What are Parvovirus?
Parvo is the colloquial name for canine parvovirus, a serious gastrointestinal illness caused by contact with contaminated materials, often the feces of an infected animal. Young dogs who are partially or completely unvaccinated are at highest risk, especially if stressed (e.g. due to weaning). A pet infected with parvovirus may develop a fever and behave lethargically, possibly refusing food within the first few days of infection. Within 24-48 hours, copious vomiting and diarrhea present, often containing blood in the later stages. If not promptly and effectively treated, the dehydration, septic shock, and stress on the animal’s heart can be fatal. See a veterinarian immediately if parvovirus is suspected, as this condition carries an 80% mortality rate if untreated.
Canine Parvovirus or “Parvo” is an extremely contagious viral disease causing severe gastrointestinal distress in young dogs. Zones of rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the small intestine are highly susceptible to the virus, causing vomiting and diarrhea. The virus also preys on hematopoietic progenitor cells in the lymph nodes and blood marrow, increasing the likelihood of sepsis. You can protect your dog from this potential killer by making sure she's up-to-date on her vaccinations, and by having a full series of booster vaccines given.
Parvovirus Average Cost
From 451 quotes ranging from $500 - $12,000
Average Cost
$5,500
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Symptoms of Parvovirus in Dogs
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Refusal of food
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fluid distention of intestines
- Weak pulse
- Tachycardia
- Hypothermia
Types
- Intestinal
- Cardiac
Causes of Parvovirus in Dogs
- Eating the feces of an animal infected with parvo
- Contact of infected material with eyes, nose or mouth
- Lack of proper vaccination
- Systemic stress from other illnesses can increase risk of infection with parvo
Diagnosis of Parvovirus in Dogs
Intestinal
A veterinarian will suspect parvovirus in young, unvaccinated dogs displaying the aforementioned symptoms, especially if recently adopted from a shelter or other location with many dogs in close contact. ELISA, a common lab test, is used to detect presence of viral particles with a high degree of sensitivity, but in the early days of infection may present a false-negative, so the dog should be quarantined even if the first test is negative. The veterinarian will likely admit the dog to an animal hospital based on the severity of the case.
Cardiac
This type of parvovirus is very rare and infects puppies while still in the uterus, causing stillbirth or death shortly after birth. There is currently no effective way to diagnose or treat this type of infection, beyond the preventative actions of keeping a clean environment for the mother and avoiding contact with any sources of infection or possibly infected animals.
Treatment of Parvovirus in Dogs
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from the vomiting and diarrhea pose the most immediate risk to a dog’s health. Electrolyte solutions can be administered orally if the dog’s vomiting is not too severe. Dogs with moderate to severe dehydration and/or copious vomiting will need an IV carrying replacement electrolytes, as severely infected dogs lose the ability to effectively absorb water and nutrients through the gut. Blood sugar and potassium should be monitored and supplemented via IV if necessary. In severe cases, GI protein loss below 20g/L will require colloid therapy such as pentastarch. Additionally, anti-emetics to control vomiting may be prescribed along with antibiotics to treat any opportunistic infections.
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Recovery of Parvovirus in Dogs
Puppies that are treated swiftly and survive the first 3-4 days of the infection may be able to make a full recovery. Once vomiting has subsided for 12-24 hours, easy-to-digest foods that are low in fat may be given at the recommendation of the veterinarian, such as cottage cheese, boiled chicken, and rice. The companionship and attention of the owner will help ameliorate stress.
Although dogs who recover from parvovirus are immune to reinfection, the amount of contamination they have spread may be significant, and the dog itself remains contagious for up to six weeks. Parvovirus is difficult to kill, being resistant to many common cleaners and disinfectants. In normal humidity at room temperature the virus can remain dangerous for months. All cleanable materials should be washed with a 1:10 bleach solution or an accelerated peroxide. All non-cleanable material should be disposed of such that no other animals can come in contact with it. Owners should take extreme care in washing their hands and cleaning the soles of shoes before leaving the area after petting their dog or cleaning up contaminated areas.
Cost of Parvovirus in Dogs
Treatment cost for Parvovirus will correspond to the severity of the signs at the time of the hospital visit. The initial examination is expected to cost between $50 and $100.00. The parvovirus test run by the veterinarian or the veterinarian technician will cost between $84 and $250.00. The overall cost of treating Parvovirus can be as much as 5000.00, which supports the minimal cost of vaccinations. If you bring your pet in during an emergency crisis or when they are severely affected the cost of the treatment will increase drastically, especially if ICU or multiple days of hospitalisation are needed.
