Effective Treatment for Dog Parvovirus: What to Do

Canine parvovirus (CPV), often referred to as "canine distemper," is primarily transmitted through infected dogs. The virus is abundant in their vomit, saliva, and feces. Even after recovery, dogs can continue to shed the virus in their feces for an extended period. Evidence suggests that humans, lice, flies, and cockroaches can act as mechanical carriers of the virus. Healthy dogs can contract the disease by direct contact with infected or carrier dogs, or through contaminated food and water, leading to infection via the digestive system.

Disease Types

The disease manifests in two main forms: enteritis and myocarditis. Clinically, enteritis is the most common form, while myocarditis can lead to rapid death. This article focuses on the enteritis form.

Animals Prone to Infection

Puppies are most susceptible to the disease, which typically has an incubation period of 714 days. It often occurs after a change in environment, such as when a new puppy is introduced to a home. Factors like bathing and overeating can trigger the onset of the disease. It is crucial for pet owners to assess their dog's health upon arrival and consider vaccination within a week. Unvaccinated adult dogs can also be infected.

Clinical Symptoms

Initially, dogs may exhibit signs of depression, loss of appetite, occasional fever, soft stools, or mild vomiting. These symptoms can progress to frequent vomiting and severe diarrhea. The feces may start as gray, yellow, or milky, with a jellylike mucus, and later turn into foulsmelling, dark red or tomato juicelike stools. Infected dogs can rapidly dehydrate, become emaciated, have sunken eyes, matted fur, lack of skin elasticity, cold ears and nose, limbs, and a profoundly depressed state, potentially leading to shock and death. Symptoms can escalate from mild to severe within two days, with the entire course of the disease generally lasting about a week. This period is critical for treatment.

Treatment

Medical treatment primarily involves symptomatic care, along with the use of hyperimmune serum and monoclonal antibody therapy. Adult dogs have a higher cure rate, while the prognosis for puppies is more guarded. Symptomatic treatment includes antiemetics, antiinflammatory drugs, and antidiarrheals. Owners should closely follow the doctor's advice during the treatment process.

Medications and Treatment Methods During Canine Parvovirus

Amoxicillin Capsules (oral penicillin)

Administer twice a day, one capsule in the morning and one in the evening. Dissolve the powder in warm water and use a syringe to force the dog to drink it. The bitter taste requires patience from the owner, but it is essential to ensure the dog consumes it, as penicillin helps with inflammation and antibacterial action.

MamyiAi

Administer twice a day, one packet in the morning and one in the evening. Dissolve the powder in warm water and use a syringe to force the dog to drink it. MamyiAi can treat diarrhea and regulate gastrointestinal function. Patience and attention to detail are required to ensure the dog consumes the entire dose.

Gluconate (powdered oral supplement)

Administer four times a day. Due to vomiting and loss of appetite, dogs may experience a rapid depletion of water and essential nutrients. Gluconate contains potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, and has no adverse effects on the dog's gastrointestinal system. It is effective in replenishing iron. Administer one dose in the morning, one in the afternoon, one in the evening, and one during the night, ensuring the water is warm.

Metoclopramide (Gastropulmin)

Administer two tablets twice a day, in the morning and evening. Crush the tablets and mix with warm water, then use a syringe to feed the dog. It is recommended to use minimal water due to the bitter taste. Metoclopramide can help alleviate vomiting and reduce the dog's discomfort.