OVER the past few weeks, numerous unvaccinated puppies have been brought into the Macksville or Nambucca Heads Veterinary Clinics with severe gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea).
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It is highly likely that Parvovirus is the cause.
Parvovirus, or ‘parvo’ as it is sometimes called, is a highly infectious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular systems of dogs.
Spread by oral or nasal contact with contaminated faeces, a contaminated environment or contaminated objects, the virus is highly contagious and resistant to the effects of heat, detergents and alcohol so it can remain in the environment for up to a year after an infected dog has been there.
It is also possible that you unwittingly bring the virus home on your shoes, clothes or car thus exposing your pup to it without even knowing, even if he/she has never left your home.
Dogs that become infected and show clinical signs will usually become ill within 7-10 days.
How do I know if my dog has Parvovirus?
Clinical signs of parvovirus include loss of appetite, severe vomiting, diarrhoea (this may contain blood), dehydration, weakness.
It is important to note that many dogs may NOT show every clinical sign.
Parvovirus can affect dogs of all ages but is most common in dogs younger that than one year old.
The virus is diagnosed based on clinical signs (eg vomiting, diarrhoea), a white blood cell count and a positive test performed on a stool sample.
Sometimes a diagnosis cannot be confirmed however treatment provided is the same as for dogs with a severe gastroenteritis.
Without treatment, approximately 95 per cent of dogs suffering from parvovirus will die. With treatment, survival can range from 65-95 per cent.
Treatment
Treatment of infected patients is very intensive and costly - dogs need to be kept in isolation wards and monitored closely.
Treatments include supportive care to correct dehydration, protein loss and electrolyte abnormalities, control vomiting and prevent secondary infections. There is no specific anti-viral therapy for parvovirus.
Prevention
Parvovirus is a prime example of where prevention is better than cure.
Prevention by vaccination is simple, safe and effective.
Vaccination provides excellent protection to your dogs and all pups should receive their first vaccination at six to eight weeks followed by two more vaccinations at monthly intervals.
Immunity is then maintained by vaccinating annually. Older dogs that have never been vaccinated can be protected with two vaccinations a month apart.
![Has your dog been vaccinated against Parvovirus? Has your dog been vaccinated against Parvovirus?](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-qPp7hNdixHQMTmePtAfTbh/f91f70a7-dc84-43f0-a488-7f96dbddcdfd.jpg/r0_0_299_168_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Bitches should be boosted before mating in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies.