Pavro Virus
2020 is not an easy year. From Coronavirus, which caused challenges in our daily life and business, to loosing our little Moca and now the news that our little puppy-to-be has been taken by the Pavrovirus. Pavro what? To be honest, I have never heard about Pavro before, so we immediately called our Vet John to learn more. What Is Parvo?
Parvo in puppies is caused by the canine parvovirus. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. Indirect transmission can also occur when a person who has recently been exposed to an infected dog touches your puppy, or when a puppy encounters a contaminated object. The virus attacks the stomach and small intestines, where it destroys cells, impairs absorption and disrupts the gut barrier. Parvo in puppies can also affect the bone marrow and in some cases even the heart.
Why Do Puppies Get Parvo?
Puppies between six weeks to six months are the most susceptible to parvo. Younger pups still retain some of their mother’s antibodies, but only if the mom has received parvo vaccinations. Normally puppies are vaccinated against parvo at approximately 6-12 weeks of age.They are vulnerable to the disease until they have received all three shots of their vaccination, which means pawrents need to be extra careful during this time to prevent infection with the virus.Most susceptible breeds
Alaskan Sled Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and American Staffordshire Terriers.Parvovirus Symptoms to Watch For
- Refusing food/not hungry
- Vomiting
- Extreme lethargy or depression
- Diarrhea often severe and sometimes containing blood
- Dehydration
- Bloated, tender and painful abdomen
- Rapid heartbeat
- Red gums and eyeballs
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
Treatment
Most vets treat parvovirus with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. In addition, treatment may include balancing the blood sugar, intravenous electrolytes, intravenous nourishment, and an antiemetic injection to reduce nausea and vomiting. None of these treatments “cure” the disease or kill the virus, they are just supportive therapies that help stabilise the dog long enough for his/her immune system to begin counteracting the virus. Every day that goes by allows the pup to produce more antibodies, which bind with the virus and and inactivate it.Do You Need to Vaccinate Your Dog for Parvovirus?
We all want our dogs be healthy and to live FOREVER. Most vets see parvovirus as an easily prevented illness and vaccination as a simple, inexpensive component of basic care. Many holistic vets however take a different view. There are compelling arguments on both sides and on the end the choice must be made by the loving pet-pawrent.
Here are some common PAVRO MYTHS:
MYTH 1: Adult dogs don’t get parvo. TRUTH: It’s true that the likelihood of a serious parvo infection decreases in older dogs. Most pavro - victims are puppies, but adult dogs can become seriously ill or even die from parvo. MYTH 2: I can protect my dogs from exposure to parvo by maintaining a clean environment and restricting contact with other dogs. TRUTH: The virus is everywhere and it is almost impossible to prevent parvo exposure. MYTH 3: My dog is strong and healthy. His immune system will prevent him/her from getting infected. TRUTH: Under the right conditions, any dog can be vulnerable to Pavro. MYTH 4: Vaccinations will protect my puppy. TRUTH: Even vaccinated puppies can get parvo (under certain circumstances)
The good news:
Any dog who survives a parvovirus infection is believed to have lifelong immunity. Let's hope all will be okay with our little girl. Meanwhile, be safe everypawdy. Woof, your Cooka
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