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Treatment of Parvo In Dogs
from:Parvo is the common name for the highly contagious disease Canine parvovirus (CPV) in dogs. Parvo is characterized by diarrhea that is often bloody. The parvovirus is spread through contact with feces containing the virus. The canine parvovirus is known to survive on inanimate objects, such as clothing, food containers, and cage floors for 5 months and longer under the right conditions.
Vaccination protocols have been developed that will help protect the widest range of dogs from Parvo. Despite being vaccinated, the possibility exists that a puppy can still contract parvo. Because of its ability to be transmitted through hands, clothes, and most likely rodents and insects, it is virtually impossible to stop exposure to parvo, but exposure can be limited with precautions.
All parvoviruses are extremely stable and are resistant to adverse environmental influences. Exposure to ultraviolet light and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) can inactivate parvovirus. The bleach solution can be impaired by organic matter and needs to have adequate exposure time and proper concentrations (a 1:32 dilution of household bleach - ½ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water) to work effectively. Any fecal material or vomit needs to be removed with a detergent and then a bleach solution should be used. The bleach solution should be used on bedding, dishes, cage and other materials that may be contaminated.
The normal incubation period from exposure to the parvovirus to the time when symptoms of parvo disease appear is from 7 to 14 days. Active excretion of the virus in the feces can begin the third day after exposure, which is often before clinical signs of parvo disease appear, and may last for 1 to 2 weeks after the onset of parvo disease.
There is a broad range in the severity of the symptoms of parvo shown by dogs that are infected with parvovirus. The majority of cases of parvo are seen in dogs less than 6 months of age. The most severe cases are seen in puppies younger than 12 weeks of age. Many adult dogs exposed to the virus show very few, if any, symptoms.
Treatment of Parvo in dogs:
The treatment of parvo in dogs is fairly straightforward and directed at supportive therapy. Replacing fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea is probably the single most important part of the treatment of parvo in dogs. Intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution is preferred. In less severe cases, subcutaneous or oral fluids may be used. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.
Antibiotic therapy is usually given to help control secondary bacterial infections. In dogs with severe symptoms of parvo, antiserum against endotoxins may be given. Corticosteroids may be given if the animal is in shock. In cases of severe vomiting, drugs to slow the vomiting may be used.
After the intestinal symptoms of parvo begin to subside, a broad spectrum deworming agent is often used. Restricting the food during periods of vomiting is also necessary and parenternal nutrition (providing nutrients intravenously) may be necessary.
Undertaking the treatment of affected dogs and puppies without professional veterinary care is very difficult. Even with the best available care, the mortality rate of severely infected dogs is high. Without the correct amount of properly balanced intravenous fluids, the chance of recovery in severely infected dogs is very small.
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