Parvovirus

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Parvo-viruses are a large cluster of strict host-specific viruses and nearly every mammal species, including humans, seems to have its own Parvovirus. Happily, each one is pretty specific about what animals it  infects. Being host-specific, means that a particular organism will usually only go to its own host for nutrition and life. However, such a creature, like a flea, will crossover, and a cat-flea for example, will feed off a human or any mammal, given the circumstances. 

Being strictly host-specific means that the Pig Parvovirus and or the Canine Parvovirus [CPV], will not infect say cats, or humans etc.  Though the Canine Parvovirus, will affect most members of the dog family types, such as the Wolf, the Coyotes, Fox etc. Nevertheless, we might presume that they are all related, and may have at one time mutated from a single source to cross over into other species. Another example of cross-contamination is Scrapie, which has affected Sheep for centuries, this has now crossed over to bovines by way of BSE, and Humans by way of CJD. 

Parvoviruses are much smaller than most viruses and consist of a intricate protein coat, called a Capsid, with a single strand of DNA inside. It is hard to believe that such a simple organism could do so much damage to animal tissue. But it is especially effective at infecting intestinal cells, bone marrow cells, cells of the lymph system, and fetal cells. It actually locks onto body cells, and uses the cell as a host, and then working as one entity it in turn multiplies rapidly.

 Signs of the disease can be seen after only 5 - 7 days.

Parvoviruses are not enveloped in fat the way many other viruses are, and this makes them especially hardy in the outside environment, and challenging in finding ways to disinfect. The virus will live outside of a body for over six months, and can survive quite cool temperatures. Perhaps only strong bleaches will have any influence. 

Prior to the late seventies, CPV, did not affect canines, but is believed to have mutated from feline distemper. The original CPV was discovered in 1967 and was called CPV-1. It did not signify much of a medical threat, except to newborn puppies. By 1977, a new variant, CPV-2,  appeared in the U.S. 

Because this virus is spread in extremely large numbers by infected animals, worldwide distribution of CPV occurred in a short time. It is mainly transmitted by the intake of viral contaminated feces, that are not necessarily eaten by the dog, but sniffed up as dog-dirt-dust particles. A single virus would be like a small grain of sand inside a large beach-ball.

Once taken into the body, the virus infects local lymph nodes and multiplies at an horrendous rate. By the use of the blood, it moves to the small intestine where it  is extremely injurious to the lining or mucosa of this area. The surface of the mucosa are uncovered destroying crucial protective barriers and interfering with the balance of the  digestive system, enabling the virus a direct route into the blood stream. 

The disease attacks on several fronts. The process of this disease is similar to Malaria, in as much as it simply overwhelms the body's defense mechanism. The dog will lose fluids from vomiting and diarrhea and will fast become dehydrated. The build-up of resulting toxins in the blood, will ultimately cause death helped by the precipitous drop in the white blood cell count. Furthermore the drop in white blood cells, will be made worse from the direct depressive viral effect on white blood cell production in the bone marrow.

There is some maternal protection passed on at birth with the first milk - the colostrum. But this will only be from a mother who is herself protected by anti-bodies. Whilst dogs of any age can get this, most victims, as in a lot of complaints, attack the very young, especially as the help from the colostrum wears off. Certain breeds tend to be more susceptible to the disease and this is probably related to an immune system, that is not so vigorous. They include Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Labradors and Retrievers.

Canis Familiaris  -  the Domestic Dog

In 1978, Canis Familiaris  -  the Domestic Dog, had any natural protection or indeed any sort of immunity against this virus. There was no resistance to it and the outbreak that resulted was devastating to owners of many loved ones. By 1979, making matters worse, CPV-1 mutated and the new germ was labeled CPV-2 later dubbed CPV-2a. As almost always in cases like this,  this one seemed to be even more aggressive, and another wave of canine deaths ensued.  The vaccine was quickly produced, but it was at a premium and many veterinarians had to make do with a feline distemper vaccine, as it was found to be closely related and an available vaccine that gave some defense. Drug manufacturers struggled to supply the world with true Parvovirus vaccines.

Nearly thirty years have passed since the first instances and though the virus has again mutated, and is called CPV-2b, it is under control.  Unknown to most, the virus is all around us, mainly in the ground, with more being laid down every time a dog defecates.   But it has been weakened and the domestic dog has been strengthened. With some puppies getting some innate resistance to it from their mothers, and the dog's natural defenses having a better resistance because virtually all dogs can be considered to have been exposed to it at least to some extent. Culminating to the fact that most adult dogs, even those inadequately vaccinated can be considered to have at least some immunity.

Thus the Parvo-viral infection has become a disease almost exclusive to puppies and adolescent dogs, who have not gained any resistance or a strong enough resistance. This is why it is advised that puppies are not really truly immune until a few days after their second injection. However, it was quite common in the early days of the disease, but this rarely occurs now, since most dams are protected against the virus, via vaccination when they were puppies,  and they pass on their immunity, to a lesser degree, to their puppies

A Parvo-viral infection must be considered as a possible diagnosis for any immature dog with vomiting and/or diarrhea symptoms. Parvoviral infections can crop up inside the uterus during pregnancy,  or shortly after birth, and be maintained by the unaffected bitch. This can cause an acute inflammation of the puppy's heart muscles - myocarditis. Myocarditis is caused by a collection of diseases of infectious, toxic, and autoimmune etiologies, characterized by inflammation of the heart. With proper treatment, survival rates are over 80%. Still, there are many myths and misunderstandings about this virus, how it is spread, and how to prevent it. 

Symptoms

If any dog is exposed to the virus, it only takes about 5 days for the signs of the disease, to appear. These symptoms can include loss of appetite, sluggishness, fever, vomiting, and prolific diarrhea, usually bloody . Death occurs in severe cases, usually as a result of dehydration, overwhelming infection, or shock, as the virus overwhelms the body. This is especially true in puppies and young dogs, that have not gained any protection.

Parvoviral enteritis is often suspected when bloody diarrhea occurs in a dog. A straightforward test is available that is performed quickly and inexpensively at your Vets. If caught in time, most dogs recover, in fact, if an animal can survive the first 3-4 days of illness, a full recovery can be anticipated.

Treatments

Since the virus is so tough and durable and can survive in the environment for such a long time, it is almost impossible to prevent exposure. Vaccination is the only truly effective way of preventing and controlling this disease. Your Vet will recommend an inoculation that covers up to SEVEN potential diseases that can hit your dog, this includes Parvo.

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