TREATMENT OF PARVO DISEASE IN DOGS
Compiled & Edited by-DR RAJESH KUMAR SINGH ,JAMSHEDPUR,JHARKHAND, INDIA, 9431309542,rajeshsinghvet@gmail.com
Parvo is the colloquial name for canine parvovirus, a serious gastrointestinal illness caused by contact with contaminated materials, often the feces of an infected animal. Young dogs who are partially or completely unvaccinated are at highest risk, especially if stressed (e.g. due to weaning). A pet infected with parvovirus may develop a fever and behave lethargically, possibly refusing food within the first few days of infection. Within 24-48 hours, copious vomiting and diarrhea present, often containing blood in the later stages. If not promptly and effectively treated, the dehydration, septic shock, and stress on the animal’s heart can be fatal. See a veterinarian immediately if parvovirus is suspected, as this condition carries an 80% mortality rate if untreated. Canine Parvovirus or “Parvo” is an extremely contagious viral disease causing severe gastrointestinal distress in young dogs. Zones of rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the small intestine are highly susceptible to the virus, causing vomiting and diarrhea. The virus also preys on hematopoietic progenitor cells in the lymph nodes and blood marrow, increasing the likelihood of sepsis. You can protect your dog from this potential killer by making sure she’s up-to-date on her vaccinatio
Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs
The general symptoms of parvovirus are lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite and bloody, foul-smelling diarrhea that can lead to life-threatening dehydration
Types—
1.Intestinal
2.Cardiac
Causes of Parvo in Dogs—-
Eating the feces of an animal infected with parvo* Contact of infected material with eyes, nose or mouth** Lack of proper vaccination Systemic stress from other illnesses can increase risk of infection with parvo
How Is Parvovirus Transmitted?
Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces. Highly resistant, the virus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors. It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvovirus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs
Treatment of Parvo in Dogs—
Although there are no drugs available that can kill the virus yet, treatment is generally straightforward and consists of aggressive supportive care to control the symptoms and boost your dog’s immune system to help him win the battle against this dangerous disease. Dogs infected with parvovirus need intensive treatment in a veterinary hospital, where they receive antibiotics, drugs to control the vomiting, intravenous fluids and other supportive therapies. Should your dog undergo this treatment, be prepared for considerable expense-the average hospital stay is about 5-7 days.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from the vomiting and diarrhea pose the most immediate risk to a dog’s health. Electrolyte solutions can be administered orally if the dog’s vomiting is not too severe. Dogs with moderate to severe dehydration and/or copious vomiting will need an IV carrying replacement electrolytes, as severely infected dogs lose the ability to effectively absorb water and nutrients through the gut. Blood sugar and potassium should be monitored and supplemented via IV if necessary. In severe cases, GI protein loss below 20g/L will require colloid therapy such as pentastarch. Additionally, anti-emetics to control vomiting may be prescribed along with antibiotics to treat any opportunistic infections.
How is Parvo Treated?
There is no treatment specifically for the Parvovirus at this time. Treatment is supportive care, which includes any or all of the following:
• Oral electrolyte fluids (ex: Pedialyte) – if the case is mild and the animal isn’t vomiting
• Subcutaneous (SQ) or intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain hydration to counter the extreme fluid losses from vomiting and diarrhea that are so typical with this disease. Many vets will provide this so you can administer this at home. It hydrates by bypassing the stomach.
• Anti-vomiting/nausea medications – to prevent further damage from vomiting and to keep the patient comfortable as possible.
• Antibiotics – because the virus has potential to slough the intestinal tract, antibiotics help protect against secondary infection.
• Blood or Plasma transfusions – to replace protein loss, provide antibodies, help with anemia.
For some perspective: a healthy dog drinks about 1/2 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So a 10 lb dog would normally drink about 1 cup of water each day. If your pup has vomiting and diarrhea, the amount increases to make up for the loss.
Please note that treatment is not always successful-so it’s especially important to make sure your dog is vaccinated.
Natural Parvo Virus Treatment
Parvo herbal products are made to strengthen the immune and digestive systems of your dog, two areas that are an essential part of parvo treatment.Herbal remedies come in granular form that sprinkle on the tongue of your dog. Typical ingredients include:
- Arsen alb. (6C) used for digestive upsets including cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. Also good for dogs showing signs of lethargy and irritability.
- Verat. alb. (6C) is a homeopathic remedy for violent vomiting, cramps and diarrhea. This remedy is particularly useful for dogs with fever and dehydration which are both common and dangerous in Parvovirus.
