Canine Parvovirus puppies Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is caused by a virus that is very similar to feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper). It has been speculated that the canine virus is a mutation of the feline virus, but has never been proven. Since it's first appearance in 1978, the CPV infection has ravaged young puppies. The virus attacks the lining of the intestinal tract resulting in severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea, which then causes severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The virus also attacks the white blood cells of the puppy, rendering their immune system totally useless. The bacteria from the intestinal tract are then able to get into the blood stream and cause a septicemia. On occasion, the heart muscle is also attacked resulting in sudden death, and in some puppies that survive, heart damage and congestive heart failure.
Treatment of the infected puppy usually requires an intensive care stay at the hospital with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and medications to limit the vomiting. Tamiflu is a human anti-viral medication for the influenza virus and is being used off-label to lessen the severity and course of the disease. Some dogs, even with intensive treatment, do not make it.
The main source of the virus if from the feces of infected animals. Unlike most other viruses, CPV is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, alcohol, and many disinfectants. A diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 30 parts water) will destroy the infective virus.
The problem with CPV is that the virus is easily transmitted by the hair or feet of infected dogs and picked up by humans who then track it home and expose their new puppy to the virus. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within six to ten days of the initial infection.
The best method of protecting your dog against CPV infection is proper vaccination. Puppies receive a parvo vaccination as part of their vaccine series starting at 6-8 weeks of age and give every 2 to 4 weeks until 22 weeks old. An additional booster is then given 6 months later. Adult dogs will get boosters annually and more often if kenneled.
With all of this, a new strain of parvo has been identified that is even more virulent. At the moment , this virus is not detectable by current lab tests, and is infecting dogs immunized for parvo virus. The virus has been in Italy for 6 years and is emerging in the United States.