PARVOVIRAL ENTERITIS IN DOGS
(Parvo)

General Information:

Parvoviral enteritis is an inflammation of the intestinal tract caused by Parvovirus. Other viruses that cause enteritis similar to Parvo include parvovirus, coronavirus, herpesvirus, astrovirus, enterovirus and reovirus.

Parvovirus causes severe life-threatening illness, through dehydration, acid-base imbalance and infection.

Parvoviral enteritis is easily transmitted to susceptible dogs. Puppies, aged dogs and those weakened by illness are most susceptible. Dogs become infected by swallowing the virus particles or by direct contact with infected feces, saliva or vomit. Viruses may be carried on clothing, shoes, feeding utensils and some insects and birds. Parvo can survive several months in the environment, just waiting for a dog to come along or a human to carry it home to their dog..

Parvo attacks the lining of the intestinal tract, destroying certain portions of the absorptive villi and thereby causing the characteristic signs of: depression, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the stools. Heart muscle damage may occur.

Diagnostic Information:

Diagnosis is based on proving the presence of the offending viral organism in your pets intestinal tract. A rapid, in-house fecal test has been developed which provides an accurate testing means for parvoviral infections.

Blood tests are necessary to diagnose and monitor the response to treatment of viral enteritis.

Treatment Information:

Hospitalization: Because dogs with viral enteritis cannot keep down oral medications and foods, hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy are often necessary to help control dehydration and electorlyte imbalance. We also administer the following medications during the treatment period:

Antibiotic Injection - to prevent the occurrence of secondary bacterial infections
Anti-emetic Injection - to prevent vomiting and the loss of vital fluids and electrolytes in the vomitus
Anti-diarrhea Medication - to prevent diarrhea and the loss of vital fluids

Home Care (INSTEAD of Hospitalization):

Dr. Dave's Note: It is important that you understand that Home treatment for Parvo fails many more times than it is successful. However, due to the cost of hospitalized care, it is sometimes the only choice.

Give all medication as directed. Call your veterinarian's office if you cannot give the medication.

It is very important to force your pet to drink as much liquid (Pedialyte or Gatorade) as possible. We recommend using a syringe and dosing it every 20 minutes AROUND THE CLOCK, until your dog has gone 24 hours without any vomiting or diarrhea.

Food should be withheld until your pet is holding down the liquids without vomiting for at least 24 hours.

Once food is introduced, it should be in the form of a very bland diet (boiled chicken and rice with no additives, or Hill's Prescription i/d).

Prognosis:

Parvoviral infection is by far the most severe and deadly of the enteric viruses for your pet. The prognosis depends on the age of your pet, any history of vaccines, length of time before treatment is initiated and the treatment means pursued.

Typically, within three to five days of initiation of treatment we will will have a good indication of whether your pet will continue to improve and survive or if the prognosis is poor.

Recommendations:

All puppies should be started on a vaccination program at six weeks of age. They should be vaccinated every three weeks until approximately 21 weeks of age. Yearly vaccination for prevention of parvovirus and coronavirus is recommended.

We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your veterinarian's office, or feel free to e-mail us.

David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC