Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Species: Dog

Breeds Affected: All Breeds (unvaccinated puppies at highest risk; e.g. Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Labrador, German Shepherd)

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that attacks rapidly dividing cells, most severely the intestinal lining and bone marrow. It mainly affects puppies or unvaccinated dogs, causing acute gastroenteritis and immune suppression. Certain breeds (Rottweilers, Dobermans, Labradors, American Staffordshire Terriers, German Shepherds) have shown higher susceptibility. The virus spreads via contact with contaminated feces and can persist in the environment for months.

• General symptoms include lethargy
• severe vomiting
• loss of appetite
• and bloody
• foul-smelling diarrhea that can quickly lead to life-threatening dehydration. Affected pups often develop abdominal pain and bloating. The virus’s attack on bone marrow leads to low white blood cell counts
• increasing risk of sepsis
• so fever and septic shock can occur in advanced cases. Without prompt treatment
• death may occur within 48–72 hours after onset of clinical signs.

There is no antiviral drug that kills parvovirus, so treatment is aggressive supportive care. Hospitalization is usually required with intravenous fluids to rehydrate and correct electrolyte imbalances, injectable antiemetics to control vomiting, and often broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections from the damaged intestines. Intensive nursing care, isolation (to prevent spread), and nutritional support (often via IV) are provided until the dog’s immune system clears the virus.

Supportive medications commonly used include crystalloid IV fluids (for dehydration), anti-nausea drugs (e.g. maropitant) to stop vomiting, and broad-spectrum antibiotics (often beta-lactams or metronidazole) to combat sepsis from gut bacteria. Pain relievers may be given if the puppy has abdominal pain. No specific antiviral exists for parvo – prevention via vaccination is key.