Dog Parvo Symptoms: July 2008

What Are The Symptoms To Watch For

Parvovirus or Canine Parvovirus can be a deadly viral disease if it is not caught in the early stages and treated. While it mostly is found in puppies and adolescent animals, it can be also found in older dogs. It is very important that owners to be aware of the dog parvo symptoms and get their pet to the vet if any of the symptoms are detected. Extreme cases of the disease can kill a puppy in as little as two or three days.
The first symptoms that are likely to be noticed, are a lack of energy and a loss of appetite. The reason for these symptoms is most likely caused by a fluid loss that the animal experiences. The virus will attack the gastrointestinal tract and damage the intestines. This damage will result in the animal's inability to absorb fluids or food. This is what will lead to the fluid loss and the subsequent lack of energy and loss of appetite. These are just the first of the signs that you should watch for. But of course, the sooner you catch the illness the better chance the animal has of getting through the illness with little damage.
As the intestines become more and more damaged, the animal will suffer from more symptoms such as vomiting. This vomiting coupled with the damage to the intestines will lead to more dehydration in the animal. Diarrhea is most likely to be present as well. In the beginning stages of the illness the puppy will have diarrhea that is very strong in smell. When the infection continues to do damage to the intestines the diarrhea will probably be mixed with blood. In the later phases of the disease the diarrhea will be mostly blood.
It is very important that the pet be brought to the vet immediately if these warning signs are noticed. The animal will likely need to be given fluids to replace what has been lost. That can only happen with the vet. Without treatment the animal could die from this disease. Even if the animal survives the disease there could be damage caused that is long term.
This disease is extremely contagious and can spread quickly among animals. Your puppy can be immunized against the parvovirus and be protected from ever suffering the symptoms and the long-term damage. As a pet owner, it is up to you to protect your pet from these diseases and get treatment for them whenever they exhibit the symptoms.

Article source: articlesbase.com
Author: Joshua Drew
About the author:
Joshua Drew is a canine enthusiasts. While he isn't playing around with his own labs, he can be seen at his local college taking English courses. Find more information on his website at Joshua Drew's website

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Knowing The Symptoms Can Save Your Dogs Life

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Puppies and adolescent dogs usually contract the parvovirus. But sometimes unprotected older dogs can acquire the illness as well. The disease can be quite devastating to your pet and you should be aware of the signs to protect your pet's health and potentially his life.
Most people who have a pet do everything that they can to keep the animal healthy and happy. They have the ability to become a big part of the family and when they are not feeling well it can break your heart. If you have noticed that your usually energetic friend is just not behaving like himself you should watch for the warning signs to be sure that the disease has not infected your precious pet. The first symptoms that are likely to be noticed are a lethargy or lack of energy. The animal will seem depressed and have no appetite. It's difficult when your pet is ill, they can't tell you how they are feeling, but you can tell by their behavior that something is very wrong.
The next of the symptoms that is likely to occur is vomiting. When this starts to happen to your pet, coupled with the lack of energy and loss of appetite, most pet owners will get their pet into the vet as quickly as possible. It is possible to brush off the illness to a passing stomach upset that will go away. Of course, that is what you would like to think, but it is important that a vet check out the animal if the vomiting continues.
The next symptoms that you might notice are diarrhea that is mixed with blood. Any time a dog experiences diarrhea you will want to get them into a vet. Just like humans the animal will begin to dehydrate very quickly. With the parvovirus infection the animal is unlikely to be able to absorb any fluids because the disease is damaging the intestines.
When you take care of a dog you want the very best for your faithful companion. It is important that you get your pet immunized for all of the possible illnesses that they can contract. You will be doing the right thing as a responsible pet owner by getting the dog his shots and boosters every year. Dogs who suffer from the parvo virus can die very quickly and in a great deal of pain. It can be devastating if this happens to your precious animal. Do your part and watch out for the symptoms and get your animal treated if there are any signs of the illness.

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What Kind Of Treatment Is There For Dog Parvo

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When your puppy comes into contact with the parvovirus and subsequently begins to exhibit the warning signs, you will most likely get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible. The sooner the animal is treated the greater the likelihood that they will survive the disease. While younger puppies may be exceptionally vulnerable to the disease, it can still affect older and adolescent dogs.
What can you expect to happen when you reach the vet with your pet? If a diagnosis of the canine parvovirus is made the most likely course of treatment will begin with fluids. Your pet has probably become dehydrated and will need their fluids replaced. IV fluids can be administered at home, but it is likely and better for your dog if you bring him to the animal hospital for their treatment. The survival rate is much higher if you can get your pet in for treatment as soon as the symptoms begin. Waiting for the symptoms to get better will not help the treatment of your pet.
In addition to re-hydrating the animal, he will be given anti-nausea medications intravenously and antibiotics. Some veterinarians will treat a pet with the plasma from a dog that has survived canine parvovirus. This will pass the immunity from the well dog on to the sick one. The animal will be continuously re-hydrated for as long as they are exhibiting the vomiting and diarrhea symptoms. The fluids and proteins must be replaced in the animal. The IV fluids will be stopped once the animal is able to keep fluids down without vomiting and is no longer experiencing the symptoms. A bland diet will be reintroduced to the animal and antibiotics are likely to be continued until the animal has the ability to fight off infection on his own. This will be determined by white blood cell count.
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the symptoms so that you can get your pet to the animal hospital as soon as possible. The sooner that the animal reaches care and treatment can begin the better off they will be. The disease can cause serious damage to the intestines and some dogs will suffer long-term damage. Puppies who are exhibiting these signs are extremely vulnerable to the effects of the disease. Keep your pet separated from animals if you suspect them having the disease. You will have to notify your neighbors if you have dogs that share yards and spend time in the same places. They will need to have their pet checked for the disease if it is confirmed that your pet has CPV. Likewise, if their pet is experiencing the warning signs they will need to notify you so yours can be checked for the disease.

