Prevention of parvovirus is key

Parvovirus is one of the top infectious killers of puppies and young dogs.

It can be prevented with proper care and vaccination. The staff at Bear Paw Veterinary Service would like to help the public to understand and prevent this disease.

Parvovirus is spread through contact with the feces and vomitus of infected animals. Parvovirus is very resilient and can live several months in the environment. About the only things that can kill this virus in the environment are sunshine and bleach.

Dogs infected with parvovirus will usually exhibit lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal body temperatures (fever or hypothermia), vomiting and bloody diarrhea. This is because the virus attacks the intestinal lining, interrupting the normal absorption of nutrients and fluid from the intestinal contents. Because of this malabsorption, the dog becomes dehydrated. If not properly treated, the death rate is high.

Occasionally, even with treatment, the dog could succumb to the virus. Parvovirus is diagnosed through clinical signs and laboratory testing.

Prevention is the key. There is no antidote for an active infection.

Therapy is supportive treatment which may include hospitalization, IV fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy (to fight off secondary infections due to a compromised immune system), anti-diarrheal and anti-nausea medications. Your dog may be held off food and water for a period of time to allow the intestine to begin healing. Food (usually an easily digested formula) and water will be re-introduced slowly. The average hospital stay is three to seven days. The cost of the average hospitalization for parvovirus has ranged from $300 to $900.

So how can you help prevent your puppy from getting parvovirus? First of all, talk to your veterinarian about vaccination protocol. At Bear Paw Vet, we suggest your puppy be vaccinated starting at seven to eight weeks, and then be given a booster every four weeks until they reach 16 to 20 weeks of age.

The vaccine used for parvovirus most likely will be a four-antigen vaccine that also protects your puppy from other diseases like distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis) and parainfluenza (flu). While administering this series of vaccines, our veterinarians also vaccinate for rabies, do a series of dewormings and check your pup from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail to ensure they are healthy and growing. The cost of this series of vaccinations, deworming and health exams is approximately $160.

Your pup will not be fully protected from these diseases until about two to four weeks after the series of vaccines are complete so there are other ways to help prevent your puppy from getting parvovirus. Socialize your puppy only with other dogs you know to be well vaccinated. When taking your puppy for walks, avoid areas frequented by other dogs such as dog parks and paths. When traveling with your pup, choose a country road for their potty stop as opposed to a rest area where everyone lets their dog out to relieve themselves.

In closing, we would like to point out that it is better for your pup and cheaper for you to prevent parvovirus than it is to provide treatment for the disease. If you have any questions concerning parvovirus, or the costs associated with it, please contact your veterinarian as protocols and costs vary from clinic to clinic.

We at Bear Paw Veterinary Service wish you and your puppy a long and healthy relationship.

(This column was submitted by the doctors and staff of Bear Paw Veterinary Service.)