HOLISTIC TREATMENT OF PARVO IN PETS
Parvo in puppies is brought on through the virus canine. The virus is extremely contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected dog, or through indirect contact with an object that is contaminated. Your puppy is exposed the parvo virus each time he takes a sniff, licks or consumes feces that are infected. Indirect transmission can occur when a person who’s recently had contact with the infected dog rubs it on your dog or is exposed to a potentially contaminated object such as an item such as a water bowl or food dish or leashes and collars as well as the clothing and hands of those who handle dogs that are infected.
WHAT IS PARVO VIRUS?
Canine parvo virus can be a contagious virus that primarily affects dogs. CPV can be transmitted from dog to dog through indirect or direct contact through their excrement
WHY DO PUPPIES GET PARVO?
Six-week-old puppies and children aged six weeks to six months are most susceptible to contracting parvo. Children younger than six weeks have some antibodies their mothers had in the event that the dam was vaccinated with a full range of vaccinations against parvo. Puppy puppies are vaccinated against parvo between 6, 8 and 12 weeks. They are susceptible to contracting the illness until they’ve completed all three shots in their vaccination sequence and owners are required be extra cautious at this point to avoid their puppies from contracting virus. Puppy puppies should receive a dose of the canine parvo virus between the ages of 14-16 weeks old regardless of the number of doses they have received prior to that in order to build up a sufficient protection.
The severity of cases of parvo The severity of parvo cases varies. The strain of weaning can result in an increased risk of parvo in puppies because stress can weaken your immune system. Parvo in combination with another infection or parasite could also result in an even more severe form of parvo in puppies. To top it off, certain breeds of dogs are at an increased risk of parvo:
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- English Springer Spaniels
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Labrador Retrievers
HOW LONG ARE PUPPIES WITH PARVO CONTAGIOUS?
Puppy and adult dogs suffering from parvo begin to shed the virus within a few days after exposure. Unfortunately, for responsible owners that this period of time doesn’t always coincide with the first signs of parvo that is why dogs could be infected before owners know they’re sick. The puppies who have parvo remain infected for up to 10 days following an initial recovery, so ensure that any puppies who are recovering from parvo from non-vaccinated or partially vaccine-vaccinated dogs.
In the absence of your pet, parvo virus is able to live in the indoor environment for at least one month, while outdoors it could last for several months, and possibly a whole year if the conditions are right. Utilize a cleaner that is proven to eliminate parvo virus. Discuss with your veterinarian about the best method to eliminate this virus from the house environment , or even your kennels.
SYMPTOMS OF PARVO IN PUPPIES
puppy who has parvo is very sick. The sooner you recognize the first symptoms of the virus in pups and kittens, the quicker you can take your pet to the vet. Because parvo is a common occurrence in puppies of the beginning stages It is recommended that you call your vet whenever your dog feels unwell. The weather. However, you must know the particular signs that can be seen in puppy parvo.
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting• Fever
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Depression
These symptoms are severe on their own and could indicate the presence of parvo or a different serious disease. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect that your puppy is suffering from parvo. Also, make sure you notify the staff at your vet ahead of time about your suspicions and your puppy’s symptoms, so they can follow the proper quarantine measures to stop your puppy from spreading the virus to other dogs.
The 3 Stages Of Parvo In Dogs
Parvo in dogs typically progresses through three stages, including the initial infection:
Stage 1: Infection
Stage 1 occurs when your dog actually becomes infected with parvo.
The parvo virus is transmitted through the fecal matter of infected dogs, and can be found in the environment or on surfaces, such as floors, toys, and food bowls.
The virus can also be spread from dog to dog, or from the mother dog to her litter. A tiny amount of infected fecal material is enough to infect a dog, as it enters the dog’s body through the mouth.
Stage 2: Incubation
After a dog has been exposed to the parvovirus, there is an incubation period that typically lasts between 3 to 7 days. During this time, the virus begins to attack the dog’s rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in the tonsils or lymph nodes.
As the virus continues to multiply, it targets other sources of rapidly dividing cells, such as bone marrow and the cells lining the walls of the small intestines. In young puppies, the virus can also infect the heart, leading to inflammation of the heart muscle and poor heart function. Symptoms of parvo typically only begin to appear after the virus has invaded these vital areas of the dog’s body … so during the early incubation stage (3-7 days) your dog may be infected with parvo but show no symptoms.
Stage 3: Illness
When the parvovirus invades the bone marrow, it targets the young immune cells, which results in a decline in the number of protective white blood cells.
This makes the body more susceptible to the virus and allows it to enter the gastrointestinal (GI) tract more easily. The virus attacks then the lining of the small intestine, causing damage and preventing nutrient absorption.
At this point, a dog with parvo may become weak and lethargic, and may have a fever. This stage is also characterized by vomiting and diarrhea.
The third stage is the most critical and can be fatal if left untreated. If not treated promptly, dogs with parvo may go into shock or die from severe dehydration.
How To Prevent Parvo In Dogs
While the most obvious way to prevent parvo is to vaccinate your puppy, vaccines come with their own set of risks and don’t always prevent disease. We recommend a one-antigen-only vaccine if you decide to vaccinate against parvo.
