The term “Parvo” strikes fear into the hearts of pet owners all over the world and for a great cause. It is a fatal (but very easily treatable) disease that usually afflicts puppies that are unvaccinated and young. It suffers a death rate that is treatments of 30%-40% and up to 80 percent if not treated. Another virus that causes illness, Ebola, has been lately in the spotlight, and it’s not an exaggeration to suggest the possibility that Parvo could be the Ebola of puppies. Many symptoms are similar, and the method of transmission is identical in both cases.
The cat parvovirus is similar to the human parvovirus. However, they’re quite different and can cause distinct diseases, as opposed to the canine variant. In addition, the feline parvovirus triggers feline distemper, which is distinct from canine distemper, which is triggered by another canine virus.
This information about the treatment process, its prevention, and the causes of the illness itself can help you understand the disease and help both you and your dog stay clear of the potential death-defying affliction of Parvo.
What Is Parvo?
Parvo refers to parvovirus. It’s a small virus transmitted between dogs via vomiting and feces. The virus was first discovered in the late 1970s and is considered a variant of the feline distemper virus. The virus caused death to a large number of people because dogs were not immune to it. Also, the vaccine wasn’t readily available for several years.
What Are the Symptoms of Parvovirus?
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- A loss of appetite
The dogs with the virus suffer from extreme bloody diarrhea because the virus replicates within the intestines. This is known as parvoviral entities. Each episode of diarrhea releases an increase of the virus to the surrounding environment, quickly spreading the virus to other puppies. The virus can spread rapidly in a short time, quickly consuming an animal shelter or a home packed with puppies. The mini-epidemic usually has a disastrous outcome.
Blood vomiting is typically quite common. Due to the loss of fluid caused by diarrhea and vomiting and also because they’re unable to keep the liquids from leaking out, dogs who suffer from Parvo swiftly become incredibly thirsty. Parvo also affects the bone marrow, making it difficult for dogs to develop a healthy immunity to the virus. This increases the severity of the disease. Dehydrated, weak, and weak, enough puppies suffering from Parvo are afflicted with organ failure or generalized infections because of the extensive systemic injury.
How Is Parvovirus Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on a particular test known as an ELISA. It detects a small amount of the virus found in the feces. It causes a color change when positive, similar to the pregnancy test at home. Although no test can be 100 100% reliable, it is a good test. A few false positives and a lower negative payoff can characterize a parvo test. Most vets use the test, and the payoff can be obtained within 30 minutes. It costs between $30 and $80. All puppies who vomit must be examined, regardless of any situation or the history of vaccines.
How Is Parvovirus Treated?
The desirable option is to take care of the Parvo puppy at a fully equipped facility that provides 24-hour medical attention. Fluids help to maintain hydration levels in the case of vomiting. Additionally, antibiotics benefit to prevent secondary infections with bacteria when the immune system is attacked. The antibiotics don’t affect the virus, but a lot of canines die from septicemia, which is a bacterial issue. There are many medications for treating and preventing vomiting. Many of the Parvo pups I’ve taken care of require three or four of these drugs to stop vomiting and also allow them to eat normally again.
The puppies in the hospital receiving treatment for Parvo should be kept separate in a separate ward from other patients to prevent spreading the virus to other patients. The process of isolation is costly and laborious. Staff treating Parvo puppies must wear gloves, gowns, and booties when they are in isolation to prevent the spread of the disease on their clothing or hands. Many Parvo cases can cost owners between $800 and $3,000, depending upon the seriousness and duration of time.
Treatment intensity is often outside the finances of pet owners who may have adopted the puppy a few days ago. Home-based therapy for Parvo is possible but is not the ideal solution. Administering fluids by subcutaneous injection instead of through an IV is essential. Medications for reducing nausea and infections can be difficult to administer at home. There have been patients who survived Parvo following treatment at home. However, most don’t.
Nutritional assistance is necessary if your dog cannot eat food for longer than three or four days due to vomiting. There is a misconception that intravenous fluids help provide nutritional support, but actually, they deliver some water and electrolytes. IV nutrition is an expensive and potentially risky procedure that not all veterinary hospitals provide, and therefore, many Parvo pups who don’t react to treatment don’t receive enough nutrition, even at a hospital. They’re starving as they attempt to battle the virus. IV feeding, which is also known as parental nutrition, is a must for all Parvo puppies who haven’t had food in the past 3 to 4 days. However, it could increase the cost by $200 to $300 per day—the treatment costs.
How Can Parvovirus Be Prevented?
However, There’s a little light in all the darkness and despair. It is an easily accessible, affordable, low-cost, and secure vaccine that gives puppies who have been vaccinated the highest level of immunity against the virus. There isn’t a 100 percent certainty that a dog who has been vaccinated isn’t going to get sick, but the odds are much, much less when vaccinated properly in the early stages of puppyhood.
The vaccine begins at 4-8 weeks and is then repeated at intervals of two weeks for up to four months old or six months in the case of breeds that are more susceptible to the disease, like Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Pit Bulls.
Puppy dogs are at greatest vulnerability, and the danger decreases with age. There has never been any dog over five years of age suffering from Parvo, even if it has a deficient vaccine history. The vaccinations for Parvo are crucial for the first couple of days of life. However, vaccinating an older dog against it is a risk-based conversation with your vet.
