How to Recognize the Symptoms of Parvo in a Dog

First identified in the 1970’s, canine parvovirus (parvo) is a very contagious and often fatal disease that strikes dogs, young puppies, in particular. While a vaccine is available that can be administered to a female dog before breeding, a series of vaccines is highly recommended for all puppies, starting at 8 weeks of age. The disease is transmitted through infected feces and may be present on the other parts of the dog that are exposed to infected feces and objects. As soon as a dog licks any contaminated surface, he may acquire parvo.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Watch for the early signs. According to the “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook,” the incubation period is approximately four days after the dog is exposed to the parvovirus. His owner may initially notice a lack of energy or the dog may appear to be depressed. Vomiting and diarrhea soon follow.

2. Notice abdominal distress. Diarrhea becomes severe within one or two days of the first symptoms and the feces is often quite runny and may include bloody mucus. The puppy’s abdomen may contract, indicating abdominal pain.

3. As the puppy continues to lose bodily fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, he also loses vital liquids that his body needs to survive. If the skin on the puppy’s back is grasped and gently pinched between the thumb and forefinger, it will not return to its normal position immediately, indicating a dangerous lack of water in the dog’s body. A veterinarian may order intravenous fluid replacement.

4. Early diagnosis of parvo and medical treatment increases the puppy’s chances of recovery although many dogs do not survive even with treatment. Your veterinarian may order a blood serum test as well as a fecal test to determine if parvo antigens are present in the dog’s system.

5. Severe dehydration, resulting in an electrolyte imbalance and an increased risk of developing septicemia may prove fatal for the puppy. However, different strains of canine parvovirus exist and survival is more common among puppies who contract a mild strain. In addition, the age and prior health of the puppy may affect his odds of survival.

Tips & Warnings

• Vaccinate your puppy at eight weeks and follow your vet's vaccine guide.
• Take a puppy immediately to your vet if you suspect parvo.

Resources

• The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health: The complete pet health resource for your dog, cat, horse or other pets - in everyday language. (Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health (Home Edition)
• Veterinary Pediatrics: Dogs and Cats from Birth to Six Months
• Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

[gahazeleyes]

on 6/15/2009 Thanks for the information.