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Originally appeared as Ask the Vet by Dr. Shawn Ashley in Pug Talk Magazine (Jan/Feb/92) In 1978 an epidemic swept the United States in which puppies were dying acutely of severe vomiting, profuse diarrhea, marked dehydration, and circulatory shock. A minute DNA virus resembling the feline panleukopenia (parvo) virus was isolated. Parvovirus-I was isolated from both domestic an wild dogs, wolves, and coyotes. The virus was found highly contagious, being transmitted primarily by the fecal to oral route and fomite contamination. A vaccine was soon derived. In the late 1980's what was thought to be a different parvovirus was isolated from dogs which died of the disease even though vaccinated. It has since been labelled parvovirus- 2, a variant strain of the original virus; thus, the creation of the KFII modified live virus (MLV) vaccine. Yet, there still seem to be 'breaks' in the vaccine. Vaccinated dogs are still becoming infected, sometimes fatally. No vaccine is 100% effective -- there are many factors that can alter protection. Parvo is caused by a very small virus that is capable of rapid mutation in order to insure its survival. It enters the body through the nasal and oral passages of an exposed dog; it then grows in the rapidly dividing cells of the intestinal lining. The virus destroys the intestinal wall, rendering it incapable of absorbing nutrients. This damage gives rise to a profuse bloody diarrhea and increased gut motility leading to repetitive violent vomiting. The mortality rate is high, especially in puppies less than 4 months of age. Death is usually due to the complications of severe dehydration and circulatory shock. The virus also suppresses the immune system, depresses bone marrow and interferes in reproductive performance. In pups 8 weeks old and under the virus can also damage the heart. Upon recovery from the active infection a large amount of virus can be shed in the stools 2 - 3 weeks post-infection. Parvovirus is quite stable in the environment; therefore, it is recommended to disinfect with a 1:30 dilution of bleach and/or new quaternary ammonia product, then rest the area for 30 days before a new pup is introduced. Detection of the virus is usually done be presenting clinical signs. The diagnosis can be confirmed by an ELISA fecal antigen is detected in the stools. Supportive treatment consists of preventing secondary bacterial infections and most importantly, replenishing lost body fluids. Low blood sugar and body fluid loss are the major problems to combat. Hospitalization, injectable drug therapy and intravenous fluids comprise the treatment regimen of choice. There is no cure for paryo. The virus will run its course until expelled by the host's immune system. The only way to guard against the virus is by a preventative program. It is recommended to use a MLV vaccine, as they produce higher antibody titers and overcome maternal antibodies (antibodies ingested from the mother's milk - -important in neonatal protection) sooner. Breeding pairs should be current on boosters within six months of mating. Puppies should start vaccination at 6 - 8 weeks of age with repeated boosters every 3-4weeks until 16-18weeks of age. It has been found that five percent of pups may not respond to the vaccine until 20 weeks of age. If an outbreak has occurred in the face of an adequate vaccination program a titer way be evaluated and boosters carried out every month until an adequate titer has been obtained. This has proven helpful in the highly susceptible breeds such as Dobermans and Rottwielers). Annual boosters are necessary; however, if there is an increased risk of exposure (show dogs, kennelled dogs) it is suggested to booster every six months. Finally, parvovirus is by far the most fatal of the intestinal viruses; yet, there are other viruses which can cause gastrointestinal problems - - such as distemper, adenovirus, and a newer isolated corona virus. Corona virus shows signs much like parvovirus, but usually is less severe and self - limiting in 3 - 4 days if the puppy's hydration is maintained. However, a corona viral infection can render a puppy more susceptible to a parvo outbreak. Therefore, a corona vaccination regimen should be implemented along with parvo boostering. Consult your veterinarian for further information. |