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How To Prevent The Spread Of Dog Parvo

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The canine parvovirus is the most contagious disease that can affect dogs that have not been protected against the virus. It is most common in puppies from the age of weaning until they are six months old. Older dogs can contract it, but it is less common. The symptoms can include, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea.
The disease can quickly spread between unprotected animals through their feces. It will not be transmitted to humans, but humans can spread it between dogs. If your puppy has been exhibiting symptoms, it is important to keep that pet separated from the unprotected ones.
The disease has been spread in the places that dogs congregate. Dog parks, kennels, pet shops, and obedience classes are all places that the disease can spread. Typically dog kennels and grooming shops will require that pets have been vaccinated for the disease before they are allowed to come in. However if an animal is exhibiting the symptoms, whether it has been vaccinated or not, it should be kept out of these places and away from other animals. A vaccination is not a guarantee that the pet will not contract the illness but it is a good insurance policy.
There are two different types of parvovirus that can be found. The first is enteritis, and the symptoms that are present are the loss of appetite, lack of energy and vomiting that was described earlier. The animal will seem to be in extreme pain during this particular type of parvo. They can die within two or three days if they are not treated. An animal may also recover from the illness and suffer no long-term effects. Because there is no way to tell which ones will recover and which ones will not, all dogs need to be treated by a veterinarian whenever symptoms are present.
The second type of parvo is myocarditis. This form of the disease will attach the muscle cells in the heart. Puppies who contract this form of parvo may stop feeding from the mother and could potentially die within a matter of minutes or days. There is no treatment that has been effective in this form of the disease. It is important that the pet with the illness be kept apart from other animals to prevent the diseases spread.
When you are trying to prevent the spread of the parvovirus it is necessary to be aware of the symptoms and keep animals separated that are exhibiting them. You should get your pet immunized to protect them in case they come into contact with animals that have the illness. The disease can be quite devastating if it is allowed to spread.

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Parvovirus A Very Realistic Threat To Your Dogs Health

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Parvovirus was first identified in 1977 and can infect dogs of all ages, but usually strikes young unvaccinated puppies under the age of 6 weeks. Most puppies acquire temporary parvo-destroying antibodies by ingesting them through their mother's first milk, (colostrums). Puppies should be vaccinated starting at 6 to 9 weeks of age, and then every three weeks until they reach 16 weeks. Afterwards, yearly boosters are recommended.
Veterinarians can now test for the presence of parvovirus in their own clinics. Dog parvo symptoms include loss of appetite, persistent vomiting, and profuse, odiferous diarrhea, often streaked with blood. In dogs, the lining of the intestines, lymph nodes, and bone marrow are the main target areas for Parvo. In puppies less than 6 weeks of age, the virus can infect heart cells, causing irreparable damage to the heart.
Certain breeds seem more prone to Parvo, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, and German Shepherds, but scientists do not know why. Parvo is highly contagious, and is spread by oral contact with infected feces. Keep your dog away from other dogs with unknown vaccination status, and from areas where such dogs congregate.
If you board your dog, make sure that the owner/instructor requires proof of vaccination for all their customers. Do not take you unvaccinated or unprotected puppy to pet stores or parks until it is fully protected. Prevent your dog from coming in contact with feces, and always observe good hygiene at home. You can disinfect daily with a 1 to 30 ratio of chlorine bleach to water mixture. Parvo is much less common than it was 20 years ago but we still cannot completely eliminate the risk completely.
Remember, if you have further questions about Parvovirus, about dog parvo symptoms, or if you think your dog has the dog parvo symptoms, be sure to contact your veterinarian at once. Your veterinarian can explain and break down and explain any issue and or questions you may have.

