Canine Parvovirus

Definition
This is a very contagious disease which can affect house dogs, wild dogs, coyotes, foxes, wolves and raccoons causing a severe gastroenteritis. This disease survives in the environment for a long time.

Symptoms
The most frequent symptoms are observed around the digestive system and may consist of depression, anorexia, vomiting, initial fever, grayish yellowish diarrhea and/or hemorrhage diarrhea. This then leads to dehydration and weight loss. If not treated appropriately, this disease can result in death within 24 and 48 hours.

There also might be a case of a myocardial disease which mainly affects puppies that are under two weeks old, although this is currently a very rare thanks to the acquisition of maternal immunity given to newborns.

Treatment
In order to treat parvovirus you need to suspend the intake of food and liquid in case of vomiting. Administer antemetics and establish a treatment based on antibiotics and serotherapy. If faced with complications you'll have to conduct the adequate symptomatic treatment.

Prevention
Due to the higher rate of mortality in unaffected animals and to the existence of breeds that are specifically prone to severe presentation of this disease, prevention is a must. Therefore you must vaccinate your dog against parvovirus and also have a good standard of cleanliness in your house and the environment where to dog is going to be. The virus becomes inactive with formol and domestic bleach, which are used as disinfectants.