Parvo Virus Treatment
Parvo is a viral infection that affects dogs. The parvo virus has two forms: One attacks the heart and the other attacks the digestive system. The second form is more common. Parvo is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated. There is no cure for the parvo virus. Treatments support the dog's body systems during the course of the illness and keep the dog hydrated. Puppies are the most vulnerable to parvo because their natural immunity, which they get from their mother's milk, begins to diminish around two months of age. Puppies around 2 to 6 months of age have a risk of becoming infected with the virus.
-
Hydration
-
Dogs with the parvo virus need fluids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is the most common cause of death in dogs infected with the parvo virus. Dogs suffering from the parvo virus often have diarrhea, which may be bloody, and vomiting. The vomiting and diarrhea can lead to rapid and severe dehydration if left untreated. Dogs can be re-hydrated by intravenous or subcutaneous fluids. If the dog feels well enough to drink, it can be given a hydrating liquid with water, electrolytes and salts.
Medications
-
Medication is often given to help treat the symptoms of the parvo virus. Medications are often given to a dog infected with the parvo virus. These medicines do not kill the virus, but they can treat the symptoms it causes. The medications help to stop the dog's diarrhea and vomiting, the two symptoms that cause dehydration. Antibiotics are also often given to an infected dog in order to kill any bacterial infections that may have arisen due to the dog's compromised immune system.
-
Blood transfusions
-
Dogs with severe cases of the parvo virus sometimes need blood transfusions. Dogs with severe cases of the parvo virus can become anemic and their protein can be depleted so significantly that they need blood transfusions to recover from the effects of the virus. These transfusions help to raise protein levels and treat anemia.
Holistic Treatments
-
Natural remedy pet supply stores offer holistic treatments for the parvo virus. Several holistic treatments for the parvo virus are available at natural remedy pet supply stores. These natural remedies include herbal mixtures, lemon juice and charcoal, among other things. These remedies should be discussed with a trained veterinarian before use.
After Recovery
-
To prevent the parvo virus, dogs are given a yearly vaccination. About 80 percent of dogs treated for the parvo virus will survive with treatment. The chances of survival without treatment is about 20 percent. A dog that has had the parvo virus once is not immune from it and can contract it again. Veterinarians recommend yearly vaccinations against the parvo virus. A dog infected with the parvo virus should be kept away from other dogs because the virus is highly contagious. Items that have come in contact with an infected dog's feces such as shoes, clothing and dog kennels, should be disinfected immediately as the parvo virus can live for several months on these types of surfaces.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Ramona smiers from Fotolia.com Dog feeding image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com Orange blisters with medication image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.com culot sanguin image by Stef Run from Fotolia.com crushing herbs image by Brett Mulcahy from Fotolia.com syringe image by NatUlrich from Fotolia.com
