Canine Parvovirus: Dangers & Treatment Strategies
Clinical Symptoms
The canine parvovirus primarily manifests as an enteritis syndrome, with a relatively short incubation period, typically not exceeding 5 days. A change in living environment and lifestyle can easily lead to illness in puppies. After the incubation period, affected dogs may exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and in some cases, fever, mild vomiting, and diarrhea. This phase usually lasts no more than 2 days. If not treated promptly, the condition will gradually worsen. This early stage is the golden time for treatment, as the chances of recovery significantly decrease after this period.
Following the initial phase, the symptoms of affected dogs escalate to severe vomiting and diarrhea. The feces may change from gray to creamy, often containing a large amount of jellylike fluid, and eventually, bloody stools with a strong odor. Dogs suffering from the virus quickly become dehydrated, showing signs like reduced skin elasticity, coolness in the nose and ears, tremors in the limbs, weight loss, sunken eyes, and ultimately, shock and death. The incubation period for the enteritis form of canine parvovirus is typically 3 to 5 days, with the initial phase not lasting more than 2 days. If not treated promptly, the course of the disease does not exceed 7 days.
Canine parvovirus resides in the gastrointestinal mucosal layer of affected dogs. As the virus continues to replicate and divide, it causes the mucosal layer to break down, leading to extensive bleeding in the small intestine and subsequent infection, resulting in enteritis. After a brief incubation period, dogs infected with the virus may experience vomiting and diarrhea, with the vomit containing food, gastric juices, and bile. Diarrhea starts as normal feces, progresses to watery stools, and finally to bloody stools. During this period, dogs may refuse to eat or drink, leading to significant fluid loss and potentially resulting in dehydration or secondary bacterial infections and death.
Treatment: When treating dogs infected with canine parvovirus, it is crucial to first isolate the affected dog to prevent the spread of the virus to other canines. The best time for treating the enteritis form is during the initial stages, as the cure rate is higher. In the treatment process, not only should the virus be addressed, but also secondary diseases should be prevented promptly.
Firstly, administer an antiparvovirus hyperimmune serum to the affected dog, with the dosage determined by the dog's weight (2 mL per kilogram). The injection can be either subcutaneous or intramuscular, and it should be given once every 24 hours for a continuous period of 3 days. To prevent secondary infections caused by canine parvovirus, concurrent administration of quinolone类药物 is recommended.
During treatment, it is essential to address the specific needs of the affected dog, including stopping bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, and preventing dehydration to avoid deterioration of the condition. The mucosal damage caused by canine parvovirus can lead to hemorrhagic symptoms, so it is crucial to use hemostatic drugs early on to prevent the worsening of bleeding. Medications such as Angiostatin or Hemostatic Sensitivity can be chosen.
Dogs suffering from vomiting and diarrhea will experience significant fluid loss, so it is necessary to control vomiting and diarrhea, and the dog should be kept on a fasting and waterdeprived diet. Intravenous fluid therapy should be used to replenish fluids and energy, preventing dehydration.
Prevention: Canine parvovirus often occurs within two weeks of a change in environment, particularly in newly purchased puppies due to improper bathing or overeating. After acquiring a new puppy, it is important to promptly administer vaccinations, such as single or hexavalent vaccines for canine parvovirus. The first vaccination can be given at 45 days of age, followed by a booster shot every two weeks.
