Parvo: the Illness and its Treatment
What is parvovirus?
Parvo is a virus that attacks the digestive tract of the dog. It is spread through fecal matter. Your dog could
walk through this in an unfenced yard, on his daily walks, at the pet store or you, yourself, could bring it to
him/her on the bottom of your shoes. It attacks dogs and puppies that have not been vaccinated properly
against it (a puppy needs a series of vaccinations against parvovirus the last or second one around 16 weeks
or older). Rottweiler, Rottweiler mixes; Dobermans and Doberman mixes seem more susceptible.
Treating parvovirus
BE PREPARED FOR A 5 to 7 DAY HOSPITAL STAY AND A SUBSTANTIAL EXPENSE. INTENSIVE CARE
IS NEEDED TO TREAT THIS INFECTION. Treatment for parvovirus infection centers on support. This means
that the symptoms that come up in the course of the infection are treated individually with the goal of keeping
the patient alive long enough for an immune response to kick in. We do not have effective medications acting
directly against parvovirus and must rely on the patient’s immune system for cure. There are certain basic
treatments that are needed for the parvo puppy. Beyond these basics are some added pluses that may or may
not contribute to the chance for survival. In order to achieve the usual odds of approximately 50-50, the basics
must be used. If an owner is less concerned about expense and simply wants to maximize survival chances,
some of the optional treatments may be employed.
THE BASICS
FLUID THERAPY: One of the ways parvo can kill is through dehydration. It is crucial to replace the vast fluid
losses (from vomiting and diarrhea) with intravenous fluids. Fluids are given as a steady drip rather than simply
under the skin so that absorption into the circulation is direct. Potassium may be added to the fluids in order to
maintain electrolyte balance. Dextrose (sugar) may also be added as the stress of the disease may lower
blood sugar especially in a very small puppy.
ANTIBIOTICS: The second way parvo kills is through bacterial invasion of the circulatory system (sepsis.)
Since the GI tract is damaged, antibiotics cannot be given orally. They are given either as shots or are added
into the IV fluid bag. There are a number of antibiotics which may be selected. Some antibiotics you may see
in use include: Flocillin ,Cefazolin and Baytril
CONTROL OF NAUSEA:
Patient comfort is a very important part of treatment for any disease but is especially important for parvo
treatment as these puppies feel extremely nauseated. Again, the GI tract is too damaged for oral medication
so medications are given as injections. There are several types of medications used to decrease vomiting.
One type affects how the stomach moves (metoclopramide and centrine). The other type is antacids, such as
cimetidine. Injectable antacids (Tagamet, Zantac, or Pepcid) are often used to prevent ulceration of the
esophagus of the esophagus should protracted vomited be a
problem.
MONITORING
The following tests are helpful in adjusting parvovirus treatment:
Fecal floatation to rule out worms/internal parasites
the last thing these patients need is a parasite burden contributing to their nausea and
diarrhea.
White blood cell counts/complete blood counts
one of the first acts of the parvovirus is to shut down the bone marrow production of immunologic cells (the
white blood cells). White blood cell counts are often monitored as the infection is
followed.
Abdominal Palpation
Abnormal motility of the intestines occurs with this infection. Sometimes an area of intestine actually
telescopes inside an adjacent area in a process called intussusception. This is a disastrous occurrence as
intussusception can only be treated surgically and parvo puppies are in no shape for surgery. Euthanasia is
usually elected in this event.
HOME TREATMENT FOR PARVO
Home treatment for parvo infection is a bad idea when compared to hospitalization and intensive care.
Mortality rises substantially and the heavy diarrhea and vomiting lead to heavy viral contamination in the home.
Contamination is a problem for other unvaccinated dogs or puppies that are in the home or that may visit, or
that may come into the home years down the road, since the virus lasts for years in the environment. They
might take the virus to a friend’s house that has an unvaccinated puppy or dog. Whether a parvo puppy is
cared for in the home or in our clinic, clean up of the environment is essential. In the house you can use a 1:32
dilution of bleach (1/2 cup per gallon of water). Outside is almost impossible to disinfect. Therefore it is wise
to have any new puppy fully vaccinated before bringing it in your yard.