Did you know what is Parvo?

Did you know what is Parvo?Parvo is a common and potentially serious viral disease in dogs. The virus is officially known Parvovirus. The disease caused by this virus is commonly referred to as Parvo. The virus first appeared clinically in 1978, and there was a widespread epidemic in dogs of all ages. Since no dogs had been exposed or vaccinated (the vaccine didn't exist at the time), dogs of all ages died from the infection. The virus can "adapt" over time, and other strains of the virus have appeared since then, but properly administered vaccinations are the best protection. Canine Parvovirus is thought to be a mutation from the feline Parvovirus, also known as Feline Distemper virus.

Did you know what are the signs seen with Parvovirus infection?
There are three main manifestations of Parvovirus infection:

1. Asymptomatic - No signs seen. Common in dogs over 1 year old and vaccinated dogs.
2. Cardiac - This form of the disease is much less common than the intestinal form due to widespread vaccination. Severe inflammation and necrosis (cell death), of the heart muscle causes breathing difficulty and death in very young (<8>
3. Intestinal - This virus causes extreme damage to the intestinal tract, causing sloughing of the cells that line the tract. This can leave the patient open to secondary bacterial infection. Most of the affected dogs (85%) are less than one year old and between 6-20 weeks old -- before the full set of vaccinations can be given. The death rate from infection is reported to be 16-35% in this age group.*

The intestinal signs include:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea - usually bloody, and very foul-smelling (a characteristic odor, particular to Parvovirus infection)
• Fever

The onset of clinical signs is usually sudden, often 12 hours or less. The incubation from exposure to seeing the clinical signs varies from 3 to 10 days.

Did you know if you catch Parvo as soon as the puppy quits eating or starts throwing up, you may have a chance to save his or her life?

1) Buy a Turkey Baster.

2) Buy Pedilite.

3) Here is the key every hour to two hours give the puppy a 1/2 to 3/4 ounce of Pedilite. Keeping the dog hydrated will give the dog a chance to fight the virus.

4) Make sure that the dog has had the shot with the treatment.

5) Most important, the longer that you wait the less chances you have for your dog surving