Parvo is a canine virus that is highly contagious and deadly. It mainly affects the intestinal
tract, as well as the immune system and bone marrow in young puppies. Parvo is
contracted by coming into oral contact with infected feces (stool) of another dog. The virus
can be spread through the feet and hair of dogs, as well as on clothing and shoes. Parvo
virus can live in the environment for months. Most common household cleaners will not kill
the virus, nor will the coldest weather conditions. Therefore, a simple walk to the park or
around the neighborhood is not a good idea for puppies or unvaccinated dogs.
Symptoms
Signs of the virus include: vomiting, watery & bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and a decreased
appetite. The virus causes the lining of the intestine to slough. Septicemia (bacteria in the
bloodstream,) dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances are results of the virus and may
contribute to the death of the dog if not promptly treated.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can be made by doing a in-house lab test that checks for the presence of the
virus in the feces of the puppy. The sample is analyzed using a SNAP Parvo test. Results
are known within 8 to 10 minutes. A white blood cell count and pack cell volume (WBC/PCV)
are also performed to aid in the diagnosis of the virus. If you suspect your puppy has
Parvo, immediately make an appointment to be seen by one of our veterinarians. Due to
the highly contagious nature of the disease, we request that you carry the puppy in and set
them on your lap when you come in for the appointment.
Prevention
The key to preventing Parvo is to keep your pet close to home and vaccinate against the
virus. Puppies have very little immunity against the virus, even from their mothers.
Vaccines should be given in a series until they are 4 months old, and a booster vaccine
should be given when the dog is 10 months old. It is also important to know that while
vaccines are very effective against Parvo, they are not provide 100% immunity against the
virus; therefore, the best protection you can provide for your puppy is to vaccinate on
schedule and keep the puppy at home and away from other dogs until he is older.
tract, as well as the immune system and bone marrow in young puppies. Parvo is
contracted by coming into oral contact with infected feces (stool) of another dog. The virus
can be spread through the feet and hair of dogs, as well as on clothing and shoes. Parvo
virus can live in the environment for months. Most common household cleaners will not kill
the virus, nor will the coldest weather conditions. Therefore, a simple walk to the park or
around the neighborhood is not a good idea for puppies or unvaccinated dogs.
Symptoms
Signs of the virus include: vomiting, watery & bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and a decreased
appetite. The virus causes the lining of the intestine to slough. Septicemia (bacteria in the
bloodstream,) dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances are results of the virus and may
contribute to the death of the dog if not promptly treated.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can be made by doing a in-house lab test that checks for the presence of the
virus in the feces of the puppy. The sample is analyzed using a SNAP Parvo test. Results
are known within 8 to 10 minutes. A white blood cell count and pack cell volume (WBC/PCV)
are also performed to aid in the diagnosis of the virus. If you suspect your puppy has
Parvo, immediately make an appointment to be seen by one of our veterinarians. Due to
the highly contagious nature of the disease, we request that you carry the puppy in and set
them on your lap when you come in for the appointment.
Prevention
The key to preventing Parvo is to keep your pet close to home and vaccinate against the
virus. Puppies have very little immunity against the virus, even from their mothers.
Vaccines should be given in a series until they are 4 months old, and a booster vaccine
should be given when the dog is 10 months old. It is also important to know that while
vaccines are very effective against Parvo, they are not provide 100% immunity against the
virus; therefore, the best protection you can provide for your puppy is to vaccinate on
schedule and keep the puppy at home and away from other dogs until he is older.
Idexx Snap® Parvo Test
Copyright © 2004 Bellevue Animal Hospital P.C. All rights reserved.
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