Canine Parvovirus ADVICE FOR OWNERS Canine Parvovirus

• Canine parvovirus is a serious and Which are at risk? How is parvovirus prevented? Questions for my veterinarian: highly contagious disease which has All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than Vaccination and good hygiene are vital to a high mortality (death) rate in four months old and dogs that have not been preventing parvovirus . Due to the untreated dogs. vaccinated against canine parvovirus have an severity and prevalence of parvovirus the • Canine parvovirus attacks the increased risk of becoming infected and ill. is considered a core (essential) vaccine and immune meaning that all dogs should be protected from system of dogs and puppies. this disease. • Disease is rapidly spread by direct What are the signs of parvovirus All puppies should receive a course of the CPV-2 contact with other infected dogs or infection? vaccine. Young puppies are very susceptible infected materials such as faeces, food • Lethargy (extreme tiredness) • Loss of appetite to infection, particularly because the natural dishes and soil. immunity provided in the mother’s milk may wear • There is no effective treatment for • Fever • Vomiting off before the puppies’ own immune system is canine parvovirus and supportive care • Severe diarrhoea (often bloody) mature enough to fight off the infection. A puppy is all that can be given. may become ill if it is exposed to infection during • Disease can be effectively prevented by Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause rapid this gap in protection or before full immunity from vaccination against canine parvovirus. and most deaths from parvovirus occur within vaccination has been achieved. Vaccination is 48-72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. generally started at 6 to 8 weeks of age and a dose is given every 3-4 weeks for a minimum of 2 doses. What is canine parvovirus? If your puppy or shows any of these signs Regardless of how many doses have been given earlier, a dose of vaccine given between 14 and Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and contact your vet immediately. 16 weeks of age may ensure the best protection serious disease that is caused by the canine against parvovirus and is recommended by some parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) . The virus attacks veterinary practices based on individual risk. the gastrointestinal tract and immune system of How is parvovirus diagnosed A booster vaccination is then administered every puppies, dogs and wild canids (e.g. foxes). It can and treated? 1 to 3 years. Your vet will be able to recommend also damage the muscle in very young and Diagnosis is made based on history, signs of the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your unborn puppies. disease, physical examination, and laboratory pet. In spite of proper vaccination, a small tests performed on blood and faeces. No specific percentage of dogs do not develop immunity to There are several variants of CPV-2 and in the treatment or drug is available that will kill the parvovirus and remain susceptible to infection. UK the CPV-2a and CPV-2b variants are most virus in infected dogs. Only supportive care can common. be given and usually consists of fluid therapy, medications to control vomiting and diarrhoea, prevention of secondary and intensive Remember! How is parvovirus spread? nursing care. 85-90% of treated dogs survive • Do not walk your puppy on the ground CPV-2 is highly contagious and is spread through parvovirus infection, however due to the extensive outside and keep them away from other dogs direct contact with other infected dogs or with supportive care required treatment costs can be at parks, groomers, puppy classes and infected faeces. The virus readily contaminates expensive. In untreated dogs the mortality rate kennels until their vaccination schedule has the environment, equipment or people that have can exceed 90%. been completed. come into contact with infected dogs. CPV-2 is • Do not let your puppy or dog come into easily carried and transmitted by contaminated Infected dogs should be kept isolated from other contact with the faecal waste of other dogs hands, clothes and shoes, food and water bowls, dogs until they have recovered and are no longer while walking outdoors, and always promptly collars and leads. The virus is very stable in the shedding (spreading) the virus. The environment, dispose of your pets waste. environment and can survive for over a year. It is bowls, collar etc. should be disinfected with a • Avoid contact with known infected dogs and resistant to heat, cold, drought and humidity. dilute solution. their premises.

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