Article source: articlecity.com
Author: PENNY TAYLOR

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How to Deal with Dog Parvo

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Dog parvovirus is a deadly disease that can kill within 48 hours, and is most dangerous to puppies as they do not have their natural immunities built up. It's heartbreaking to watch your brand new puppy die before your eyes with nothing you can do about it. Arm yourself with the right information.
Dog Parvo Symptoms
If your dog exhibits any of these, you need to take them to a vet immediately. There are some home treatments that claim to work. However, do you really want to risk it? The vet will charge you a lot to save your puppy, and it's not even guaranteed to work, and the home treatments are cheap in comparison. It all depends on how attached your are.
- Lethargy - Your dog will not be playful and refuse to eat. This is due to the weakening of the intestines allows bacteria
to flow into the bloodstream and makes them weak.
- Vomiting - Parvo attacks the intestines and messes up their digestive system.
- Bloody Diarrhea - This is mainly how parvo exits the body and spreads.
Death by parvo is caused primarily by extreme dehydration and malnutrition. The rarer cardiac form causes a complete failure of the heart muscle, and works faster. There's not much even a vet can do for the cardiac form of the illness.
What the Vet Can Do
Parvo is deadly even in the best of circumstances. Since the main danger is dehydration, the vet will put your dog on some kind of intravaneous liquid nutrition. After that, it's just a waiting game while the dog's natural immunity fights the attack.
If in the unfortunate case you do lose your puppy and desire to get a new one, you must sanitize your house to kill any lingering virus. Parvo is very resilient and can survive for 6 months outside a body even in the harshest climates. The only sure way to kill it is with a strong water and bleach solution. Be sure to drench any areas that your previous dog could have touched. Losing one puppy is hard enough. Don't risk going through it again.
Prevention
The best thing, of course, is prevention. Look out for dog parvo symptoms! A dog is most vulnerable after its mother's natural anti-bodies have left its system, and before it has built up its own through vaccinations. Be sure and talk with your vet if you have any concerns or questions.

Article source: articlesbase.com
Author: Matt Robison
About the author:
To learn more about dog parvo, visit Matt Robinson's website. Everything you need to know about the disease is there in one place. Along with some cute puppy pictures! Funny stories about crazy dogs can be found at Crazy Dog Stuff.

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Parvovirus And Your Dog

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Parvovirus (commonly called Parvo) is a viral disease that affects dogs. It is far more common in puppies than adult dogs and can have serious ramifications for the infected animal, including death. Parvo grows best in the rapidly dividing cells of the dog's intestines. As the virus attacks and kills these cells it causes massive diarrhea and halts or slows the creation of white blood cells. In young puppies it can often directly infect the heart, leading to death.
The dog parvo symptoms start with fever, depression, and lethargy. The dog will usually experience a loss of appetite as well and then eventually show more sever dog parvo symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea which is often bloody. Once the virus reaches this stage dehydration and death usually follow.
Parvo is carried and transmitted by dogs. The vomit and feces of an infected animal will also carry the virus which is rather resilient and can survive outside the dog's body in the surrounding environment for as long as nine months. Sometimes an adult dog can be infected by the virus and show no dog parvo symptoms but act as a carrier transmitting the virus to the other animals it comes into contact with.
There is no cure for Parvo. Dogs that are infected will die of dehydration without treatment. That treatment primarily consists of providing fluids, giving repeated blood transfusions, and preventing dehydration. The mortality rate in dogs affected by Parvo is about 20% if the dog receives treatment in time. Without treatment, about 80% of those infected will die from it. It is a very serious disease.
Parvo tends to affect some dog breeds more than others. Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other black and tan dogs have a greater chance of contracting the virus. The reason for this is unknown but the fact that these dogs are at higher risk does not mean that owners of other types of dogs can rest easily. Dogs of any breed can become infected.
While there is no cure for Parvo, puppies can (and should) be vaccinated against it at an early age. Most vets recommend puppies be immunized starting at six weeks of age with vaccinations continuing until twenty weeks of age. Proper immunization is the best way to prevent a dog from contracting Parvo.

Article source: isnare.com
Author: Kirsten Hawkins
About the author: Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.

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Dog Most Common Deadliest Disease

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Dogs are being measured as a mans best friends. A well trained dog can be a devoted and obedient companion. They will tend to protect their master in regardless of their safety. The major worry that the pet owners have globally is to protect the dog's health. The list of diseases that come to the dog is extremely large. Like humans, the dogs do have metabolic diseases, viral diseases, bacterial diseases, fungal diseases, parasitic infestations, genetic disorders, physical injuries. The dog's health problem symptoms are different and specific to the disease. Let us discuss about dog parvo symptoms that help to diagnose the disease.
Parvo virus is a highly contagious disease characterized by diarrhea that is often bloody and is caused by a pathogen called canine Parvo virus. The virus is known to survive on inanimate objects - such as clothing, food pans, and cage floors - for 5 months and longer in the right conditions. Insects and rodents may also serve as vectors playing an important role in the transmission of the disease. All parvo viruses are extremely stable and are resistant to adverse environmental influences such as low pH and high heat. There is a broad range in the severity of dog parvo symptoms shown by dogs that are infected with parvo virus. Many adult dogs exposed to the virus show very few if any dog parvo symptoms. The majority of cases are seen in dogs less than 6 months of age, with the most severe cases seen in puppies younger than 12 weeks of age
Dog parvo symptoms of the sickness are weight loss, fever, vomiting, nasal discharge, pus filled eyes, loss of weight, dehydration, and diarrhea is noticed from the dog. Canine Parvo virus is a viral infection that is very common in dogs and is a very common problem that is a huge killer of puppies. This disease affects the puppies that are below six months of age. The targeted site is intestinal tract but bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues of the dogs are also affected. Not all cases of bloody diarrhea with or without vomiting are caused by Parvo virus and many sick puppies are misdiagnosed as having 'Parvo.' Due to its ability to be transmitted through hands, clothes, and most likely rodents and insects, it is virtually impossible to have a kennel that will not eventually be exposed to the disease. The only way to know if a dog has Parvo virus is through a positive diagnostic test. Vaccination is the only option available to prevent this disease.
Get in contact with a veterinary near you. Bring along your puppies for an examination and a vaccination to prevent against this deadly disease. As they say prevention is better then cures.

