Parvo Symptoms and Complications

Parvovirus is notorious for being extremely contagious. It lays in the feces of infected dogs and on everything creature or object that feces might touch. Unprotected dogs that come into even indirect contact can easily contract the virus. Parvovirus attacks the bone marrow, lymph nodes and intestinal lining. Your pet's parvo symptoms and complications may include:

• Anemia and bloody diarrhea
• Severe fluid loss
• Acute pain
• Fever
• Secondary bacterial infections, which may lead to septic shock

Parvo's complications can lead to the infected animal's death unless he receives immediate medical attention.

Treatment Options From Your Phoenix Veterinarian

Your Phoenix veterinarian at North Central Animal Hospital can take emergency measures to stabilize your pet's condition. We can administer IV fluids and administer plasma transfusions to reinforce your pet's bone marrow and white blood cells in their fight against the disease. Antibiotics can treat secondary bacterial infection and septic shock, while administered proteins can replenish the proteins lost to the disease. Our clinic also takes steps to help your pet cope with the extreme discomfort of this disease, from pain management to nausea treatment.

Recovery times from parvovirus can be unpredictable, ranging from just 2 or 3 days to weeks. We will test to see if your pet's body is free of the virus, but bear in mind that a single test result doesn't necessarily mean that the virus is gone from your pet's body; we must take additional tests to make certain.

Your Veterinarian in Phoenix Offers Parvo Vaccine for Dogs

The easiest and most humane way to avoid the nightmare known as parvovirus is to vaccinate your pet against this disease. Your veterinarian in Phoenix typically administers parvo vaccine for dogs alongside other core vaccines during a preventative wellness exam. Puppies receive at least 3 vaccinations by the age of 16 weeks, followed by an adult version of the parvo vaccine for dogs a year later. Booster shots will then be administered to maintain your dog's resistance. If your pet has never been vaccinated against parvovirus, you'll want to schedule this simple procedure as soon as possible.

From prevention to emergency treatment, North Central Animal Hospital is standing by to help your special friend live a long and healthy life, even in the face of dangers such as parvovirus. Call (602) 395-9773 to arrange for your pet's parvo vaccination, or rush him to your Phoenix veterinarian for lifesaving care!