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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.
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