Whether you opt for the vaccine or forego it, it’s important to feed your dog a healthy, nutritious diet to support his immune system. Avoid feeding kibble, which can contain processed ingredients like corn, wheat, and synthetic vitamins and minerals. Instead, opt for a raw or home-cooked diet to provide your dog with fresh, whole foods.
If possible, it’s also important to keep your dog away from areas where s ;py pg infected dogs may have been, such as dog parks or kennels … and, ironically, your vet’s office! Obviously, you should also avoid contact with other dogs that may be infected. It’s still important to socialize your dog, but you’ll want to do so as safely as possible.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OBSERVED?
Most often, puppies in the early stages suffer the most than older dogs. Dogs who are susceptible to contracting the disease begin to show symptoms of the disease within two to 10 days.
Be on the lookout for typical signs
The signs could include:
- Lethargy
- Persistent Vomiting
- The temperature of the body may increase up to 103 deg F or 104 degF
- Red-Coffee colored Diarrhea (usually shoot type)Let’s look at the specificways these symptoms and signs show.
Most frequently, the first indicator of CPV is the feeling of lurgy. Are your puppy’s actions more passive and is avoiding the world, are they sleeping more or lying down? You should be watching closely. If you notice it in conjunction with other symptoms, it’s time to get your child to the doctor as soon as possible.
The other indicators you can observe is a sudden loss of weight or a decrease in appetite (anorexia) in which your puppy suddenly begins refusing to consume their chew sticks or meat. Then, you will notice periods of Diarrhea (usually loose stool with a bloody tint) and can be accompanied by frequent vomiting (frothy white, etc.)
Now, the continual Diarrhea and vomiting could result in dehydration and which can result in a fluid imbalance, which eventually leads in electrolyte imbalance and could be detrimental to the dog.
These indicators and signs seriously hamper the immunity of the animal which can lead to secondary infections can occur as due to the weakening of the immune system. Infections caused by bacteria can get worse because of this.
Other events that occur within the body include:
- Anemia
- The loss of protein
- Endotoxemia
- DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis can be performed in different ways. The first being
HISTORY TAKING
It’s crucial for you to be the pet’s owner to explain all symptoms and signs that you have observed, as well as the duration of these symptoms.
A thorough and accurate medical history allows your vet to diagnose the condition of your pet’s health issues and to take the next step according to the need.
TESTS
There are several tests for the identification of CPV2 in feces, using or an ELISA Test or a Haemagglutination test.
ELISA is the test that is quick that is most commonly used to identify an Antigen (virus). In recent years, PCR has become available and is the preferred method for diagnosing CPV2 that is a test that can be utilized later in the course of the disease, when there is less risk of virus released into the feces and might not be detected by ELISA.
It is essential to conduct these tests to determine the cause. Diarrhea as well as vomiting can be generalized symptoms seen across a wide range of illnesses.
The Parvo virus infection is sometimes mistaken for corona virus enteritis or other types of enteritis.
Therefore, to be solid and also to verify the importance of highlighting this need for the use of diagnostic tests.
TREATMENT PROTOCOL
Parvo In Dogs Treatment
Parvo in dogs can be fatal if left untreated, as it can cause severe dehydration, shock, sepsis, and other complications. So if you suspect your dog has parvo, you should take him to your vet for an immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Conventional treatment for parvo in dogs typically involves hospitalization and intensive care. Here are a few of the strategies your vet may use to treat parvo in dogs:
- Fluid Therapy: Intravenous fluids and electrolytes can be used to help correct dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other disturbances caused by the vomiting and diarrhea of dogs with parvo.
- Antiemetics:Dogs with parvo may also receive antiemetics like ondansetron and metoclopramide. These are drugs that help control vomiting and nausea.
- Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be given to help prevent or treat bacterial infections that can develop from parvo’s intestinal damage or immune system suppression.
- Nutritional Support: Lastly, dogs with parvo may require enteral or parenteral feeding, which involves providing nutrients directly into the stomach or veins.
Note: Homeopathi or other holistic vets may be able to help you manage your dog’s parvo at home, using herbs. homeopathic remedies and nosodes. But it will require round the clock intensive care on your part. Don’t try to handle this without your vet’s help.
It is usually supportive in nature. The treatment should consist of colloids, crystalloid IV fluids,e.g., Hetastarch, NS, etc. Anti-nausea medicines (antiemetics) like maropitant, metoclopramide, and ondansetron and a few broad-spectrum anti-biotic drugs that treat secondary bacterial infections, such as ampicillin, cefazolin, enroflxacin and metronidazole. Other supportive and protective supplements like Vitamins B complex vitamins Iron supplementation, and so on. These are all available.
Conventional Treatment
The conventional approach to treating parvovirus is to first rehydrate the dog through electrolytes. These can be given to the dog either orally, subcutaneously (under the skin), or intravenously, depending on how serious the dehydration is.
On rare occasions, blood transfusions are adopted into the procedure. Drugs are then prescribed to slow the vomiting, followed by a mixture of antibiotics and NSAIDs to control the inflammation in the gut and to prevent secondary infection. However, even with intensive medical treatment and support (which can be expensive), a lot of dogs succumb to the virus and die when left untreated and/or treated conventionally.
