Summer is here and with it, comes certain animal viruses and illnesses.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease that affects dogs, especially young puppies aged 6 weeks to 6 months.

Jenevieve Tinkler of the Newcastle SPCA explained that a dog’s chance of surviving the illness depends on the strain of the virus, as well as the strength of its immune system.

“The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells, particularly in the intestines, bone marrow and the heat,” she said.

Although recovery is possible with treatment, seizures and serious neurological complications may still occur two to three months later.

“Parvo is mainly transmitted through direct contact with infected animal’s faeces. It is also spread indirectly via contaminated objects such as food bowls, shoes, cages, hands and infected surfaces.”

It is also considered an extremely hardy virus as it can survive in an environment for many months, resistant to most disinfectants.

There are two types of Parvo:

1. Intestinal: Severe gastrointestinal illness – symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), loss of appitite and lethargy.
2. Cardiac: This affects puppies and causes heart failure or sudden death.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe, often bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Fever or low body temperatures
• Loss of appetite
• dehydration

“Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunised older dogs are particularly vulnerable. The best – and only – prevention is to ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and repeated annually.”

Dogs should receive their inoculations at the following ages:

• Eight weeks – first inoculation
• 12 weeks – second inoculation
• 16 weeks – third inoculation
• Annually thereafter – booster inoculation

It is imperative that pets receive their inoculations from an early age to minimise the risk of contracting this dreaded disease.

Once infected, a dog’s chance of survival is low, as the illness is often detected too late for treatment to be effective.

Treatment:

• There is no cure for parvo, however, treatment is supportive.
• Hospitalisation is most often required where the animal will receive supportive treatment such as fluids via a drip, electrolytes, antibiotics and other medication to assist with the vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Your dog will also be placed in isolation to avoid spreading the virus to other animals

Prevention:

Prevention is key! This is done by ensuring your animal is up to date with their vaccinations.

Regular hygiene is also important and this is done by regularly disinfecting areas where you animal does its business with a strong bleach solution.

It is also advised that should you have had an animal in your yard with the Parvo virus that you do not get another one for at least a year as the virus can remain on your property for this long if not longer.

The virus can also be spread with your shoes, simply standing in line behind someone who has been through an area with the virus can pass it on to you via their shoes.

“If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your local vet immediately so treatment can begin as soon as possible,” concluded Tinkler.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel