Hi. I lost a dog to Parvo this morning..her story is posted on the memorial page. I was wondering if anyone else has had any experiences with it or any reccomendations in dealing with it. I have other dogs and 2 are expecting litters any day now. Xena was the only puppy(well...under the age of one), an outside dog and really only in contact with one of the other females(not a pregnant one) but I don't want to risk losing another one. I would rather be too safe than not enough!! I was very shocked that the vet didn't tell me what I really needed to know. I found out alot of info on the web and I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right. Any insight/input or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thx.

Boxermomma,

I am terribly sorry for your tragic loss. Parvo virus is a terrible, terrible illness that can take a puppy fast. As I am sure you have read, it's very contagious and can survive in the environment for years.

I have been through it several times myself.
A little background info to give you some idea how contagious it is:
Having worked with animals for the past several years, I am around all types of situations and when I was working as a keeper at an exotic animal facility, one of my beagles had puppies. She gave birth to 8 and one died shortly after birth. These puppies were doing fantastic. Weaning good, getting so big and sassy. All of a sudden with in one day (or it seemed) they started getting sick. Well, I knew what it was and was devastated, but more so curious as to how they got it. They were kept inside and hadn't been exposed to any other dogs. Long story short, I lost the entire litter in 3 days. I have since deduced that I must have picked it up on my shoes or clothing from work and since I worked with wolves and New Guinea Singing dogs, it was highly likely! A few months after my pups died, the NGSD had a litter of pups. They got about 3 months old and both contracted parvo, one died. Now you might say, but maybe you took parvo there. Could be, but I was SO aware of how contagious it is, that I never handled the canids food or went into their enclosure without bleaching my shoes, hands, and putting on clean clothing on before reporting to work.
I truely believe that I picked it up there or at my classes (animal care technology)

Anyway, you have pups on the way, and you need to bleach EVERY thing.
I have heard (not sure how effective it is) that you can give the bitch a high titer parvo vaccine right after birth. Maybe you could find something on that to see if it is possible. The theory is, the bitch passes on immunity to her pups through the colostrum, which is only available to the pups 24 - 36 hours after birth. So, if you give a high titer vaccine immediately after birth, then it may be possible for this vaccine MAY be available to the pups. Again, I don't know how effective it is OR if it would be safe. But I do know that regular vaccines given to pups at 4 or 5 weeks may not be effective in preventing parvo because the artificial immunity of the vaccine is negated by the natural immunities of the mother. There is a period of suseptability where the mothers immunity wears off and the artificial immunity kicks in, but the timing is so "iffy" and every pup can be different. One may gain "titer" (from a vaccine) at 8 weeks and another may not acquire immunity until 13 weeks. This is why we vaccinate at 6, 9, 12, and 16 weeks. Hopefully, we will vaccinate close to the window of risk, but before exposure.

Sorry for rambling.

Hope everything goes well for your expectant moms.

Renee'

I ran a vet office for 5 years (started cleaning kennels & worked my way to office manager) I've seen a lot, but parvo is the most heart-breaking disease there is to a puppy.

You have probably read about it. It's passed through the saliva, vomit & stools of infected dogs. (not airborne!!!!) It's a virus that attackes the rapid producing cells (intestinal track, bone marrow, heart cells, etc) This is why they dehydrate, vomit, diarrhea, & can get secondary infections, etc.

This is a very hardy virus & can be in the enviroment for a while. A dog that gets over the virus can still shed it for a while. This is how it's passed so easily.

#1 -- keep the puppies & mama away from any area the other dog was deficating.
#2 -- make sure you vaccinate your pups at 6 weeks. (yes the mother milk will have antiboties against diseases)

Yes BLEACH EVERYTHING that the other dog "touched" especially the area they voided, vomited, & deficated in.

Call your vet to ask if theres anything you can do before the pups are born etc.