Naturopathic Treatments
In addition to Western medicine, we can also use naturopathic remedies from our Eastern world to slow down the fast-moving progression of the virus. Naturopathic treatments may include homeopathics, minerals, flower remedies, essential oils, and herbs.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathics considered for this virus would include Aconite, Phosphorus, and Arsenicum Album.
Aconite – Aconite is always a good remedy to use at the sudden onset of symptoms, but is often considered for when stress, chill, fever, and hypersensitivity are involved.
Phosphorus – Phosphorus is the remedy of choice when there is blood in the vomit and/or stool. This remedy can also control gastric symptoms such as vomiting profuse amounts, severe diarrhea, and nausea.
Arsenicum Album – Arsenicum Album is the main remedy to help with the early onset stages of diarrhea. Arsenicum is often known as the “food poisoning” remedy, so it is easy to picture what set of symptoms your pet is experiencing if you have ever had the joy of eating something that didn’t agree with you.
In an acute situation, you would dose homeopathics often (every few minutes to start) until you start to see improvement in your pet. Once you begin to see improvement, you will then space out the doses or stop altogether.
Mineralization
Minerals are often a main source of depletion when the body allows a virus or bacteria to invade to the point of causing extreme anguish to the digestive tract.
Calc Flour – Calc Flour is often known as the virus resistor because of the natural fluorine. When fluorine is deficient, the body allows viruses to invade.
Nat Mur – Nat Mur is great at balancing the water in the body at a cellular level, especially when dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea are the main symptoms.
Bioplasma – Bioplasma is all 12 cell salts combined together. It does a great job at helping all the body systems to rebalance.
When in a crisis, two pellets can be given every 10 minutes for several hours until symptoms improve.
Flower Remedies
Flower remedies can often help with the emotional state of puppies, especially those that are stressed out from kennel situations. Our standard medical care does not repair the emotional and mental state of our pets, which we feel need attention in order to heal the whole body.
Star of Bethlehem – This flower remedy restores all forms of mental, emotional, and physical shock, helping to bring calmness back to the pet’s well-being. This can also be used for shock associated with intense emotional or physical pain.
Walnut – Walnut helps with adapting to new changes or circumstances. Most pets need walnut to help with the new home environment when they are brought home as puppies. Walnut is often indicated for animals hospitalized for long periods along with the use of anesthesia.
Elm – This is the main remedy used for overwhelmed animals and people. In a case where a companion may have parvovirus, I would take this remedy for myself and my pet to help with everyone’s overwhelming feelings. This is great for dogs that feel inadequate and helps to restore competence, efficiency, and resistance.
Olive – Olive is great for mental and physical exhaustion. This remedy is useful for weak, sick, exhausted animals and those that suffer from long, stressful conditions.
Essential Oils
Immune Strength – This essential oil blend from Rocky Mountain Essential Oils is a blend of clove bud, cinnamon bark, lemon, orange, oregano, red mandarin, thyme, ajowan seed, rosemary, nutmeg, ginger root, and eucalyptus citriodora. It helps support many body systems including the adrenal glands, digestive system, and lymphatic systems while helping to fight off viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other microbes that may exist in your environment. This would be a great blend to diffuse within the home to make sure the parvovirus doesn’t affect other animals that you may come into contact with outside of your home.
Spice for Life – This essential oil blend is comprised of cinnamon, lemon, lime, orange, oregano, and ravensara. The elements of this blend are known to fight bacteria and viruses, especially when they are airborne. It stops the bacteria and virus’ ability to replicate and in return, builds the immune system of the person or pet that is exposed to this essential oil blend.
Tea Tree – This is one of the most well-known antiviral essential oils. This is great to diffuse in the home, clean the puppy’s crate with, and kill viruses and bacteria in your laundry, bedding, and clothes if you think you may have come in contact with parvovirus.
Lavender – This single essential oil is great for very young animals with its calming, soothing, and antiviral effects. I would suggest lavender essential oil for very stressed-out young puppies. This can be used topically when diluted according to the puppy’s weight as well as diffused within the home or kennel environment.
Herbs
Garlic – Garlic is one of the most well-known immune boosters. It is best to use individual cloves when they are freshly minced, but you can also use the encapsulated version. Garlic contains antibacterial, anticancer, nutritive, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties. It contains many nutrients including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, taurine, zinc, and many others. Garlic is also known for its immune-boosting constituents and its uncanny ability to seek out and destroy cancerous cells.
Nature’s Sunshine VS-C – This antiviral herbal formula is useful for viral disorders in which the immune system is weak. It is effective against many infections as well. This immune-supporting formula is a combination that Chinese herbalists would describe as a “metal-enhancing” formula. These herbs create a favorable environment for microbial balance and overall health.
Prevention
Parvovirus is a serious virus and should not be left untreated. The above natural remedies mentioned can be used in conjunction with conventional therapies. I often believe that when conventional medicine has nothing left to give us, we deploy traditional therapies and remedies to save our beloved fur friend.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
