Canine parvovirus (CPV) disease is currently the most common infectious disease of dogs.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease characterized by diarrhea, often bloody diarrhea.

The spread of the disease is currently controlled primarily through vaccination, but some dogs die from parvovirus despite vaccination. There are many more viruses we don't know about and better ways to control the disease, which require constant learning of new information. Vaccination is the most effective way to control the disease, and doctors want to learn more about it to help prevent and reduce its spread.

How does parvovirus spread?

Contact with virus-containing feces is the main route of transmission of parvovirus. Viruses live on inanimate carriers, such as clothes, food, cages... The virus can survive for more than 5 months under the right conditions.

Insects and rodents can also play an important role in disease transmission as vectors. That means any excrement or vomit needs to be treated with a disinfectant before it needs to be cleaned up, washing potentially contaminated bedding, dishes, dog floors and other impervious materials.

The normal incubation period (the time from exposure to the virus until signs of illness) is 7 - 14 days. The virus can be found in the stool in the first few days of clinical symptoms of the disease and may persist for one to two weeks after the onset.

What are the symptoms of parvovirus infection?

The most common symptom is bowel tract disease. Parvovirus enteritis is characterized by vomiting (often severe), diarrhea, dehydration, dark and bloody stools, with fever and leukopenia in severe cases. The disease can cause very rapid death in dogs, possibly even two days after the onset of symptoms. The presence of gram-negative bacteria, bacteria, parasites or other viruses can exacerbate the severity of the disease.

A less common symptom may lead to myocarditis (inflammation of the heart).

How is parvovirus infection diagnosed?

Not all cases of vomiting, bloody diarrhea are caused by parvovirus, and many sick puppies are misdiagnosed as parvo.

The only way to know if a dog has parvovirus is through a diagnostic test.

In addition to the more time-consuming and expensive traditional blood tests, the simple fecal antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test is also used in most veterinary clinics. Testing all suspected small cases is the only correct way to diagnose and treat this disease.

How is parvovirus treated?

    Replacement of fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea may be the most important treatment option, and electrolyte-balanced intravenous fluids are also the preferred option.

In less severe cases, subcutaneous injections or oral fluids may also be used.

In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary. Antibiotic treatment is often used to help control secondary bacterial infections. For those dogs with severe symptoms, antiserum and toxoid medications can be used.

Glucocorticoids may be considered if animals are in shock. For severe vomiting, drugs can also be used to delay. Broad-spectrum insecticides are often used when intestinal symptoms begin to subside. During fasting, necessary intravenous nutrition injections are provided.