Parvo Virus

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is the most dangerous and contagious virus that affects unprotected dogs. When it was first discovered in 1978, most of the puppies under five months old and 2% to 3% of older dogs died from CPV. But subsequently a parvo vaccine has helped control its spread, and CPV infection is now considered most threatening to puppies between the time of weaning and six months of age. Adult dogs can also contract the virus, although it's relatively uncommon. All breeds of dog can be infected, but Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers are more susceptible and have less chance of recovering.


CPV affects only dogs, and cannot be transmitted to humans or other species. However, other animals and humans can carry it to dogs. Dogs who become infected have a 50-50 chance of survival. If they survive the first four days, they will usually recover rapidly, and become immune to the virus for life. Most puppies will die without medical treatment.



The source of CPV infection is fecal waste from infected dogs. It has been diagnosed anywhere groups of dogs are found: dog shows, obedience trials, breeding and boarding kennels, pet shops, animal shelters, parks, and playgrounds. Dogs that spend their time confined to a house or yard and are not in contact with other dogs have much less chance of exposure to CPV. It's easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, and also by contaminated objects such as cages or shoes. CPV is hardy and can remain in feces-contaminated ground for five months or more if conditions are favorable. Although most disinfectants cannot kill it, chlorine bleach is quite effective. There may be other means of transmission of CPV, but they are not known at this time.


Two forms of CPV have been identified: diarrhea syndrome and cardiac syndrome.


Diarrhea syndrome, or enteritis, has an incubation period of five to fourteen days. Dogs with enteritis act like they are in extreme pain. Early symptoms are depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever, and severe diarrhea. Feces can be either grayish or fluid and bloody. Rapid dehydration is a danger, and dogs may continue to vomit and have diarrhea until they die, usually three days after onset of symptoms. Others may recover without complications and have no long-term problems. Puppies can die suddenly of shock as early as two days into the illness.


The second form of CPV is cardiac syndrome, or myocarditis, which can affect puppies under three months old. There is no diarrhea because the virus multiplies rapidly in muscle cells of the immature heart. Puppies may stop suckling and then collapse and die within minutes or days. No effective treatment is available for cardiac syndrome, and surviving puppies may have permanently damaged hearts.


The initial diagnosis of CPV can usually be made by a veterinarian after observing the dog’s symptoms; however, vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by a number of diseases. The rapid spread of illness in a group of dogs is another indication that CPV may be the culprit. A more definitive diagnosis of CPV can be made by testing feces for the virus, either at the veterinarian's office or through an outside laboratory.


Treatment for CPV should be started immediately. Hospitalization is necessary, except in relatively mild cases. Dogs must be kept warm. Dehydration is treated by replacing electrolytes and fluids and controlling vomiting and diarrhea. Antibiotics are used to prevent secondary infections. No drug is yet available that will kill the virus.


The easiest way to prevent CPV in adult dogs has been through annual vaccinations, although increasingly, veterinarians are recommending that vaccinations be administered every three years. Puppies need a series of booster shots, because of uncertainty about when maternal immunity wanes and the time the vaccine can provide puppies with their own immunity. This may be as early as six weeks of age or as late as fourteen weeks of age. If there is still a high level of maternal antibody present in the puppy, it will interfere with a vaccination. Veterinarians recommend that puppies get boosters every three weeks until they are sixteen weeks old, and they should be kept separate from unvaccinated dogs. Vaccinations given to puppies as well as adults also protect against other serious canine diseases like distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and coronavirus.


Parvo vaccinations are usually required for participation in puppy obedience classes and for boarding your dog at kennels. A vaccination does not guarantee that your puppy will be safe from the virus, but it's good protective insurance.

A parvo-infected dog can shed the virus in his feces, which makes him extremely contagious to other dogs. The following precautions will help prevent the spread of this disease.


· Keep the dog isolated from all other dogs for at least a month after recovery.

· Pick up all the dog's stools in your yard.

· Use chlorine bleach and water to clean food and water bowls. Wash the dog's bedding in bleach and hot water. Disinfect all areas that the dog has been in, including linoleum floors, crates, etc.

