
hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) in
older animals, the Parvo virus attacks cells lining the intestines causing
severe bloody vomiting and diarrhea. Different to HGE, Parvo also attacks the
immune system and causes a decrease in the white blood cells needed to fight off
the primary viral infection as well as secondary bacterial infections. Parvo pups therefore are very likely to develop sepsis (blood
infection) leading to secondary infections such as pneumonia in the lungs, and
infection in the joints and growth plates of bones. There are new vaccines
being produced, but even with a good vaccination history, some breeds of dogs,
most commonly Rottweilers and American Pit Bull Terriers can still contract a Parvo
viral infection. Additionally, stressed, parasite infested, and debilitated pups (pet store pups) are more at risk despite vaccination. Once clinical signs
develop, aggressive supportive care is required for a favorable outcome which is
often lengthy and costly. Affected dogs are highly contagious and should
immediately be isolated from other dogs. All areas they have been in
should be thoroughly cleaned with a strong disinfectant, for the virus can
live in the environment for several weeks |
| Symptoms |
- Lethargic / quiet pup
- Vomiting- turns bloody
- Diarrhea-
turns bloody
- Anorexic
- Weakness / Collapse
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
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| Diagnosis |
- Parvo is
confirmed with test on the stool which identifies the Parvo virus cite test.
The test is run at the hospital with results available in approximately 20
minutes. A parvo test should always be run on a puppy with profuse
vomiting & diarrhea despite vaccination history.
- Physical exam reveals dehydration, abdominal pain, fever, and a
high heart rate and weak pulses with shock.
- Blood work shows a very low white blood cells count- often less
than 1000 neutrophil cells. The white blood cell count is checked
frequently to monitor progress.
- Radiographs (X-rays) can show swollen intestinal loops with gas
& fluid consistent with Parvo. Radiographs of the chest are used to
screen for pneumonia.
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| Therapy-
aggressive medical care required! |
| Aggressive supportive care with IV fluids,
antibiotics, anti-emetic (anti vomiting ) drugs , anti-ulcer medications and
plasma transfusions are needed to successfully treat a pup with a serious Parvo
infection. Complications which may occur that require additional treatment
include secondary bacterial infections else where in the body and low
blood pressure due to protein and fluid loss into the intestines.
Bacterial pneumonia can also occur secondary to aspiration from frequent
vomiting or is seeded by bacteria in the blood if the pup becomes septic.
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| Prognosis |
| As with all infections, each pup is affected to a different
degree and respond to therapy differently. Some pups turn right
around, others take a few more days. Occasionally despite even
very aggressive therapy, a pup will still die. The owner must be
prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride, and a possible lengthy
and costly hospital stay. The bills are frequently between $1000- $2000 and
can be more with very severe cases or secondary complications such as
bacterial pneumonia. Once a pup recovers from Parvo, they are typically immune, and live a normal full
healthy life. |
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