Article source: articlesbase.com
Author: Gerard
About the author:
Autor is an Internet Marketer cum researcher. He is an active member of http://www.business2grab.com the highest paying affiliate program that gives away $75 Bonus upon signing up and the ability to earn from $150-$200 p/day. He has websites about pets at http://www.2searchengine.com Visit his websites for valuable information.

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How to Reduce the Risk of Parvo

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The risk of parvo increases for a breeder each and every time the breeder allows the general public to come into contact with their puppies and dogs, regardless of their age. Problems also arise when a breeder not only allows multiple people to handle their young puppies but when the breeder fails to vaccinate the dogs they create. You would be amazed at how many dogs and young puppies go unvaccinated for this dreadful disease.
As Goldendoodle breeders hop on the bandwagon, more and more seem to not be very experienced with canine in general, much less properly care for the puppies they bring into this world. Laziness or lack of owner irresponsibility, there really is no excuse NOT to vaccinate your Goldendoodle or young puppies when it is readily available in most pet stores, feed stores as well as many canine supply sites all across the internet. Because the age at which individual puppies can respond to parvovirus vaccination varies, all puppies should be vaccinated beginning at age 8 weeks, if not sooner. There should be a series of five vaccinations given at 2-4 week intervals as the puppy ages. While there are many different brands available, most are within a single vaccine such as your 7-in one; 8-in one. Prices can range anywhere from $2 per vaccine to $15 per vaccine. (7-in one & 8-in one means there are a series of 8 various vaccinations combined into one shot.)
It has been our own experience that some vaccinations not only cause problems for the Goldendoodle dog, but some do not even help protect them from parvo. We began to use NEO-PAR in 2005 because it was a quality brand of vaccine that covered five different strains of parvo as well as could be given to our pups while they were still nursing at the age of three weeks. We could also re-vaccinate at 2 week intervals without any incidence of problems. For some reason, the Goldendoodle dog can be very sensitive to vaccines. Some can have seizures, some can die and some can become extremely ill within 24 hours of their vaccination. Unless the owner tells their veterinarian about this issue, they will not check FIRST to see if your dog is having a bad vaccine reaction should this occur. We had a higher incidence of parvo with our young puppies when we did NOT have our strict purchase policy put into place. Since implementing our strict purchase policy of NOT allowing the general public to handle or come into contact with our young puppies, we have not had a single incidence of parvo. Our strict policy as well as changing our vaccines to Neo-Par made a huge difference!
Changing the way we worked as a breeder made all the difference in the world even though we had lots of potential consumers NOT happy with our change of policy. Breeders can make the difference between life and death where their puppies are concerned if they have a strict policy in place and change the brand of vaccines if they are having issues with the ones they presently use. Every breeder has their own choice of brand they use for vaccines, however, for us, Neo-par made all the difference in the world. For years it has been known that Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers all responded poorly with parvo vaccines and for a long time, no one knew why. Studies have been conducted on both of these breeds and to date, I am not sure if they came up with a solution as to what specific brand worked out better for either breed. Since 1999, we have always known that Goldendoodles react differently to vaccines than many other types of dogs. We did NOT realize until 2004 that the brand we had been using was NOT affective at all in protecting our Goldendoodles from parvo and distemper! In 2005, we spoke with a company that offers vaccinations to the general public and we spoke at great lengths of what was going on. We were fortunate enough to have found a gentleman who had 25 years of vaccination experience that really changed everything for us! His knowledge turned the tables with ONE vaccine! New high titer-low passage vaccines are most effective than older vaccines even in the presence of maternal antibodies, and have narrowed the window of susceptibility that occurs between declining levels of maternal antibodies and acquired immunity produced by the vaccination.
We discovered that by NOT allowing the general public to enter our premises unless they made a financial commitment to a puppy (this stopped all the breeder hopping that so many potential customers do when in search for a family pet) and by vaccinating our young puppies at the age of three weeks instead of waiting until they were six or eight weeks of age, our puppies remained parvo free and this reduced the risk of possible exposure dramatically! Many breeders never give if a single thought when someone calls them wanting to "swing by and have a looksie" at their adorable puppies! We learned tragically of how dangerous this simple request could be! Until more breeders hop on the STRICT POLICY bandwagon, more puppies will become infected with parvo in 2008! Breeding dogs should be vaccinated two to four weeks before being bred to ensure high levels of antibody in their colostrum. However, if you have a kennel, it is NOT recommended that you only vaccinate one dog. If you are vaccinating one dog, you must vaccinate them all. Parvo virus in the vaccine is eliminated through the stool and can cause unvaccinated dogs to pick up this disease. Parvo can transmit itself to other dogs whose immunity has not been built up, therefore causing parvo to occur in any aged dog. Some vets claim this virus is airborne and some vets and sites claim it is not, however, there is no actual...factual information available whether it is or it isn't. Puppies are the most affected by this disease and it is not always caused by the pup coming into contact with other sick pups, dogs or infected feces. Parvo can infect a dog or puppy from many various sources and ways. Dog parvo symptoms are listlessness, vomiting, severe drooling, pale gums, high fever and acute abdominal pain. Parvo causes severe gastric damage and will cause internal bleeding if your puppy is left untreated, rapidly. The virus is shed in large amounts in the stools of acutely infected dogs as well as those who have been recently vaccinated. It can be transmitted by air current, oral contact with infected feces, carried by your clothing, shoes, hair and any other object. Parvo can last as long as 7 years in the ground....but sometimes can be killed with the first heavy snow fall. Parvo effects dogs of all ages but mostly young puppies from 6-20 weeks of age.
Unless more breeders become vigilante about incorporating a strict policy to put a stop to those who "breeder hop" handling multiple puppies in a single day and place their puppies and dog in a vaccination program, more and more puppies will become infected with parvo. Each and every year new strains of parvo occur. It is up to the breeders and owners to keep their pets safe from this dreadful disease.
Author/Breeder: Dee Gerrish@2007 Goldendoodle World

