South Eastern
Colorado Animal
Rescue Effort,
Inc.to build and nuture the human/animal bond
|
South Eastern
Colorado Animal
Rescue Effort,
Inc. to build and nuture the human/animal bond |
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Parvovirus... SECARE dot not claim to have any veterinary training, and any information and/or advice should be discussed with your vet. Sources of Information: Animal Sheltering Shelter Medicine Amber Tech This is a self-help guide and SECARE recommends you discuss this with your vet as possible supportive care. Parvo is a virus that mainly attacks the gastrointestinal system, although can attack the heart in cases of very young pups. The dogs most vulnerable are pups under four (4) months of age (even those with a vaccination history) and adults that have never been vaccinated. It is important to note that even though your dog may have been vaccinated against Parvo, it is like the flu and your dog could be exposed to a different strain. Symptoms of Parvo include: diarrhea (that can eventually become bloody--but bloody stool is not always a sign of Parvo and no blood does not mean that there is no Parvo present), vomiting, lethargy, weakness, and fever (greater than 102.5). If you have a pup with a loose stool that is otherwise acting normally: eating, drinking, paying, it is probably not Parvo but may be simply a reaction to a stressful situation (going to a new home). However, if a pup develops watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, it could be something equally serious: Coccidiosis or Giardia (both very common in Colorado). Exposure to the disease: Any area where unvaccinated dogs might have been--OVER the last several months or even years. Yes, this virus can live in the soil and grass for months or even years. It is extremely hardy and can live on a dog's fur or feet. It can be carried by people on their clothing, hands, and shoes. It is a tough bug! A dog can carry it on the outside of the body, but it cannot carry it inside without developing the disease. There are certain breeds that tend to be more vulnerable to contracting Parvo. Those breeds or mixes are: Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Pitt Bulls. Incubation: Anywhere from three (3) days to 21 days. The normal incubation period tends to be around 4-7 days. Progression of the disease: Exposure occurs in feces of infected animals. After an incubation period of anywhere from 3-21 days (4-7 being the normal), the puppy may first exhibit signs of diarrhea and lethargy (lack of playfulness). The pup may refuse to eat or drink. At this point the dog should be taken right away to the vet for analysis. The longer you wait to take the pup to the vet or call for help, the greater the likelihood is that your pup may not survive. Even if it's not Parvo, a puppy displaying these symptoms may have something else going on that need quick intervention. The vet will most likely do a SNAP test for parvo. You can still have a false positive at this point. Other infections as well as recently given vaccinations can cause a low positive and the vet must look for more clinical signs of Parvo. Early intervention is critical to any hope of a pup surviving Parvo. At this point, even with vet care, a pup may get very sick and will either turn around and get better or go all the way down and die. Supportive veterinary therapy is essential. Dogs and puppies can also develop secondary bacterial infections which also needs to be monitored. Treating the puppy at home: Discuss this with your vet as a cost-saving measure. This will take extreme commitment on your part: of your time and your energy. |
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