12/04/2022
☠️PARVOVIRUS WARNING☠️
Parvovirus is the name given to a deadly canine disease and the virus that causes it.
Parvovirus (also known as “parvo” for short) is a terrible disease for dogs, with the symptoms being even more severe in puppies. Studies suggest that without proper treatment mortality rates in dogs can exceed 90%.
TRANSMISSION
Parvovirus is most commonly transmitted from one dog to another through the faeces or bodily fluids. For this reason, parvovirus is more prevalent where cleanliness and hygiene are lacking.
It is important to note that the virus is incredibly tough and, unlike many other viruses, can survive outside the canine body for long periods of time. Most experts agree that the virus can survive in the environment for years.
This is important because it is possible for non-vaccinated dogs to pick up the virus unexpectedly, even when they have not come into direct contact with other dogs. Transmission may come from contact with another dog’s faeces or even from sharing bedding or bowls.
For this reason if parvovirus is suspected complete isolation of the dog is essential to prevent the virus infecting other animals. Thorough cleaning (with lots of bleach) of everything the dog may have been in contact with has to follow.
SYMPTOMS
The main problem with Parvo is swelling of the intestine. This typically leads to symptoms like lethargy and severe vomiting and diarrhoea (often with signs of blood).
In puppies the symptoms can develop super quickly. The outlook for infected dogs is extremely bad, so early identification and treatment are crucial.
To be certain of a diagnosis it will be necessary for a vet to examine your pet.
TREATMENT
Sadly there are currently no medications that will cure parvovirus. Treatment therefore focuses on treating the symptoms of parvo, thus allowing your dog’s immune system the resources it needs to fight off the infection.
Treating parvovirus can be an expensive exercise. For this reason alone caring dog owners also vaccinate as early as possible to prevent infection.
PREVENTION
Sadly, many puppies in Botswana remain unvaccinated. Just as is the case with humans, the vast majority of dogs need to be fully vaccinated for the disease to be controlled and for the weak and unvaccinated individuals to be protected (herd immunity).
If you have a puppy it is important to make sure your dog has received all shots it needs. Many dogs sold by amateur breeders are only vaccinated once, if at all. That provides no protection at all.
Don’t take risks with your pet’s health just to save a some cash on the cost of vaccination; far better to invest now and rest easy knowing your pet is protected from this unpleasant infection.
Source: https://www.pbspettravel.co.uk/blog/parvovirus-in-dogs-what-every-dog-owner-should-know/
