|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
 
|
 
|
Parvo:Parvovirus is both highly contagious and easily spread. It has a high mortality rate in puppies and debilitated adult dogs. Healthy adult dogs are less likely to get the disease. Parvo's source is the fecal material of infected animals, and is spread by contact. The virus is resistant to extremes in environmental conditions, including temperature, and can survive for long periods, up to three years. It is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of infected dogs or by contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. You or your healthy pet could have it on your shoes or paws, and spread it everywhere you walk. Symptoms of parvo include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. Bloody diarrhea is the classic parvo symptom, but this does not always occur first, and blood in stool has many causes. Seek veterinary assistance without delay if you see any of these symptoms. There is no cure for parvo, but treatment of the symptoms until the virus runs its course is often succesful. Treatment includes intravenous fluids, medications for vomiting and fever, and antibiotics for prevention of secondary infection. Success often depends on the owner's promptness in seeking veterinary care, as gross dehydration occurs rapidly. Parvo-infected animals require strict isolation, and proper disinfection of areas they have occupied, and especially those in which they defecate. Since they continue to shed the virus for several weeks after showing symptoms, continuous disinfection must occur throughout this period. Proper disinfection includes use of a 10% chlorine bleach solution, or other solution that lists its ability to kill canine parvovirus on the label. The animal's care giver must also wash his or her hands with such solution, and be prepared to change and disinfect all clothing and shoes. Do not bring home a new puppy or unvaccinated dogs if your pet has had parvo. Our foster homes become closed to new puppies for extended periods of many months if parvovirus infection occurs. The only positive news about parvovirus is that if your dog survives parvovirus infection, he or she will be immune to the virus for many years. The prevention of parvo depends on a series of vaccinations, usually four, for puppies and young dogs. The fourth vaccination is recommended for dogs 19-20 weeks of age, since parvo seems to be building resistance to vaccines. Efficiency of the vaccine depends on the titer level of the vaccine, and the age of the puppy in relation to the weaning process. Please take note that vaccines sold in retail stores will not be as efficient as those administered by your veterinarian, and that not all vaccines are equal in effect. You can further prevent parvo infection by carrying your puppy into the vet or through the pet store until it has been fully vaccinated. |
|
Other information:Pet Partners of Habersham, Inc. |
|
