Parvovirus enteritis in dogs

Parvovirus enteritis is one of the most dangerous viral diseases diagnosed in dogs. The disease is dangerous due to its rapid progression and severe consequences, often resulting in the death of the animal within the first few days after the onset of symptoms.

Pathogen and routes of infection

Parvovirus is an infectious disease caused by the Caninae Parvovirus.

This single-celled virus, which has only one DNA strand and no envelope at all, was first discovered by American scientists in 1978.

To date, the following important facts are known about Caninae Parvovirus:

• extremely durable and resistant to disinfectant solutions;
• able to survive freezing and exposure to high temperatures (remains active for up to 3 days at a temperature of 100ºC);
• in the external environment it remains for up to 5 months (and in feces for up to 1 year), waiting for its next victim;
• is closely related to the virus that causes enteritis in cats.

Infection occurs through alimentary contact—contact with a sick (or recently recovered) animal or contaminated feces, as well as toys, household items, and other surfaces contaminated with the pathogen. One way Parvoviridae enters the home is through shoe soles, so it's recommended to restrict puppies' access to the hallway and regularly clean the floor with disinfectant solutions.

A dog can also become infected with enteritis from a cat infected with feline parvovirus subtypes 2a and 2b. Transplacental transmission from a mother infected during pregnancy is also a common route of infection for puppies.

Important! Due to its incredible durability Caninae Parvovirus, there is a high probability of infection in premises where a sick animal lived and in veterinary clinics.This is why many breeders prefer to carry out the first vaccination at home, and puppies are strictly forbidden from being taken outside before vaccination and during the period of immunity development.

Symptoms and development of the disease

The duration of the incubation period (the period during which the disease progresses asymptomatically) depends on the dog's age and immunity. For example, in young, unvaccinated puppies aged 1-2 months, symptoms appear within 2-3 days, while in a physically fit adult animal, the incubation period can extend up to 10 days.

The symptoms of parvovirus, the extent of damage to the body, and the outcome largely depend on various factors:

• type of pathogen;
• age;
• animal's health status.

Young dogs that have not yet been vaccinated (or have only recently been vaccinated) are especially susceptible to this disease.

There are two types of Caninae Parvovirus:

There are three forms of parvovirus enteritis:

• intestinal (the inner lining of the intestine is affected);
• cardiac (acute damage to the heart muscle occurs);
• mixed (combining the two previous types).

Intestinal form It occurs most frequently and has a favorable prognosis in vaccinated animals with a strong immune system, provided prompt diagnosis and treatment are initiated. Days 3-5 after the onset of symptoms are critical for the animal, as it is on the third day that the inflammatory process reaches its peak and blood appears in the stool. Even with appropriate medication, at least three days are required for the intestinal lining to recover. If the animal survives this period and does not develop serious damage to other organs or systems, a gradual recovery process begins.

Heart shape Most often affects young puppies and weakened, unvaccinated dogs. The disease is characterized by a rapid progression, with death occurring within 1-2 days of the first symptoms, including:

• weakness;
• shortness of breath;
• heart rate disturbance;
• complete refusal of food.

Mixed form The most dangerous form of this disease, it leaves virtually no chance of survival. It occurs in puppies born to unvaccinated mothers, as well as in animals with very weak immune systems and a wide range of underlying health conditions.

Diagnostics

As you can see, the symptoms of intestinal parvovirus enteritis in dogs in the early stages can easily be confused with poisoning or another acute digestive disease. It's important to consult a veterinarian without waiting for obvious symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, severe intestinal pain, and high fever (up to 105.5 F during the acute stage).

Remember, only early diagnosis can save an animal's life. If the damage is extensive, even the most expensive medications may be ineffective.

A diagnosis of parvovirus enteritis can be confirmed or refuted by testing. If the disease is suspected, stool and blood tests are prescribed.

Treatment

It is crucial to begin treatment as quickly as possible, as the first thing a sick animal needs is polyvalent immunoglobulins and special serums, which should stimulate the immune system and simultaneously act on the virus, stopping its spread in the body.

Since the inflammatory process has already begun by the time of treatment, and toxic Parvoviridae waste products are accumulating in the dog's body, supportive therapy is necessary, which, depending on the manifestations of the disease, may include:

• IV drips to combat dehydration (saline + vitamins + glucose);
• painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• antiemetic and antidiarrheal agents;
• antihistamines;
• antibiotics;
• detoxifying agents, sorbents;
• drugs that have a general strengthening effect and restore metabolism.

For the first two days, until vomiting stops and the intestinal wall begins to actively heal, the dog needs a fasting diet. During this period, the dog will be kept on an IV drip, so animals are often hospitalized (24-hour stay at the clinic).

Once the condition improves, treatment can be continued at home. Veterinarians typically recommend a therapeutic diet during the recovery period that includes:

• 5 meals a day;
• feeding in small portions;
• only natural, easily digestible products (no store-bought foods!).

Recovery can be lengthy, depending on the severity of the disease and the dog's immune system.

Forecast

Every breeder knows that parvovirus enteritis in dogs is the most dangerous infectious disease, claiming a huge number of lives, both among homeless animals and among representatives of elite breeds.

The prognosis depends on the conditions of care, the type of infection, and the stage at which treatment is initiated. According to statistics, the mortality rate for enteritis in dogs is:

Prevention

The only effective prevention of parvovirus enteritis in dogs is vaccination. To develop lasting immunity, monovalent or polyvalent vaccines are used (selected by a veterinarian based on age and health status). Puppies receive their first vaccination at 1.5 months of age (usually while still with their mother). The most popular vaccines in Russia today are Vanguard, Nobivac, Parvovac, although you can find other options on the market.

It's important to adhere to the vaccination schedule, as this is the key to maintaining strong immunity and the body's proper immune response in the event of infection. If, for any reason, a vaccination is missed, or if the first vaccination is given to an adult animal, immunity will not develop immediately (a booster vaccination will be required after some time).

Also watch a video on the diagnosis and treatment of parvovirus enteritis in dogs:

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Read also:

• Distemper in dogs
• Diarrhea in a dog
• Staphylococcus in dogs