Parvo is a viral disease that affects dogs. Officially known as Parvovirus this disease first appeared in 1978. There was a widespread epidemic in dogs of all ages and many died since at that times there was no vaccine.

Parvo commonly affects young puppies since their immune systems are not fully developed yet but it can still affect older dogs. The virus likes to grow in rapidly dividing cells which in a puppy’s body would be in the intestinal lining. When the virus attacks these cells the puppy will often develop diarrhea which more than likely be bloody.

Parvo is extremely contagious and is transmitted through fecal matter. The virus can live for weeks or months in areas where there have been infected feces. The disease can also be transmitted by insects and rodents. It is crucial then to clean up any feces or vomit with detergent and then disinfect with bleach. Parvo is highly resistant to surface disinfectants, but bleach seems to be the most effective.

This virus is also very adaptable and over time other strains of parvo have appeared. Although never proven Canine parvovirus is thought to be a mutation from the Feline parvovirus also known as Feline Distemper virus.

Dogs in shelters, pet store and kennels are at an increased risk. Parvo thrives in poor sanitary conditions and overcrowding. Dogs that have other health conditions may also be at a higher risk for developing parvo.

It normally takes between 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus for your dog to show signs of the disease which can be lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.

Today there is a vaccine to help prevent parvo. Most vets recommend vaccinating your puppy at 6 weeks of age and continue to vaccinate for the virus every 3 to 4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old preferably 20 weeks old. After that the parvo vaccine is recommended once a year.

There is another form of parvo which is far less common and that is Cardiac parvo. This variation of the virus attacks the muscles of the heart, and blood vessels causing severe inflammation and necrosis of the heart muscle which causes breathing difficulty and death. This form of the disease is rare and usually occurs in unborn puppies and puppies that are less than 8 weeks old. Unfortunately, it is hard to catch and sometimes there are no symptoms at all before the puppy suddenly dies. The only thing to watch out for is difficulty breathing, but by then it might be too late.

If you suspect your dog has Parvo you should get them to your vet as soon as possible. It is a treatable disease.

M. Brownell