Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and if left untreated, it kills them within day's, usually due to dehydration and it's side effects.
Parvo is caused by a virus present in the faeces of infected dogs. Other dogs and pups pick up the parvo virus through eating food off the ground, chewing bones on the dirt, licking each other... there is so much parvo virus in the environment that older dogs have become somewhat immune to it, however puppies are very susceptible, especially from around weaning age at 5 to 8 weeks.
Parvo symptoms include severe depression and a loss of appetite, followed by a high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration
The infected dog will pass bloody stools within 24 hours. Puppies infected with parvo usually die within 48 hours if left untreated.
The virus initially lodges and multiplys in the lymph nodes of the throat and in 3 or 4 days it spreads to the bone marrow and the gastro-intestinal tract. All three sites contain the rapidly multiplying cells that the virus needs. In the bone marrow it kills the young immune system cells, and as such a low white cell count is the first clinical sign of possible parvo virus infection. Having a low white cell count also means that the host dog cannot fight the infection.
While this is happening the parvo virus is attacking the gastro intestinal tract, killing new cells of the intestine walls before they have a chance to grow. This results in an inability to absorb nutrients, causing acute diarrhoea. The intestinal wall becomes so damaged that bleeding occurs, allowing bacterial infections to take hold.
Therefore puppies can die from either severe dehydration and shock, bacterial infection... or more commonly,both.
You can't treat parvo with antibiotics, however, they are routinely given to prevent secondary bacterial infections setting in, while the dog's immune system is actively fighting the virus.
The best treatment for parvo is prevention. And the best form of prevention is Vaccinating, which should be mandatory for all puppies before they are 3 months old. Follow up every 12 months with a booster shot.
You should vaccinate pregnant broody's with a killed parvovirus vaccine, either before mating, or 2 weeks before her puppies are born. This will pass on protection to the puppies until they are about 6 weeks old, or until they stop suckling. The danger period for puppies is between weaning at 5 to 8 weeks old, and 3 months of age, when they should get their full shots.
On dog farms and in breeding barns, it's advisable to give puppies a 4 in 1 shot that includes parvovirus and corona virus vaccines at about 7 weeks, followed by their full 5 in 1 shot which includes Leptovirus vaccine at 3 months of age.
The only way to kill parvo in the environment is with either Bleach diluted 30 to 1 with water, or some other proprietary brand containing bleach. If the infected area is left dormant, the parvo will die in the ground in around 7 months, but you would be well advised to leave them vacant for 1 to 2 years. Freezing protects parvovirus cells, so if the ground is snowbound in winter, it may be at least 2 years before it is safe to allow puppies on it again.
Russell Savige has been breeding and rearing greyhounds since 1986. His website http://www.training-dog-breeds.com has an extensive collection of dog related articles.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
The cat population is astronomical. Most experts agree that average... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More
So, you've got yourself a pregnant cat.Was it a stray... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More
At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More
Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
No one knows your dog better than you, and as... Read More
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More
Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More
Pet |