We’ve seen a resurgence of many diseases in recent years, especially in the northern US. Currently, there is a theory that the return of coyotes and foxes in the area may be the cause. Whether or not this is true, these diseases are making the news and we are getting calls about them. So, for the next few months, I’ll be touching on some of them. This month: Parvo.
A “mystery illness” killed over 30 dogs in Michigan over the last few months and better testing eventually showed it was actually this very well-known virus. Parvovirus in dogs is passed in the stool of any infected canine animal. It is a REALLY tough bugger and can survive extreme temperatures and many disinfection techniques. It was basically unknown until the 1970’s when it started killing dogs by the thousands. Now it is everywhere, and it is essentially impossible to shield dogs from it. The virus enters the body through the mouth, usually after a dog licks/cleans itself after walking through an area where the virus is present. Once in the body, it targets rapidly dividing cells. The hardest hit are the bone marrow and the gastrointestinal tract. Once in those areas, it replicates and wipes out the dog’s ability to create cells for immunity and absorption of nutrients.
The first signs people notice at home are usually diarrhea and vomiting. Since most dogs are always getting into things they shouldn’t, this is ignored and standard diarrhea protocols are started at home: bland diets, extra water, etc. However, the dogs will quickly become sicker, with fever, anorexia, and extreme lethargy.
The disease mostly attacks young dogs, especially puppies. So, age is the first hint for vets that they may be dealing with Parvo. Standard testing will show a low white blood cell count on top of signs of extreme dehydration. Luckily, we also have a rapid, in-clinic test for Parvo that only requires a quick rectal swab. Once we know what it is, the best course of action is intensive care. Ideally, we will refer patients to a 24-hour facility where they can receive fluid therapy, antibiotics, and medication to help the intestinal tract fight the infection to the point where they dogs can eat again. However, even with this aggressive therapy, dogs are still at high risk of dying from Parvo.
The good news is that Parvo is preventable. We have been using Parvo vaccines for decades, mixed into our core “Distemper” combo shots. Puppies need to get this vaccine every 4 weeks until they are 16-20 weeks of age. They receive a booster a year later, then every 3 years. There is some debate that the immunity may actually last even longer than this. However, this has never been proven and our clinic prefers to remain cautious when it come to our patients, and we still recommend vaccinating every 3 years. Every single dog that became sick in this recent Michigan outbreak had not completed it vaccination series for Parvovirus. Be sure to check in with your vet to make sure your dog does not fall into this category.