Summary:
"Parvo symptoms in puppies can range from mild to severe. Typical symptoms include high fever, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Treatment focuses on the restoration of electrolyte and fluid balance. Antibiotic treatment to reduce or prevent secondary bacterial infections are recommended. Homeopathic dietary supplements are very helpful for this condition."
Overview
Parvo virus can occur in dogs of all ages, but it is seen more often in puppies because their immune systems are not as strong. Puppies should be vaccinated for parvo virus at age 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and again at age 14 weeks (the actually week may vary based on your veterinarian). After that, dogs should receive annual vaccinations.
Three vaccinations are necessary to ensure that the vaccination takes hold. Antiboides that your puppy inherits from the mother sometimes prevent the vaccine from working. This occurs in 10% of puppies after 2 vaccinations.
There is no cure for parvo, so regular vaccinations are crucial. It is possible for one form of parvo to pass through the placenta of the mother and infect a fetus before it is born.
Parvo Symptoms in Puppies
The severity of parvo symptoms is related to the extend of the exposure. Mild exposure in a kennel or dog show may only result in mild symptoms.
Parvo symptoms in puppies are quite severe. Symptoms usually begin with a high fever, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Next comes vomiting and severe diarrhea. Diarrhea is often yellow in color, bloody, and very foul smelling. Dehydration and shock can occur. Many puppies with parvo virus do not survive.
There is a decrease in white blood cell count and ulceration of the intestinal lining, leaving puppies vulnerable to secondary bacterial infection. Many puppies with parvo also have hookworms.
The virus can also attack a dog's heart, causing congestive heart failure. This can happen months or even years after an apparent recovery from the intestinal form of the disease.
Parvo Symptoms in Puppies Diagnosis
If parvo symptoms in puppies are observed, the puppies need to see a vet immediately for treatment. Parvo can be diagnosed by testing a sample of their stool, so bring a stool sample with you to the vet. The vet will probably do blood work and check for a low white blood cell count using a ELISA test. Fecal testing equipment is not widely available.
Parvo Symptoms in Puppies Treatment
There is no cure for parvo virus, but supportive care is needed if the puppies are to survive. Supportive care consists of IV or subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids to combat dehydration, medications to stop vomiting and diarrhea, and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections from taking hold. A de-worming treatment is also given when the puppies are well enough to tolerate it. Puppies with parvo will probably require hospitalization.
The puppies' environment will need to be disinfected so that they do not become re-infected with the virus, since it can live for up to six months on objects such as toys, bedding, and cage floors. Use half a cup of bleach to a gallon of water, and wash all items thoroughly. Wash soft item in hot water.
Home Remedy for Puppy Parvo
Most dogs need more than processed foods, even high quality ones, to stay healthy. A great diet will help restore health to ill dogs and often prevent health problems. Veterinary colleges are now recommending that vaccines be given every three years or only one time per lifetime in many situations. Holistic and homeopathic veterinarians find that vaccines, in many dogs, cause the most damage to the immune system and prevent dogs from becoming healthy.
Supplements such as Parvo (30C) is a homeopathic preparation of the canine parvovirus vaccine. Used homeopathically, Parvo (30C) can help to support and strengthen the animal's natural immune defenses and promote systemic and digestive health and balance. Other remedies include Arsen alb.(6C), Verat. alb.(6C)and Belladonna (30C) are also helpful for parvo support. Parvo-K from PetAlive is a proven herbal dog Parvovirus treatment that combines these ingredients.
Sources
www.peteducation.com
www.cpvh.com
Canine Parvo Virus and Distemper
Lobetti, Remo
Parvo Infection in Dogs
Hines, Ron DVM
INTRODUCTION TO HOMEOPATHY:
PART II
Christina Chambreau, DVM
Sparks, MD
