What is Canine Parvovirus (CPV)?
Parvovirus is a group of highly contagious viruses including canine parvovirus, feline parvovirus, porcine parvovirus, human parvovirus and many more. Canine parvovirus can be fatal.
The canine parvovirus, known as CPV or CPV2 was discovered in the 1970s and has spread worldwide infecting domestic dogs and wolves.
Some dog breeds are more vulnerable to the disease including German Shepherds, Springer Spaniels, Doberman and English Bull Terriers. The virus is highly contagious and causes severe illness by attacking white blood cells and rapidly dividing cells usually in the gastrointestinal tract. In young puppies the virus can damage heart muscle. The disease is more common in puppies up to six months old, and any unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs. Any dog suspected of having CPV should be taken for emergency veterinary treatment immediately, the quicker the diagnosis, the higher the chances of survival.
How Does Parvovirus Spread?
The virus can survive in the environment for long periods of time spreading through contact with infected dogs and their faeces. It can also spread through contaminated objects such as food bowls, blankets and dog beds or kennels.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear between 3 to 10 days after the initial infection and may include any of the below but usually starts with lethargy:
- Lethargy: Significant tiredness and lack of energy.
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting: Often severe.
- Diarrhea: Typically severe, often bloody, and with a foul smell.
- Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia).
- Abdominal pain and bloating.
- Dehydration: Due to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Weight loss.
- Weakness and collapse.
Diarrhea and vomiting lead to dehydration and the weakened immune system can lead to secondary infections. Because the lining of the intestines is compromised, blood leaks into the intestines causing anaemia.
If the disease is left untreated, death usually occurs within 2 to 3 days after the first symptoms are observed. Younger dogs have a lower survival rate.
What is the Treatment for Canine Parvovirus?
The survival rate depends on how quickly CPV is diagnosed and the age of the dog. There is no antiviral cure for Canine Parvovirus, treatment consists of hospitalisation, giving supporting care and allowing the dogs immune system to fight the virus. It usually consists of:
- Hospitalization: Often required for intensive care and monitoring.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids: Crucial to combat dehydration and restore electrolyte and metabolic balance.
- Anti-emetics: Medications to control vomiting and nausea.
- Antibiotics: To prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections that can occur due to the damaged intestinal lining and weakened immune system.
- Nutritional support: Feeding tubes or easily digestible diets may be necessary once vomiting is controlled.
- Pain relief: Management of abdominal discomfort.
- Monitoring: Close observation of vital signs, blood cell counts, and electrolyte levels.
- Newer therapies: In some cases, treatments like monoclonal antibody therapy (CPMA) may be used to help neutralise the virus. Plasma transfusions might be needed in severe cases to replace lost proteins and clotting factors.
Prevention is the only way to protect your puppy from CPV. Vaccination should start around 6 to 8 weeks with the recommended boosters. Your puppy’s immune system is still developing during this time and they are at risk of contracting not only CPV, but also distemper, adenovirus and leptospirosis. Puppies should not come into contact with dogs until vaccination is complete and the vet has advised that it is safe. If any dog is known to have contracted CPV, any areas where the dog has been should be disinfected using a bleach solution.
