Parvovirus in the scanning electron microscope Parvovirus, also known as feline distemper, is one of the most feared canine diseases, as they inevitably, and without immediate intensive treatment leads to death. Especially puppies and younger dogs are particularly susceptible to this virus. Why?
Parvovirus in the scanning electron microscope
The puppies take on the necessary first antibody to parvovirus in human milk, primarily with the colostrum, which is the first milk immediately after parturition. As the puppies, especially during heavy litters absorb different amounts of colostrum this, they are also immunized to different degrees.
Regardless, however, makes this basic immunization for the mother's milk from week to week. A Swiss study revealed that at the age of 6 weeks, over 80% of the puppies have no more adequate immunization.
This disease, canine parvovirus call (PVC) is an infection caused by a virus, is severe, highly contagious and affects the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, adult dogs and other wild canines. Has been identified since 1978 and has a worldwide distribution.
The disease is transmitted by contact when the puppies and adult dogs ingest the virus found in the feces from infected dogs. The virus is very resistant to extreme environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Small amounts of feces containing the virus may serve as reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or the members of the dog or via contaminated cages, shoes and other objects. Canine parvovirus infection can only be transmitted to dogs and other canines and not to other animals or humans.
Parvoviruses are submitted by infected dogs through feces. Just curious puppies who need to snoop around everything, then take on these viruses. This explains the cases where mass breeding of puppies with poor hygiene are often in groups infected with this virus. This course satisfies one sick animal to infect the entire stock pups. One more reason to let the fingers of such sources. The same goes for dealers.
Another source of infection are puppy play groups but also the man who umbemerkt with his shoes into the house and often the virus directly contributes to the union office. The puppies so the first few weeks not to leave the house, is no guarantee against attack.
Parvo usually begins with a barely noticeable fatigue (which is not sleeping like puppy?) And mild fever. Very soon after, but comes to vomiting, often accompanied by diarrhea. The puppy does not retain food for longer vomits, also drunk, the diarrhea is bloody end. These symptoms are not treated immediately by a veterinarian, the whole thing usually ends fatally. A weight loss of more than 12%, along with the water and electrolyte depletion of the body, the animal does not survive.Your veterinarian will make the initial diagnosis of disease based on clinical signs and laboratory tests. There are no specific medications that kill the virus in infected animals. Treatment of infection due must begin immediately to PVC consisting of primary efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea and preventing secondary infections. Ill dogs should be kept warm and good food, and be separated from other dogs. It is essential to cleaning and disinfection of kennels and other areas where dogs are housed in controlling the spread of the virus.
The first signs of infection are depression, loss of appetite, fever and severe diarrhea with blood. Dogs can quickly become dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea, and most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours after onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian.
All dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are at risk of being affected, yet the pups increases the risk of acquiring the disease from weaning to four months of age.
Also, certain breeds seem to present a higher risk in the severity of the
disease (eg Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher).
Against the parvovirus there are no medicines. What is crucial for the progression of the disease, however, is the treatment of symptoms. The severe diarrhea can be stoped, the water budget will be balanced again, the body must bicarbonate, potassium and other electrolytes may be fed. Then the dog has a certain chance for survival.
Vaccination and good hygiene are critical components in the prevention of canine parvovirus.
In a normal environment, eg in a well-manicured cattery enough, the first vaccination at about the seventh Week of life. This is carried out together with a vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and kennel cough. In the 12-13. Weeks after vaccination takes place. Then the usual annual revaccination.
There is an increased risk of infection, thus a greater likelihood that an infected animal (eg in a mass culture), can and should be already in the 5th Vaccination against canine parvovirus week and distemper are made. Had some mass breeders and dealers even the glimmer of a sense of responsibility, at least they would resort to this measure.
Vaccination - Vaccination is very important. Young puppies are very susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity provided in breast milk decreases before the immune system is mature enough to fight the infection. If a puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus during this gap in protection, it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity provided by breast milk can interfere with an effective response to vaccination. This means that even though the puppies have been vaccinated to parvovirus. To reduce this lack of protection during the first months of life and provide adequate levels of security against parvovirus during the first months of life, it is recommended to a series of puppy vaccinations confer adequate protection. To protect their adult dogs, owners must be assured that parvovirus vaccination must be valid. Ask your veterinarian about vaccination, duration of immunity and the right program for your pet.
HYGIENE - Until the puppy has received the complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should be very cautious and not allow your puppy to have contact with fecal material from other puppies when you walk in the park, places recreation, pet stores, obedience trials, breeding or pensions, dog shows or when walking through the streets of the city. Reputable establishments and training programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccination programs, health examinations, good hygiene and isolation of ill puppies and dogs. Always avoid contact with sick dogs and their premises. In short, do not let your puppy or dog fecal material into contact with other dogs when walking in the park, playgrounds, or when walking in the streets of the city. It is always advisable to have a proper manner and speed of the stool as a way to limit the spread of canine parvo Symptoms.