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Parvovirus

Also called: Parvo, parvoviral enteritis, CPV-2

A highly contagious viral disease that attacks rapidly dividing cells, especially the intestinal lining and bone marrow, and can affect the heart muscle in very young pups. The virus is extremely hardy and persists in the environment. It is prevented by vaccination.

When it is an emergency

A puppy with suspected parvovirus is an emergency — vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and rapid collapse can be fatal within 48–72 hours. Seek veterinary care immediately.

Signs to look for

How a vet diagnoses it

Signalment and history plus a faecal antigen (ELISA) test or PCR.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral cure; treatment is intensive supportive care — IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, antibiotics for secondary infection, and nutritional support. A canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody is a newer adjunctive treatment.

Monitoring at home

Hospitalised intensive care during the acute illness. Survival is good with prompt, intensive treatment; mortality is high without it.

Who tends to get it

Young, unvaccinated puppies (most at risk roughly 6 weeks to 6 months); unvaccinated adults can also be affected. Prevented by the puppy vaccination series.

This library is educational reference only. It is designed to help you learn about health conditions your pet may have been diagnosed with — it does not interpret your pet's symptoms, cannot diagnose, and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Cats and dogs often hide illness well, so signs can be subtle. Any new, persistent, or worsening sign warrants a vet visit.

Sources

More infectious (viral) conditions in dogs

Keeping track of it

If your dog has been diagnosed with Parvovirus, the things your vet will ask about next time — when it started, what changed, what they are on and what their weight has done — are much easier to answer if they were written down at the time. That is what Mabel.Pet is for.

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