subject: What Is Parvo? [print this page] For any informed dog owner, Parvovirus is a word that sends a shiver of fear up and down their spines. Parvovirus, usually referred to simply as Parvo, is technically called parvoviral enteritis. The disease is caused by an extremely virulent virus, and although it can affect all types of mammals, it is most common in canines. Since the disease is often undiagnosed, it is unknown exactly how many dogs die each year from Parvo.
For those in the process of studying for the vet tech exam, Parvo may sound familiar. But, for pet owners nationwide, it is a taboo subject. The virus seeks out and kills cells that rapidly reproduce within a dogs body, namely the cells that line the intestines. Therefore, the most common signs of Parvo are vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration, due to fluid loss, is severe and leaves the dogs too weak to fight back. In many instances, there is no way to fight the illness and the mortality rate is high.
Diagnosis can be made through a lab test. The lab test, administered by a licensed veterinarian that passed the veterinary technician test, can detect the disease in a stool sample and count the numbers of white blood cells in the dogs blood. Although the tests are not 100 percent accurate, they are a great determining factor, and all unvaccinated dogs experiencing these symptoms should be tested. It can occur in any age dog, but is more common in young dogs or puppies.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. The treatment is geared specifically towards controlling the symptoms so the dog will maintain enough strength to fight the disease. Thankfully, the disease is preventable through a vaccination. If youve followed the advice of your veterinarian and had your dog vaccinated once every year, the chances of your dog contracting Parvo are zero percent. The disease cannot be transmitted to humans, but it can be transmitted to other dogs and cats, although the feline form is less devastating.
The disease is extremely contagious and can be carried on your clothing or other items that come in contact with an infected dog. It is extremely important to clean the entire area before bringing another dog into the household and any new dogs should be vaccinated before being brought into a house which may be contaminated. The most important thing to remember is that although this disease can be fatal, it can easily be avoided through vaccinations.