- Belladonna (30C) is used for fast relief from acute fever, pain, inflammation and all illnesses with a sudden and severe onset. Thirst, fever and swollen/tender abdomen are further indications for Belladonna.
- Parvo (30C) is a homeopathic remedy used both prophylactically (preventively) and curatively in the treatment of canine Parvovirus. Homeopathic nosodes are similar to vaccines in that they help to build protection and resistance against specific diseases. They differ to conventional vaccines in that they are usually manufactured from the products of diseases rather than from a culture of the disease agent or virus itself (as in many conventional vaccines.) Research has shown a high rate of success in the treatment and prevention of Canine Parvovirus using this homeopathic ‘vaccine’ in contrast to the conventional vaccination which seldom confers immunity without numerous subsequent booster shots.
- Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Working mainly in the digestive tract, Zingiber boosts digestive fluids and neutralizes acids, making it an effective alternative to conventional anti-nausea medication. Modern research confirms its effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, indigestion and flatulence. Zingiber has strong anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and is also used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
- Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony) helps to relieve diarrhea, reduces inflammation of the mucus membranes and soothes restless animals. This herb has been used for centuries in the treatment of digestive disease including colitis, appendicitis and diarrhea. Agrimony is a bitter, mildly astringent, tonic, diuretic herb that may help control bleeding, improve liver and gall bladder functions, treat fever and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Recovery of Parvo in Dogs—-
Puppies that are treated swiftly and survive the first 3-4 days of the infection are likely to make a full recovery in around a week. Once vomiting has subsided for 12-24 hours, easy-to-digest foods that are low in fat may be given at the recommendation of the veterinarian, such as cottage cheese, boiled chicken, and rice. The companionship and attention of the owner will help ameliorate stress. Although dogs who recover from parvo are immune to reinfection, the amount of contamination they have spread may be significant, and the dog itself remains contagious for up to six weeks. Parvovirus is difficult to kill, being resistant to many common cleaners and disinfectants. In normal humidity at room temperature the virus can remain dangerous for months. All cleanable materials should be washed with a 1:10 bleach solution or an accelerated peroxide. All non-cleanable material should be disposed of such that no other animals can come in contact with it. Owners should take extreme care in washing their hands and cleaning the soles of shoes before leaving the area after petting their dog or cleaning up contaminated areas.
How Is Parvovirus Diagnosed?
Veterinarians diagnose parvovirus on the basis of clinical signs and laboratory testing. The Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbant Assay (ELISA) test has become a common test for parvovirus. The ELISA test kit is used to detect parvovirus in a dog’s stools, and is performed in the vet’s office in about 15 minutes. Because this test is not 100% sensitive or specific, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests and bloodwork.
Which Dogs Are Prone to Parvovirus?
Puppies, adolescent dogs and canines who are not vaccinated are most susceptible to the virus. The canine parvovirus affects most members of the dog family (wolves, coyotes, foxes, etc.). Breeds at a higher risk are Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, American Staffordshire terriers and German shepherds.
How Can Parvovirus Be Prevented?
You can protect your dog from this potential killer by making sure he’s up-to-date on his vaccinations. Parvovirus should be considered a core vaccine for all puppies and adult dogs. It is usually recommended that puppies be vaccinated with combination vaccines that take into account the risk factors for exposure to various diseases. One common vaccine, called a “5-in-1,” protects the puppy from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza.
Generally, the first vaccine is given at 6-8 weeks of age and a booster is given at four-week intervals until the puppy is 16-20 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. A puppy’s vaccination program is not complete before four months of age. Older dogs who have not received full puppy vaccination series may be susceptible to parvovirus and should also receive at least one immunization. Consult with your veterinarian about how often your dog will need to be revaccinated.
Because parvovirus can live in an environment for months, you will want to take extra care if there has been an infected dog in your house or yard. Some things are easier to clean and disinfect than others-and even with excellent cleaning, parvovirus can be difficult to eradicate. Parvo is resistant to many typical disinfectants. A solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water can be used where organic material is not present. The infected dog’s toys, food dish and water bowl should be properly cleaned and then disinfected with this solution for 10 minutes. If not disinfected, these articles should be discarded. You can also use the solution on the soles of your shoes if you think you’ve walked through an infected area. Areas that are harder to clean (grassy areas, carpeting and wood, for example) may need to be sprayed with disinfectant, or even resurfaced.
What Are Some Other Health Issues with These Same Symptoms?
A puppy with a bloody diarrhea could have a parasite problem, a virus other than parvovirus, a stress colitis, or may have eaten something that disagreed with him or injured and blocked his digestive tract. It’s crucial that you see your vet for an accurate diagnosis.
Reference-On Request
