Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection seen most commonly in puppies. Puppies acquire this infection after coming into contact, either directly or indirectly, with feces from an infected dog. Once inside the body, the parvovirus attacks rapidly dividing cells: lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and the intestinal tract. The viral infection leaves the puppy defenseless with an impaired immune system and a profoundly inflamed intestinal tract. The symptoms of the most common form of parvovirus include: vomiting, severe bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and fever. Diagnosis of parvovirus infection is made through detection of the parvovirus in the feces. All puppies with vomiting and/or diarrhea should be tested for parvovirus. Treatment for parvovirus includes aggressive intravenous fluid therapy, antinausea drugs, and antibiotics. Puppies with absent or limited maternal antibodies may be given a plasma transfusion to provide added immune support. To maintain nutrition in the puppy, intravenous feedings may be necessary while the intestinal tract heals from the viral infection. Canine parvovirus can be life threatening without treatment due to the large amount of fluid losses and a poorly functioning immune system. Prognosis for puppies treated early and aggressively is good. Puppies that are not treated carry a poor prognosis with mortality reaching 90%.