Article source: articlesbase.com
Author: Dee Gerrish
About the author:
Dee Gerrish has been a private, professional, registered breeder for 11+ years. She has written many popular Goldendoodle articles that can be located on various websites across the internet.

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Canine Parvovirus - A Serious Cantagious Disease in Dogs

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Canine parvovirus, sometimes known simply as 'parvo,' is a serious contagious disease caused by a virus. This illness is spread when dogs come into contact with the feces of infected animals. Dog parks, highway rest stops and popular walking trails in cities are areas where dog feces are often found, and where an unvaccinated dog may pick up the virus. Humans may also unknowingly bring the virus home on the bottom of their shoes or on their car tires, so dogs who never go outside the yard can still be infected with this disease. The virus can live in the soil or other contaminated surfaces for as long as six months.
Most animal shelters and kennels make every effort to avoid the spread of contagious diseases by cleaning the kennels with bleach, but any time that large numbers of animals are kept in close quarters, there is a possibility of infection, so keeping up on your dog's vaccinations is always a good idea.
Although puppies are more commonly affected by this illness than adult dogs, both my brother and I once owned adult dogs who became seriously ill from canine parvovirus. Both animals had been vaccinated while in our care, but they were acquired after the dogs had reached adulthood, so they may not have received proper vaccination as puppies. Both dogs recovered, but only after several weeks of intensive in-hospital care.
Since this virus attacks the lining of the dog or puppy's digestive system, the dog parvo symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and bloody, foul-smelling stools. In addition to severe abdominal discomfort, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, the dog may also have a high fever, and congestive heart failure is possible. Severe dog parvo symptoms may follow several days of gradually decreasing appetite. Illness usually becomes apparent from three to 12 days after the dog was exposed to the virus.
Obviously, this is a very serious disease, and immediate medical care is required to reduce the risk of death. The veterinarian will make sure to keep the dog from becoming dangerously dehydrated, which can keep the dog or puppy alive long enough for its own immune system to fight the disease. Antibiotics are not effective against this virus, but they are usually given to an infected animal to help prevent the occurrence of secondary bacterial infections, which can cause shock or septicemia. Secondary infections can occur without antibiotics because parvovirus suppresses the dog's ability to make white blood cells. A blood test showing a low white blood cell count is one of the ways a veterinarian can make a diagnosis of canine parvovirus.
Because the illness causes severe dehydration, the dog will also be put on intravenous fluids, and the animal will probably need to stay under the doctor's care a week or more. Because the gastrointestinal tract has been affected, the veterinarian may withhold food and water from the dog until the virus has come under control.
Unfortunately, some dogs and puppies who survive a bout of parvovirus can be affected by dog parvo symptoms six months or more after the original dog parvo symptoms, particularly if the virus has infected the heart.
To prevent infection, puppies must be vaccinated under the proper schedule, and they should not be taken outside the yard or introduced to any other dogs until at least two weeks after the last puppy shots are administered. Some veterinarians and dog breeders suggest that you avoid dog parks entirely, even after your puppy has been vaccinated, because of the possibility of picking up this or other contagious canine illnesses. If you adopt an older dog from the local shelter, you should take him to your veterinarian for a checkup and ask that he be vaccinated, unless the shelter administered routine vaccinations while the dog was in their care. Jonni writes about dog health and older dogs on her website at http://www.older-dog.com

