Canine Parvovirus

What is canine parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a small virus that destroys the cells that line the intestine. It leads to severe vomiting and diarrhoea, often containing blood, which results in life threatening dehydration. It can affect any age of dog but young dogs and those not fully vaccinated are most at risk.

How do dogs become infected?

CPV is present in vomit and diarrhoea of infected dogs and is highly infectious. The virus is very stable and resistant to the effects of heat, detergent and drying out. It can survive in the environment for many months and will still be infectious to dogs. Therefore a dog does not need to come directly into contact with another infected dog to pick up CPV.

What are the signs of disease?

Signs of the disease are usually present by 10 days after picking up the virus. Vomiting and diarrhoea containing blood are the most common signs; with vomiting usually occurring first. In addition affected dogs may be weak, lack appetite and have a high temperature. It is very important that veterinary advice is sought quickly if you suspect that your dog has parvovirus as infected dogs will quickly become dehydrated.

How is it diagnosed?

A vet would normally suspect parvovirus from the history you describe and the signs when examining the dog. Tests can be carried out on blood and faeces- however treatment often has to be started before the disease has been confirmed.

What treatment is available?

There is no direct treatment for this disease but supportive treatment with a drip, drugs to prevent vomiting, antibiotics to prevent infection spreading into the blood (septicaemia) and intensive nursing care are all vital. However even with intensive treatment not all dogs will survive. Young puppies less than 5 months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat.

Can I prevent parvovirius?

We routinely vaccinate dogs against parvovirus in their annual vaccination. Therefore it is very important to have puppies vaccinated and to keep up the vaccinations throughout your dog’s life. Puppies can have their first vaccination from 6 weeks old with the second vaccination 3 to 4 weeks later, but not before at least 10 weeks of age. They will then be fully immune one week after the second vaccination. Adult dogs should have a vaccination every year.