Canine Parvovirus
There are many diseases and viruses that come in conflict with the average dog today. If no precautions are taken to prevent these viruses, chances are the dog is more than likely to contract one. One of the most common among these viruses is called canine parvovirus. "Since the discovery of the canine parvovirus in 1978, the number of dogs infected has increased rapidly and tremendously" (Welch). Canine parvovirus has appeared worldwide making it one of the most common viruses to dogs. It can be transmitted from canine to canine by way of contaminated feces or coming in contact with other bodily fluids of an infected animal. Since the parvovirus can be transmitted outside the animal for many years, this makes it one of the most contagious viruses. Canine parvovirus can survive outside the infected animal from one to two years, if conditions are favorable. Parvoviruses can be carried on shoes, hands, other inanimate objects, and even through dust particles in the air. Canine parvovirus is one of the most common and most contagious viruses in the United States today. The canine parvovirus is not an old virus. It developed around the year 1978. "Canine parvovirus contains similar properties and characteristics
There are no specific drugs that kill the parvovirus. The treatment of the parvovirus mainly has to do with replacing fluids. As mentioned before, dehydration is a big problem with parvovirus. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea cause serious dehydration. The first step to the treatment is replacing these fluids. "In severe cases the fluids are replaced by administrating a balanced electrolyte solution to the dog. In less severe cases subcutaneous or oral fluids are used. When there is extreme vomiting, drugs can be used to slow the vomiting down. Antibiotic therapy is given to help control secondary bacterial infections. As the symptoms subside, a de-worming agent is used and restricting the food intake is also required" (Bodewes). This treatment takes up an excessive amount of time and the dog goes through extreme pain. My neighbor's dog went through the treatment; it seemed as if it took a year to complete. The dog was in an enormous amount of pain but some how pulled through it. In most cases, such as my dog, the virus is so severe that the animals are usually put down. Most veterinarians will suggest this because the chance of the dog surviving is low and the cost of the treatment is high. The first one is the diarrhea syndrome (enteritis). After an incubation period to fourteen days, the first signs are severe depression with loss of appetite, followed by vomiting. The dog appears to be in extreme pain, with a tucked-up abdomen. Within twenty-four hours a fever develops and a profuse diarrhea that is frequently bloody. Mouth inflammation (stomatitus) can occur. Almost no other canine disease produces such devastating symptoms. There are many ways for this contagious virus to spread. Canine parvovirus is known to survive on basically any object such as clothing, shoes, furniture, carpet, and many other objects that the infected dog comes in contact with. The parvovirus can also be transmitted through air particles. Although not infected, insects and rodents can also carry the virus. The virus can survive on these inan
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