· If you have any other dogs who are two years old or younger, or who have not had parvo vaccinations, take them to your veterinarian immediately for a booster shot.

· Feed your dog a bland diet until he recovers. Reintroduce regular food slowly.


A healthy puppy or adult dog should never be allowed contact with the feces of other dogs when walking or playing in public. Dispose of waste material properly and try to keep lawns, sidewalks, and street gutters clear of feces from neighborhood dogs.

[Corky/Max]

I would like to 'freshen' everyone's attention to this very 'nasty' disease. It has resurfaced again and is a very deadly disease!! Please read all the above posts made in this thread as well as this one! I quote: Since 1978 dogs of all ages and breeds have been victims of a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the intestinal track, white blood cells, and in some cases the heart muscle. This disease, canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, has appeared worldwide.

CPV infection is spread by dog-to-dog contact and has been diagnosed wherever dogs congregate, including dog shows, obedience trials, breeding and boarding kennels, pet shops, humane shelters, parks and playgrounds.

A dog that is confined to a house or yard and is rarely in contact with other dogs is far less likely to be exposed to the virus. CPV infection can only be transmitted to dogs and other canids, not to other types of animals or people, but animals and people can carry it to your dog.

The source of infection is fecal waste from infected dogs. Large amounts of the virus may be present in fecal material of infected dogs. The virus is resistant to extremes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods. It is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of infected dogs or by contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. Definitive information on other means of transmission, if any, is lacking.


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How Can You Tell If A Dog Has CPV Infection?

The first signs of CPV infection are depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Rectal temperatures may be raised. These signs will most often appear 5-7 days after the dog is exposed to the virus. At the onset of illness, the feces will generally be light gray or yellow-gray. Sometimes, the first sign will be fluid feces streaked with blood.

Dogs may dehydrate rapidly due to vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs may vomit repeatedly and have projectile and bloody diarrhea until they die. Others may have loose feces and recover without complications.

Most deaths occur within 48-72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. Pups suffer most with shock-like deaths, occurring as early as two days after the onset of illness. In the past, a high percentage of pups less than five months old and 2-3% of older dogs died from this disease. Now, due to widespread vaccination, these percentages have decreased dramatically.

Puppies, between weaning and six months of age are at increased risk of acquiring the disease. There appears to be a higher risk of severe disease in certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiller and Doberman Pinscher).


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How Is CPV Infection Diagnosed and Treated?

A veterinarian will make the initial diagnosis based on clinical signs but only after considering other causes of vomiting and diarrhea. Evidence of rapid spread in a group of dogs is strongly suggestive of CPV infection and may be confirmed by testing feces for the virus. Some tests may be available in your veterinarian's office. Your veterinarian may choose to send samples to an outside laboratory, however. There are no specific drugs that kill the virus in infected dogs.

Treatment of CPV infection, which should be started immediately, consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections with antibiotics.

Sick dogs should be kept warm and be provided good nursing care.


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Prevention and Protection

With a few exceptions, dogs of any age should be vaccinated to prevent CPV infection. Unless the actual immune status of a pup or litter is known, it is recommended that a series of vaccinations be given to provide adequate protection. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination schedule.

Proper cleaning and disinfection of kennels and other areas where dogs are housed is essential to control spread of the virus. Remember, the virus is capable of existing in the environment for many months unless the area is thoroughly cleaned. Sodium hypochlorite solution, such as one-quarter cup household bleach in 1 gallon of water, is an effective disinfectant.

An owner should not allow a dog to come in contact with fecal waste of other dogs when walking in a park or playground or along city streets. This is especially true until six months of age. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable. Check lawns, sidewalks, and street gutters for fecal waste from neighborhood dogs, and urge friends to do the same.

If you are unsure whether this disease is affecting dogs in your community, check with a veterinarian. The risk of exposure can be reduced if you prevent your dog from contacting other dogs in areas where the incidence of CPV infection is alarmingly high.