With summer upon us, we are seeing more puppies. Any time we see more puppies we are likely to see more Parvo. Parvo is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects the gastro-intestinal tract by killing off the lining cell layer of the intestines. It can also affect the heart. Parvovirus also affects the immune system so pets are unable to fight off infection that normally would not cause problems. The puppies usually present with the primary symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.
Parvovirus is highly fatal, as it causes severe dehydration. The puppy loses fluids from the vomiting and diarrhea and cannot replace them because it can’t keep any fluids down. We also see bacterial infection cross from the intestines into the blood stream to cause sepsis and death. Treatment requires aggressive therapy and hospitalization.
Fortunately, parvovirus is preventable if the puppy is appropriately vaccinated. Vaccine schedules vary but require multiple vaccines given over several weeks to prevent the disease. The vaccine is highly effective and we RARELY see puppies who have been vaccinated properly develop the disease.
- Dr.Cooney