Parvo Virus in dogs.
Parvo Virus is a deadly virus that attacks the intestinal system of the canine.
Diagnosis:
The disease is common among dogs under three years of age that are un-vaccinated. It is not impossible for a vaccinated dog or a dog over three years of age to contract. Common symptoms of the virus are vomiting, listlessness, and bloody diarrhea with a very foul odor. Companies like Idexx and Symbiotics presently make Parvo test kits. With a sample of the fecal matter and about 15 minutes the pet can be tested for the Parvo Virus. No test kit is presently 100% accurate; both false negatives and positives results are possible with these test kits.
Contraction:
The Parvo virus is contracted through the fecal matter. Fecal matter does not need to be fresh to be contagious. Dried up microscopic infected fecal matter can be carried by almost anything, shoes, bedding, or even the wind. The Virus is EXTREMELY contagious and easy to transmit. It is not uncommon for dogs who have never been exposed to any other canines to contract Parvo. The disease my have been brought over the fence by the wind, or home on a family members hands, shoes or clothing.
Prognosis:
The patients prognosis depends on many factors such as age, treatment plan, the strain of Parvo and how long the canine has been infected with the Virus before the treatment began. There are different strains of Parvo and some strains are more deadly then others. There is a strain of parvo that attacks the heart muscle causing myocarditis (inflammation). This may occur for up to six weeks after apparent recovery of the intestinal form of the disease. This heart form of the virus is ALWAYS fatal. 80% of dogs who are hospitalized and follow the hospital recommendations for treatment live. The survival rate for patients who do not follow the hospital recommendations are much much lower.
Treatment:
Treatment for Parvo is aimed at maintaining the normal body composition and preventing secondary bacterial infection. Dogs that have contracted the Parvo Virus should be hospitalized on intravenous Fluids. Medications that should be given include anti-vomiting, Anti-diarrhea, antibiotics, Vitamin supplements. Drugs used will depend on the Dr's preference and the severity of the symptoms the dog is exhibiting. Average time in the hospital is three to seven days. This time depends on the patient and his recovery. Patients may need to stay longer if recovery requires it.
Why is Parvo so deadly:
By attacking the intestinal system of the dog and causing severe vomiting and diarrhea Parvo is able to dehydrate the canine to a state that causes death. This is why IV Fluid therapy is critical in the treatment of this disease.
The disease also weakens the dogs immune system to a point that it is vulnerable to attacks from bacterial infections.
Disinfectant:
The most effective disinfectant is four ounces of bleach to 1 gallon of water. With this you can disinfect your home from the disease. (Bedding, patios, clothing, etc). This mixture MAY NOT be used on the skin or hair of any pets, animals or humans. It also MAY cause discoloration on anything you use it on.
Contagious to humans or other animals.
The Parvo virus is not contagious to humans or other animals. Their is a strain of parvo that humans contract but it can not be contracted by dogs and humans can not contract the canine strain.
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