New York Veterinarian Clinic

Parvo and Your Puppy

Canine Parvovirus 2 is a serious disease that generally affects puppies that have not been protected by maternal antibodies or by vaccination. While it can be contracted by dogs of any age, it is most common in puppies because of the absence of vaccination. The disease is spread through either direct or indirect contact with canine feces. There are two ways that parvo can present itself:

• Intestinal Parvovirus
• Cardiac Parvovirus

The intestinal form of parvo involves severe vomiting and hemorrhagic diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration. From the dehydration, secondary infections can set in. It is very important that these be treated along with the parvo. Once dehydrated, the puppy’s electrolyte balance can become critical. The intestinal lining is also affected by the dehydration, causing problems many problems, such as:

• Anemia
• Loss of protein
• Endotoxins entering the bloodstream
• Endotoxemia

The cardiac form of parvo causes respiratory and cardiovascular failure in the puppy. Treatment of either form generally involves hospitalization. If left untreated, parvo results in the death of the puppy in approximately 90% of cases.

Puppies will begin to show symptoms within 5 to 10 days of infection. If you believe that your puppy may have contracted parvo, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Contact Your New York Veterinarian Clinic Today

If you would like more information about parvo, please contact your local New York Veterinary Clinic at www.newyorkveterinarianclinics.com