Article source: amazines.com
Author: JONNI GOOD

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"Parvo Virus"

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These are the two most feared words you could say at any dog gathering. This is a very horrendous disease and it has no boundaries. ALL breeds are affected and in more cases than we would like the end result is fatal.
What we are going to discuss is some ways to be preventative and careful. Probably the biggest pet peeve I have is people who bring their dogs around to use my yard as a bathroom. Not only is it very discourteous but it subjects my dog to their dogs diseases. The Parvo Virus can live in the soil for quite an extended time so that every time your dog or someone else's comes into contact with that particular area they are going to be infected. I never walk my dog without having a plastic bag just in case. Also I have a pretty good idea if my dog isn't feeling quite like itself or not. If the dog isn't feeling well why would I put every other dog in the neighborhood at risk. I'm sorry but it's just plain irresponsible of people who do this. I think if they were to ever see what a dog goes through with this disease they'd be quite a bit different. Seeing your dog heave till it can't stand, diarrhea of blood and usually within days they die it's a horrible, horrible thing to have to see. So please, everyone keep in mind just a few courtesy tips. #1. Always keep your dogs vet visits regular so they can be inoculated for this and other diseases that are out there.
#2. When taking your dog for walks be responsible and take a plastic bag with you and clean up after it.
#3. If you suspect that your dog isn't feeling well take your walk but leave the dog home till it's feeling better. Usually the dog parvo symptoms are not eating just like they usually do or not drinking normally. Laying around more than usual and not getting excited when the paperboy or the mailman arrive and not wanting to play very much. Your dogs' age has a lot to do with this also. So take that into consideration when deciding if your dog isn't feeling well. Older dogs have a way to tell you if they don't feel well and most of the time it's just by watching and learning your dog.
We'll all pray that your dog/dogs never gets this disease, but if it ever does show up at your home or your kennel then there are things that you need to do. You will first have an in depth discussion with your vet. He/she will tell you that you have to disinfect everything. Dog boxes, bedding, carpets, your yard, the car or truck anything and everywhere that the infected dog was or had been and if you had been in contact with anyone else's dog/dogs you MUST let them know so that hey can take appropriate actions to protect themselves. Un-detected this disease can wipe out an entire kennel of dogs within a very short time.
In closing I just wanted to let people to know that they must always be vigilante when it comes to their companions. This disease just doesn't go away. It's serious and it's deadly.

Article source: amazines.com
Author: JOHN WAHL

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What Is Parvo and How Can I Treat It?

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Say 'Parvo' to any dog lover, and chances are they'll cower in terror having heard of the full extent of the fatal illness. Parvo is a deadly condition in dogs, that often conjures images of a quick and painful death - but what's fact and what's fiction about this much feared condition? In this article we'll look at exactly what parvo is, and how you can go about treating and even preventing the condition with specialist parvo treatment before it takes its toll on your dogs, without having to shell out a fortune on vet bills.
Parvo is an extremely aggressive condition that ravages through dogs, with a fatal outcome. Depending on the strain, it is important to be able to spot the signs immediately, and to take action at once to prevent death or serious injury to your dog. With some strains of Parvo, you're looking at a couple of days from first symptom to death. With some of the newer, more aggressive strains - it could be a couple of hours. For that reason it is imperative to understand exactly what dog parvo symptoms you're looking for, how to spot them, and how to treat them immediately to keep your dog healthy and safe.
So what should you look for in your dog to identify parvo? Well firstly it's important to remember that time is very much of the essence, so you shouldn't hesitate to act if you come across any of these dog parvo symptoms. Firstly you should notice that your dog isn't up for playing much, and its appetite will very quickly disappear. Also, look for discoloured, frequent vomiting and diarrhea, and a general increase in temperature along with bloating and excess wind. Whilst your dog can't tell you what's wrong, he can indicate that something's up, and by spotting these dog parvo symptoms and acting upon them quickly, you could very well save its life.
So what parvo remedy should you choose? Well there are a number of remedies available, of which parvaid is probably the safest and most effective, depending on the strain of the virus that has affected your dog. Whatever remedy you are looking for, you should try to make sure they have long life spans to provide protection for the foreseeable future, and look to see that they are herbal with as few side effects as possible, to ensure it doesn't cause longer term problems for your dog. Remember that whilst your dog is in imminent danger, that's no reason not to take care when effecting treatment.
You can buy parvaid and other remedies and treatments for parvo online at heavy discounts, and most of the remedies come with a shelf life of a number of years to ensure you will always be prepared should the dreaded parvo strike in the future. With the remedies available, you should be able to fend off parvo and protect your dogs against the deadly condition, without having to rack up substantial vets bills or endure any long lasting hardship.

