12/12/2024
www.rivardanimalhospital.com
PARVO VIRAL ENTERITIS IN CANINE
WHAT IS PARVO?
Parvo is a viral infection that mainly damages the intestinal wall of puppies. Virus is very stable in the environment, can withstand wide pH ranges and high temperatures and is resistant to a number of common disinfectants. Virus may survive for several months in contaminated areas. Mortality varies from 16-48%.
HOW THE DISEASE IS TRANSMITTED?
The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected dogs or f***l-contaminated fomites. The virus is shed in the f***s of infected dogs for up to 3 wk after infection. Recovered dogs may serve as carriers and shed the virus periodically.
After ingestion, the virus replicates and spreads through the bloodstream. It attacks cells in the bone marrow, lymphopoietic tissue, and the wall of the Small Intestine. Viral shedding in the f***s begins 3-4 days after infection. Normal intestinal bacteria enter through wall and may gain entry to the bloodstream, resulting in bacteremia.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND AYMPTOMS?
Clinical disease may be triggered by stress (e.g, Worm load, boarding), and clinical signs may be more pronounced by concurrent infection with opportunistic pathogens (eg, Bacteria, Virus and Parasites). Severity is according to viral load and host immune system. Incubation period is 3-8 days. Viral shedding may begin on day 3, before the onset of clinical signs.
Two common clinical forms of the disease were recognized.
1=Myocarditis
2=Gastroenteritis.
Myocarditis (effecting heart) seen in young pups, especially in the early neonatal period but this form of disease is not commonly seen.
Gastroenteritis is most common in pups 6-20 wk old. Most affected dogs (~85%) are 6 mo old, intact males are more likely to develop enteritis than intact females. Signs may be seen as lethargy, anorexia, fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. You may notice one or more of the above signs depending upon the severity of infection. Most dogs recover within a few days with appropriate supportive care; others can die within hours-days after the onset of clinical signs. A common complication is lung edema or alveolitis.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE THE DISEASE?
Diagnosis is based on an appropriate history and clinical signs and confirmed by a positive f***l ELISA or hemagglutination test. The ELISA may be positive on the first day of clinical signs and for 3-4 more days. The ELISA may be false negative if run too early in the disease course; it should be repeated if the history and clinical signs support the likely presence of the virus. Changes in blood picture are seen in most infected dogs during the course of illness. Protein loss, Sodium loss, Potassium loss, and Chloride loss may be seen. Liver enzyme levels can be increased in some dogs. These changes can be seen by running a blood work (test).
HOW WE CAN TREAT THIS DISEASE?
Most dogs recover with appropriate supportive care directed to restoration of fluid balance. Affected dogs should receive IV/SQ fluid therapy to compensate the losses and maintain fluid balance. Most dogs that survive the first 2-3 days of disease recover. But due to nature of virus disease can progress if puppy defense system is not strong enough. Vomiting can be controlled with anti-emetics in injection form or by mouth .
Ampicillin or a first- or second-generation cephalosporin, plus an aminoglycoside or enrofloxacin, provide broad-spectrum coverage. Antibiotics choice/use depends upon the severity of infection. Ask your veterinarian according to the situation. Supplement flora can be added to maintain the normal intestinal flora.
Food and water should be withheld until vomiting has stopped. After that, small amounts of a bland diet or commercially available prescription diet—i/d food ) should be offered frequently. Effected pets may need Nutritional supplement). If GI signs recur after feeding, the pet should be fasted for an additional 12-24 hr before feeding again. If food can be tolerated, the bland diet is continued for 7-14 days, after which the dog’s regular diet can be gradually reintroduced.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO CONTROL THE DISEASE?
Contaminated areas should be thoroughly cleaned with household bleach (1:30 dilution) or commercial products labeled for use against parvovirus. Disinfection of hands, clothing, and food and water bowls is recommended. Pups should be kept isolated from adult dogs returning from shows or field trials as the virus is CONTAGIOUS.
Vaccination is critical in the control of the disease. Vaccination of pups should begin at 5-8 wk of age. Need to repeat with 3-4 weeks interval till the age of 20 weeks, and then annual vaccination is recommended.
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