In the past few months, an intestinal virus called parvovirus has seemed more prevalent in young dogs coming into the emergency clinic. This virus does not affect cats or humans (B19).
First, this virus is fecal/orally transmitted. In essence, a dog will walk through an area of soil that another dog infected with the virus has been. This dog will then become infected. Depending on the stage of the disease, some dogs will be “shedders” in their feces. It is important that if your dog or another dog has come into your environment, please clean the area with dilute bleach or another cleaner that is effective against most viruses. Please clean all bedding and associated surfaces that the pet has been in contact with. To get an idea of how infective this virus is, if soil has been contaminated by feces, the virus can stay viable in the soil up to seven years. Due to its retention in the soil, it seems to be more prevalent in dry areas after a rain.
Signs your pet has parvovirus. The most affected age groups of animals are the young, from 6 weeks to 2 years of age. Most pet afflicted with start with vomiting or diarrhea (with or without blood). Shortly after they will be lethargic, inappetant, and weak. If left untreated, patients have a 10-20% chance of survival. Mostly seen around 3 weeks of age, it is important to know that vaccinations do not exempt your pet from getting parvovirus. Let me clarify this by saying that until your pet has 3-4 vaccinations (6-15 weeks of age), your pet can contract this virus. Most dogs over a year of age have less mortality with the virus, due to improved weight and immunity.
Detection in your pet. There are certain tests available at your local veterinarian that can detect the virus in the feces. These test are a reliable way to diagnose a parvoviral infection. However, there are some cases in which some cross reactivity has been reported in recently vaccinated animals. To be complete, most dogs should have a fecal examination, bloodwork, and radiographs. In some instances, fecal parasites may be the reason for all of the symptoms described. Bloodwork aids in prognosis as well as giving a baseline to monitor the patient in the hospital. Radiographs of the abdomen are used to rule out instances of intussusception and foreign bodies.
Next week we will discuss treatment.
Dr. Brad Bennett
I-10 Pet Emergency
10822 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78240