About the Author:
John Randy writes articles on Parvo Remedy. He also writes articles about Parvo and the recommended treatments, including Parvaid which are available on the net.
Article source: amazines.com
Author: JOHN RANDY

Your one-stop source for all Dog Parvo related information.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

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In dogs, Parvovirus should be suspected whenever puppies are presented with lethargy, vomiting, &/or loose stools especially if there is blood in the stool (a hemorrhagic enteritis). Puppies 6 to 16 weeks of age are the most susceptible. This is due to the fact that puppies younger than this are usually protected by maternal antibodies they received in the mother's milk (colostrum). Older dogs have acquired immunity from vaccination or previous exposure and may not show significant clinical illness if they do become infected. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and English Springer Spaniels seem to be at greater risk for severe disease, but we see this devastating disease an all species of dogs.
CPV infects rapidly dividing cells of the intestine, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissues. The rapidly dividing cells of the intestine reside in valleys of the intestinal mucosal lining known as crypts. These cells then migrate to cover the hills of the mucosa known as villi. The virus is capable of severe enough damage to result in necrosis (cell death) of the intestinal crypt cells and this leaves no cells to cover the villi. The villi essentially are ulcerated, collapse, and digestive function is lost. Tremendous amounts of blood components and fluids are lost across this ulcerated mucosa and toxins and bacteria may be free to pass from the intestinal lumen to the bloodstream.
Rapidly dividing cells are also found in the bone marrow and the virus attacks these resulting in a drop in the dog's white blood cell count. Both lymphocytes and neutrophils are affected (these are types of white blood cells). Neutrophils are the predominant white blood cell found in circulation and function as part of the rapid first line of defense against infection. CPV infection causes low neutrophil counts by cell injury in the bone marrow and due to depletion of circulating cells responding to the tremendous amount of damage to the intestinal wall. The lower the white blood cell count, the worse the illness and counts less than 3000 mean the dog is not able to defend against bacteria found in the digestive tract and the environment.
Dogs become infected by coming in contact with stool or contaminated soil. Once the virus enters the dog's body, it first localizes in lymphoid tissues (day 2), then in the bloodstream (days 3-4), and then is found in intestinal crypts and the bone marrow (days 4-7) resulting in the onset of GI symptoms 5 days after infection. Dog parvo symptoms include lethargy, anorexia, fever, vomiting (with or without diarrhea), bloody watery diarrhea, and blood in the vomitus. Due to the massive fluid losses across the intestine and the lack of intake, dogs rapidly become severely dehydrated, rapidly loose weight, and experience abdominal discomfort.
The severity of the illness is worse with stress; overcrowding; poor hygiene; other concurrent bacterial, viral or parasitic infections; and when secondary bacterial infections occur.
Puppies will die either from inadequate or late treatment, severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, hypoglycemia, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypothermia, and septic shock or overwhelming secondary bacterial infection due to low numbers of protective white blood cells. Hypoalbuminemia results from the loss of albumin from the bloodstream into the intestine and results in the inability to hold fluid within the blood vessels.
Diagnosis is by clinical signs, presentation (puppies 6-16 wks of age), white blood cell counts, and we use an in house ELISA test to identify virus in the stool. Virus can be detected in the stool only during the first few days of clinical illness. Virus is shed in the stool for no more than 2 weeks following infection.
Rehydration is the first cornerstone of treatment. We recommend the administration of intravenous electrolyte solutions (lactated ringers or plasmalyte) in large volumes with a continuous 24 hour IV drip. Healing and defense require that we promote a proper blood flow to all tissues. The rate of fluid replacement is tailored to the amount of fluid losses from vomiting and diarrhea. Dextrose may be added to the fluids both to provide energy to a body that cannot get it otherwise, but also to encourage increased vascular volume. After fluids have been initiated, potassium chloride is frequently added to the fluids to make up for total body potassium depletion. Antibiotics are routinely administered by injection to help defend against secondary bacterial infections, but in some cases the white blood cell count is dangerously low and aggressive combination antibiotic therapy is needed (aminoglycosides or fluroquinolones and penicillins, or single late generation cephalosporins such as ceftazidime). In cases where the blood count is falling, the dog's condition is expected to worsen, but when the blood cell count stops dropping and starts to increase, the dog is expected to improve. We also use drugs to help control vomiting (Reglan or metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, Anzemet, Zofran, or Cerenia), and in some cases these have a sedative effect to help the dog rest. In cases of severe bloody diarrhea, whole blood transfusions may mean the difference between success and failure. Again, when blood components are lost across the intestine, they may need replacement. Plasma transfusions accomplish this and are an especially good source of albumin. When plasma is not readily available, synthetic colloids such as hetastarch can be used to help hold fluid within the vascular system and to build vascular volume. Timely administration of these products can also mean the difference between success and failure.
Treatment costs for 24 hour intensive care can be quite costly. Anyone who has to pay the bill will wish they had pet insurance. Severe cases requiring more aggressive measures such as combination intravenous antibiotics, plasma transfusions, and Reglan continuous IV drips may result in charges in excess of twice the estimated amount in one 24 hour period. The usual course of infection results in 3-5 days of severe dog parvo symptoms with most dogs recovering within a week. It may be an upward trend in the blood count, a willingness to take fluids by mouth, or just a general improvement in attitude that signals their recovery.
Some dogs experience only mild illness, but there are those that scrape the bottom for days, and there are dogs we loose in spite of our best efforts. Many clients elect to start with intensive care, but treatment must be tailored to fit their budget and the dog's condition. Once vomiting stops, small amounts of water and then bland food (ID) are offered and gradually the dog is returned to its original diet over the following 1-2 weeks. If concurrent or secondary infections are present, treatment for these needs to be finished. Once the virus runs its course, dogs usually return to normal with no long term ill effects and quickly make up for lost time. Dogs recovering from infection have a better acquired immunity than we can confer with vaccination.
Since its emergence in the late 70's, canine parvovirus has changed and the current viral agents may be even more deadly than those before. Infected dogs shed the virus for usually less than 2 weeks post infection. Once the virus is present in the environment it can persist and remain ineffective for long periods. Thus it is the ground that can serve as the largest reservoir and presents the greatest risk for exposure. The virus can be inactivated by sunlight, formalin, and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) in a 1:30 dilution. Prevention and control can be accomplished by strict attention to hygiene, isolation of puppies from environments that may contain the virus (the park, other dogs), immunizations, and acquisition of puppies from individuals or groups that adhere to these practices. Modified live vaccines provide protection from disease and prevent viral shedding but cannot be used in pregnant dogs. Killed vaccines can be given to pregnant dogs, but do not prevent viral shedding. In spite of early and continued vaccination against CPV, puppies can still become infected, in some cases due to interference from maternal antibodies that prevent them from responding to vaccination but are not protective against infection.
The best protection is vaccination. If you think your dog may have dog parvo symptoms compatible with Canine Parvovirus infection, seek immediate veterinary care.
Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care. US and has over 20 years in Veterinarian medicine and experience with Canine Parvovirus. For additional information you can contact one of our Veterinarians in your area.

