Canine Parvovirus Indiana State Board of Animal Health•Tech Bulletin CP-15.99

anine parvovirus is a highly off the ground or floor. The organism contagious infecting incubates from three days to seven Cmembers of the canine days after exposure before showing family, including , coyotes, signs of illness. foxes and . Commonly called “parvo”, the organism is very Clinical Signs stable in the environment, able to Signs of the parvovirus include withstand freezing temperatures loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, and many to survive vomiting and severe which as long as seven months in a may contain blood. Vomiting and contaminated area. diarrhea may cause Some breeds, including and , which can result in American pit bull terriers, Doberman death. The disease strikes young pinschers, German shepherds dogs more often than adults. and rottweilers appear to be at Another, less common form of increased risk of contracting parvo. parvoviral is Cocker spaniels and toy poodles (inflammation of the ). are less susceptible. Myocarditis is most often seen in puppies younger than three Highly Contagious months of age. Because the virus Canine parvovirus is contracted multiplies quickly in heart muscle very easily. Three factors determine cells, diarrhea is not usually seen. a ’s risk of becoming infected: Puppies may become lethargic and the number of viral particles present stop eating just before collapsing, at exposure; the dog’s overall gasping for breath. immunity (such as ); and Death can occur within minutes environmental stressors. or several days. No specific Infected dogs pass or “shed” treatment in known. Puppies that the parvovirus in their feces. The survive usually have permanent number of virus particles shed is heart damage. A dog may die of highest during the first two weeks heart failure weeks or months after following exposure. apparent recovery. After contact with a contaminated Immunization of the bitch environment or animal, a dog may protects puppies early in life; contract the virus via the mouth therefore, vaccination of breeding while cleaning itself or eating food animals is very important. Diagnosis and Treatment Indoors, the virus usually loses Initial diagnosis by a veterinarian its infectivity in about one month. is based on history-taking and Especially in carpeted areas, at clinical signs. A positive fecal or least 30 days should pass before a blood test will confirm the diagnosis. new puppy can be safely introduced Symptoms, rather than the into a household. canine parvovirus itself, are Outdoors: Dogs should not treated. Appropriate supportive be allowed to come in contact with care should begin immediately to feces or other dogs when in a park restore the fluid balance caused or on the street. by dehydration. Intravenous fluids Immediate waste disposal is are frequently required. Vomiting recommended. If good drainage and diarrhea control is needed, as is available, a thorough watering- well as for prevention of down of the contaminated area may secondary . dilute any existing virus. Without thorough decon- Prevention and Control tamination measures, a site is Indoors: Contaminated areas considered contaminated: should be thoroughly cleaned with •for seven months if shaded; household (one part bleach •for five months with good sunlight diluted with 30 parts water) or with exposure; and a commercial product specifically •until the space is thoroughly labeled for use against parvovirus. thawed, if frozen. (Freezing Food and water bowls, toys, protects the virus.) bedding, and any other surfaces or Vaccination is critical for items that are colorfast (or where parvovirus prevention and control. color change is not important) The vaccination advice of a should be disinfected. Contaminated veterinarian, as recommended by clothing and shoes may also need the manufacturer, should to be disinfected. be followed closely.

Indiana State Board of Animal Health Office of the State Veterinarian Discovery Hall, Suite 100 1202 East 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205-2898 317/544-2400; Fax 317/974-2011 www.in.gov/boah