Parvovirus Infection

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Canine parvovirus infection is a serious disease which has spread rapidly through the canine population here in Australia. 

Parvovirus is spread by the faeces of infected dogs. The faeces of an infected dog can have a high concentration of viral particles. Susceptible animals become infected by ingesting the virus, simply sniffing at the stool of an infected dog. Subsequently, the virus is carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation.

Unlike most other viruses, Parvovirus is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. Parvovirus can live on the soil or in your backyard for more than 12 months. Indoors viral particles live for about three months. Parvovirus has been recovered from dog faeces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of other cats or dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. Not all dogs that have the virus will show any symptoms, they may simply carry and spread the disease without any signs. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within 5-10 days of the initial infection.

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Once infected the clinical manifestations of Parvovirus disease are somewhat variable, but generally take the form of severe vomiting and diarrhoea. The diarrhoea may or may not contain blood. Additionally, affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, depression, and fever. It is important to note that many dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhoea are the most common signs; vomiting usually begins first. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat.

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As with any viral disease there is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. However, the virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes loss of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte (sodium and potassium) imbalances, and infection in the bloodstream (septicaemia). It is when the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream, that it becomes more likely that the animal will die.

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The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This requires the administration of intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to inhibit diarrhoea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems. Most dogs with Parvovirus infection recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicaemia and dehydration occur. For reasons not fully understood, some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds.

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Of course, prevention is always better than cure. If you love your dog you will want to protect them !

The most popular method of protecting dogs against Parvovirus infection has been vaccination. Calanclan puppies receive a parvovirus vaccination as part of the core vaccines administered at 6 weeks. They are also required to maintain strict quarantine. Puppy owners are then required to ensure that their puppies continue a series of boosters until the age of 14 to 16 weeks.12 days after their final booster vaccine they are protcted for life.