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Parvovirus And Your Dog
By Kirsten Hawkins, Fri Dec 9th
Parvovirus (commonly called Parvo) is a viral disease thataffects dogs. It is far more common in than adult dogsand can have serious ramifications for the infected animal,including death. Parvo grows best in the rapidly dividing cellsof the dog's intestines. As the virus attacks and kills thesecells it causes massive diarrhea and halts or slows the creationof white blood cells. In young it can often directlyinfect the heart, leading to death. The symptoms of Parvo start with fever, depression, andlethargy. The dog will usually experience a loss of appetite aswell and then eventually show more sever signs like vomiting anddiarrhea which is often bloody. Once the virus reaches thisstage dehydration and death usually follow. Parvo is carried and transmitted by dogs. The vomit and feces ofan infected animal will also carry the virus which is ratherresilient and can survive outside the dog's body in thesurrounding environment for as long as nine months. Sometimes anadult dog can be infected by the virus and show no symptoms butact as a carrier transmitting the virus to the other animals itcomes into contact with.
There
is no cure for Parvo. Dogs that are infected will die ofdehydration without treatment. That treatment primarily consistsof providing fluids, giving repeated blood transfusions, andpreventing dehydration. The mortality rate in dogs affected byParvo is about 20% if the dog receives treatment in time.Without treatment, about 80% of those infected will die from it.It is a very serious disease. Parvo tends to affect some dog breeds more than others.Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other black and tan dogs have agreater chance of contracting the virus. The reason for this isunknown but the fact that these dogs are at higher risk does notmean that owners of other types of dogs can rest easily. Dogs ofany breed can become infected. While there is no cure for Parvo, can (and should) bevaccinated against it at an early age. Most vets recommendpuppies be immunized starting at six weeks of age withvaccinations continuing until twenty weeks of age. Properimmunization is the best way to prevent a dog from contractingParvo. About the author:Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville,TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for more information ondog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.
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