Parvol virus

We now know the virus is not limited to dogs, but is capable of causing infections in wild canines such as coyotes and wolves, and other wild animals, including foxes, raccoons and skunks. CPV is closely related to feline panleukopenia virus FPV , a virus that has been know since the s to infect cats and mink and other animals.

CPV probably arose as the result of 2 or 3 genetic mutations in FPV that allowed it to expand its host range to infect dogs. Three decades after its first appearance, CPV strikes puppies with deadly disease much less frequently due to the development of effective vaccines in the late s, but outbreaks still occur frequently, and vaccinating your dog is of the utmost importance.

Puppies and adolescent dogs are especially susceptible to parvovirus, and you should avoid bringing your puppy to public places where there is likely to be lots of virus animal shelters and kennels until after their vaccinations are complete.

Canine parvovirus can be found in almost any environment, but not every dog who comes into contact with the virus becomes infected. Several factors come into play in infection, including the immune status of the dog and the number of viruses the dog is exposed to.

If the combination of factors is just right and a dog does become infected, a specific sequence of events is begun as the virus attacks the body. Once a dog or puppy is infected, there is an incubation period of three to seven days before the onset of first symptoms. Inside the dog, CPV needs the help of rapidly dividing cells in order to successfully cause disease, and the virus usually begins by attacking the tonsils or lymph nodes of the throat.

Once inside the lymph nodes, the virus typically invades lymphocytes a type of white blood cell for one or two days, creating many copies of itself. These viruses hitch a ride inside the lymphocytes, where they are sheltered from the host defenses, and enter the bloodstream.

Many of these CPV-infected lymphocytes are ultimately killed, causing a reduction in the number of circulating lymphocytes, a condition called lymphopenia. Once in the bloodstream, the virus again targets rapidly dividing cells, hitting hardest in the bone marrow and in the cells that line the walls of the small intestine. In very young dogs, CPV can also infect the heart, leading to inflammation of heart muscle, poor function, and arrhythmias.

This probably makes it significantly easier for the virus to invade the gastrointestinal tract, where the virus does its worst damage. The virus causes this destruction by targeting the epithelium of the small intestine, the lining that helps to absorb nutrients and provides a crucial barrier against fluid loss and bacterial invasion from the gut into the body.

By preventing the replacement of old and dying cells with fresh new cells, the virus leaves the intestinal surface unable to adequately absorb nutrients, prevent fluid loss into the stool, or prevent bacteria from moving from the gut into the body.

Severe diarrhea and nausea are the initial result, but eventually the intestinal surface can become so damaged that it begins to break down, and the bacteria that are normally confined to the gut penetrate the intestine walls and enter the bloodstream.

This causes both significant fluid loss from diarrhea and widespread infection inside the body. A practitioner will usually perform a physical exam to diagnose parvovirus. However, if you are pregnant, your medical professional will likely order a blood test. While a blood test will confirm if you have parvovirus, antibody testing can determine whether a person has ever come into contact with parvovirus and has immunity. However, a healthcare provider is more likely to perform a viral detection test rather than an antibody test if you are pregnant and suspected of having parvovirus.

Viral detection testing may require additional samples such as amniotic fluid or fetal cord blood. In most cases, parvovirus goes away on its own. There is no vaccine or cure for parvovirus infection.

A practitioner may recommend over-the-counter OTC drugs to help relieve joint pain and other flu-like symptoms. In severe parvovirus infection, IV immune globulin therapy may be considered, in which the patient is administered antibodies to the virus. Pregnant woman are more likely to miscarry because of parvovirus in the first half of their pregnancy.

However, parvovirus-related miscarriage is fairly rare. If a baby contracts parvovirus in the womb, it may be at higher risk for a condition called hydrops fetalis. Hydrops fetalis affects fetuses or newborns.

Healthcare providers may request that pregnant patients with parvovirus receive frequent ultrasounds to check for complications like hydrops fetalis. If you are pregnant and think you have parvovirus, be assured that, in most cases, a parvovirus infection will not have serious complications. Let your healthcare provider know if you have come into contact with someone who has fifth disease. They will test you to determine if you have an infection. If testing confirms that you have a parvovirus infection, your practitioner will likely monitor you and your baby.

Be sure to wash your hands regularly and stay away from people with compromised immune systems. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. No specific drug is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs, and treatment is intended to support the dog's body systems until the dog's immune system can fight off the viral infection.

Treatment should be started immediately and consists primarily of intensive care efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte, protein and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections. Sick dogs should be kept warm and receive good nursing care.

When a dog develops parvo, treatment can be very expensive, and the dog may die despite aggressive treatment. Early recognition and aggressive treatment are very important in successful outcomes. Since parvovirus is highly contagious, isolation of infected dogs is necessary to minimize spread of infection.

Proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated kennels and other areas where infected dogs are or have been housed is essential to control the spread of parvovirus. The virus is not easily killed, so consult your veterinarian for specific guidance on cleaning and disinfecting agents. Young puppies are very susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity provided in their mothers' milk may wear off before the puppies' own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection.

If a puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus during this gap in protection, it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity provided by a mother's milk may interfere with an effective response to vaccination.

This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally be infected by parvovirus and develop disease. To reduce gaps in protection and provide the best protection against parvovirus during the first few months of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered. Puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they received earlier, to develop adequate protection.

To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog's parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicaemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to inhibit the diarrhoea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems. Most dogs with parvo infection recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicaemia and dehydration occur.

For reasons not fully understood, some breeds have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds. The best method of protecting your dog against parvo infection is by vaccinating with premium vaccines. Puppies receive a parvovirus vaccination as part of their vaccine regime. After the initial series of puppy vaccinations, all adult dogs require boosters every one to three years depending on your dog's vaccination regime.

Bitches should be boosted before mating in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies. If you have a puppy and are concerned about ensuring they have enough socialisation and are protected from parvovirus, then you can find out more here. Learn more about the types of parvovirus vaccinations when they're required, what is necessary and why and schedule an appointment at a vet clinic near you.

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