Article source: amazines.com
Author: PAUL SKELLENGER

Your one-stop source for all Dog Parvo related information.

Can Parvovirus Affect Labrador Retriever?

Whether your Labrador Retriever is out in the field working or just right beside you enjoying the dog show, chances of contracting parvovirus exist. Parvovirus is a contagious virus affecting dogs, more frequently puppies. Canine Parvovirus or CPV is a highly infectious disease and is spread from dog to dog with physical contact and contact with infected feces. The virus is not capable of reproducing on its own because of the fact that they contain only DNA or RNA. They invade the cell, reproduce inside it and kills the cells causing dogs and puppies not to be able to absorb nutrients or liquids.

Whether your Labrador Retriever is out in the field working or just right beside you enjoying the dog show, chances of contracting parvovirus exist. Parvovirus is a contagious virus affecting dogs, more frequently puppies. Canine Parvovirus or CPV is a highly infectious disease and is spread from dog to dog with physical contact and contact with infected feces. The virus is not capable of reproducing on its own because of the fact that they contain only DNA or RNA. They invade the cell, reproduce inside it and kills the cells causing dogs and puppies not to be able to absorb nutrients or liquids.
CPV has two forms: intestinal and cardiac. The less common is the cardiac form in which the virus attacks the heart muscle and the dog dies suddenly because of heart failure. Some infected dogs will show no dog parvo symptoms. But some infected dogs show dog parvo symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, high fever, diarrhea, depression and lack of appetite. In severe cases, stool can be very watery, foul smelling, yellow in color and usually bloody. Abdominal pain is also present as well as pain when eating. The possibility of dehydration exist because of severe dehydration and vomiting and the fact that he is not able to replace the nutrients and fluids lost.
To diagnose the presence of parvovirus, positive diagnostic test is done. Canine parvovirus disease requires aggressive or intense treatment. There is no specific cure for this disease. Your vet can only treat the dog parvo symptoms to keep the pet alive. Measures should be taken to prevent diarrhea, loss of proteins and to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. These measures include giving of fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature and giving blood transfusions when needed. Antibiotic therapy may be needed to control secondary bacterial infections.
To ensure that you're beloved Labrador Retriever will not suffer this kind of health problem, you should adhere to the required or recommended vaccination. Vaccine against parvovirus is usually administered to puppies six to eight weeks of age and should only be allowed to mingle with other dogs two weeks after their last vaccination. There is no use vaccinating new born puppies since they are still protected by maternal antibodies. However, these antibodies wear off before the puppy's system became mature enough to fight parvovirus.
CPV cannot be treated at home so consult your vet immediately if you see signs of the existence of this disease.
Richard Cussons writes information articles on different breed of dog such as Labrador Retriever. For more tips on training Labradors, check out labradorsavvy.com.

Article source: amazines.com
Author: RICHARD CUSSONS

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