Pet Matters
Western Arizona Humane Society
Victoria Cowper,
Community Relations Manager
This is a regular column, presented every two weeks to provide information about pet and animal care, including the legal responsibilities of pet ownership. We invite you to send your questions to answer in upcoming issues.
Please send your questions and comments to the Today's News Herald or directly to me a W.A.H.S. 855-5083 or wahs@ctaz.com
What You Should Know About Canine Parvovirus Infection
What is "Parvo"?
Since 1978 dogs of all ages and breeds have been victims of a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the intestinal track, white blood cells, and in some cases the heart muscle. This disease, canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, has appeared worldwide.
How is it spread?
CPV infection is spread by dog-to-dog contact and has been diagnosed wherever dogs congregate, including dog shows, obedience trials, breeding and boarding kennels, pet shops, humane shelters, parks and playgrounds. That is why we are so concerned about un-vaccinated dogs at the Dog Park.
A dog that is confined to a house or yard and is rarely in contact with other strange dogs is far less likely to be exposed to the virus. CPV infection can only be transmitted to dogs and other canids, not to other types of animals or people, but animals and people can carry it to your dog.
The source of infection is fecal waste from infected dogs. Large amounts of the virus may be present in fecal material of infected dogs. The virus is resistant to extremes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods. It is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of infected dogs or by contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. Definitive information on other means of transmission, if any, is lacking.
How Can I Tell If A Dog Has CPV Infection?
The first signs of CPV infection are depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Rectal temperatures may be raised. (The normal rectal temperature for dogs is 101º - 102ºF.) These signs will most often appear 5-7 days after the dog is exposed to the virus. At the onset of illness, the feces will generally be light gray or yellow-gray. Sometimes, the first sign will be fluid feces streaked with blood.
Dogs may dehydrate rapidly due to vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs may vomit repeatedly and have projectile and bloody diarrhea until they die. Others may have loose feces and recover without complications.
Most deaths occur within 48-72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. Puppies suffer most with shock-like deaths, occurring as early as two days after the onset of illness. In the past, a high percentage of puppies less than five months old and 2-3% of older dogs died from this disease. Now, due to widespread vaccination, these percentages have decreased dramatically.
Puppies, between weaning and six months of age are at increased risk of acquiring the disease. There appears to be a higher risk of severe disease in certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiller and Doberman Pinscher).
Another form of parvoviral infection is inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) in puppies less than three months of age. This syndrome occurs without concurrent diarrhea because the virus multiplies rapidly in muscle cells of the growing heart.
Puppies with parvoviral myocarditis may act depressed and stop suckling shortly before they collapse gasping for breath. Death may follow within minutes. Others die at intervals over the next several days. There is no specific treatment. Puppies that survive may have permanently damaged hearts. Such dogs may die from heart failure weeks or months after they have apparently recovered from infection.
How Is CPV Infection Diagnosed? Treatment?
A veterinarian will make the initial diagnosis based on clinical signs but only after considering other causes of vomiting and diarrhea. Evidence of rapid spread in a group of dogs is strongly suggestive of CPV infection and may be confirmed by testing feces for the virus. Some tests may be available in your veterinarian's office. Your veterinarian may choose to send samples to an outside laboratory, however. There are no specific drugs that kill the virus in infected dogs.
Treatment of CPV infection, which should be started immediately, consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections with antibiotics.
Sick dogs should be kept warm and be provided good nursing care.
What About Prevention and Protection?
With a few exceptions, dogs of any age should be vaccinated to prevent CPV infection. Unless the actual immune status of a puppy or litter is known, it is recommended that a series of vaccinations be given to provide adequate protection. Some vaccines provide protection against parvovirus, canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and others. Annual booster vaccinations are recommended. Ask your veterinarian about vaccinations, duration of immunity, and recommended schedule for inoculation. Dog and puppies at the Western Arizona Humane Society receive DPC (Distemper, Parvo & Corona) and Bordetella vaccinations.
Proper cleaning and disinfection of kennels and other areas where dogs are housed is essential to control spread of the virus. Remember, the virus is capable of existing in the environment for many months unless the area is thoroughly cleaned. Sodium hypochlorite solution, such as one of part household bleach to 30 parts water, is an effective disinfectant.
An owner should not allow a dog to come into contact with fecal waste of other dogs when walking in a park or playground or along city streets. This is especially true until six months of age. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable. Check lawns, sidewalks, and street gutters for fecal waste from neighborhood dogs, and urge friends to do the same.
If you are unsure whether this disease is affecting dogs in your community, check with a veterinarian. The risk of exposure can be reduced if you prevent your dog from contacting other dogs in areas where the incidence of CPV infection is alarmingly high.
A Note On Your Pet's General Good Health
Only a healthy pet is a happy companion. To assure your pet's daily well-being requires regular care and close attention to any hint of ill health. The American Veterinary Medical Association therefore suggests that you consult your veterinarian if your pet shows any of the following signs:
· Abnormal discharges from the nose, eyes, or other body openings.
· Loss of appetite, marked weight losses or gains, or excessive water consumption.
· Difficult, abnormal, or uncontrolled waste elimination.
· Abnormal behavior, sudden viciousness, or lethargy.
· Abnormal lumps, limping, or difficulty getting up or lying down.
· Excessive head shaking, scratching, and licking or biting.
The dedicated staff and volunteers at the Western Arizona Humane Society wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season. We are available to answer questions and assist you in the selection of a companion animal.
We invite you to visit our facilities and see our staff and volunteers at work at 1100 Empire Dr., 855-5083, or we will be happy to schedule a presentation of the many functions of the Western Arizona Humane Society to your club, group or classroom. Also, watch our Adopt-a-Pet program on TV-45.
Previous Articles:
Valley Fever
Dog Bite Prevention
Spay & Neuter
Adopt a Cat
Pet Information On-Line
Cat Myths
Heat
Fireworks
Cat Scratching
Heartworm
THE MANY BENEFITS OF COMPANION ANIMALS
W.A.H.S & Lake Havasu City
Pet Loss
Animal Control
Safe Hoildays
VOLUNTEERS