Parvovirus Average Cost
From 451 quotes ranging from $500 - $12,000
Average Cost
$5,500
Top
Parvovirus Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
blue nose pit bull puppy
2 months.
65 found this helpful
65 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Parvo
His sister died this morning of parvovirus and now he is sick black poop and not wanting to eat and drink I've been giving him Pedialyte all day
Nov. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
65 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Parvovirus is a very contagious disease among puppies, and if a sibling died of the disease, it is highly likely that he has the problem as well. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as these puppies often require hospitalization and intensive care to survive.
Nov. 25, 2020
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chahuahua weenie mix
Seven Months
55 found this helpful
55 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting/Lathargy/Not Eating Or Drinking
My puppy was vomiting and not eating or drinking absolutely no diarrhea in fact no bowel movement or urination and i thought shewas dying but now after pepcid ac and pedialyte shes better but now 2of our other dogs are throwing up one of which is nirsing 3week pups what could it be.. No money for vet
Oct. 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
55 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Without being able to take them to see a veterinarian, the only thing that you can do is what you have been doing. If they have an infectious disease like Parvo virus, if you are able to keep them hydrated until they stop vomiting with Pedialyte, they may make it. I hope that they are okay.
Oct. 20, 2020
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Chihuahua
11 weeks
29 found this helpful
29 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
A Little Vomiting
My dog has not been vaccinated I was going to go today. He has vomited yesterday and today . What should I do
Oct. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
29 Recommendations
Hello so sorry to hear about your dog. If he is vomiting for 2 days we worry about parvovirus with young puppies. It would be best for him to see your vet. A bland diet and syringe feedings may also help. WIth him being a small dog these can easily get dehydrated. Your vet can prescribe you medication to help your dog feel much better. Good Luck.
Oct. 3, 2020
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Mutt
Four Months
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
My 4 month old puppy has parvovirus. He started showing signs on Sept. 23, on monin
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, this platform is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that you were able to get treatment for your puppy, as Parvo virus typically does require treatment. I hope that your puppy is okay.
Oct. 10, 2020
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Akita
Seven Weeks
24 found this helpful
24 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Stool
I have a question we are on the 2nd week of recovery from parvo an my dog is playing an eating an drinking water but I noticed little blood still in his poop is that normal for recovery ?
Aug. 17, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
24 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. He could have parasites that are also causing the bloody stool. If he is eating, drinking, and acting fine, I would try to get him a dewormer from your vet. They can also check a fecal sample to make sure that your dog is on the correct medication for your dog's problems. If he ever starts to not act right, it would be best for your vet to check your puppy and make sure that there is nothing else going on.
Aug. 17, 2020
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Pit bull
Bayne
10 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I have a 10 week old puppy that tested positive for parvo. She had thrown up 2 days before testing positive but has not since. She has not stopped eating or drinking. She is still playing and acting normal. She has not or is not having diarrhea. And no blood in the stool she is having. Has anyone had anything like this? We have her on all the meds and gi food the vet prescribed.
Chihuahua
Max and Gigi
11 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Weight Loss
Lethargy
Loss Of Balance
Loss Of Appetite
Anorexia
Loss Of Consciousness
Loss Of Mass
Loss Of Equilibrium
Max and Gigi were diagnosed with Parvo exactly 7days ago. I had another teacup Chihuahua Mini Mouse who started showing symptoms 3days before and before we even started to suspect Parvo she unfortunately passed away. Max and Gigi were not showing any symptoms at that time and that was the main reason we didn't suspect Parvo. The next day however both started becoming sick. Gigi made a quick recovery she was only down for about 3days. Max got really sick and even with all the antibiotics and fluids he was not getting better and refused to eat he was also so weak that he couldn't stand on his own for more than a few seconds. My husband and I decided we would not make him suffer anymore and decided to put him to sleep, an hour before the vet appointment max started eating and has been eating small meals of chicken every few hours for almost 36hrs now and is now drinking water on his own and getting up through the night and going to his puppy pad to poop. I'm hoping that this is his turn around and it came literally 1hour before we had scheduled to have hom put down. This has been a hard tiring and taxing experience but now i will continue to keep fighting for my babies and nursing them back to health. Gigi is back to her normal self she necer got to sick just seemed like she had an upset stomach for a few days Mini mouse unfortunately is no longer with us she is blessing heaven with her beautiful soul and hopefully Max is starting his recovery stage. Don't give up its hard to watch your bestfriend go through this, Parvo is a horrible virus but with the help of your vet and lots of love, dedication, and a lot of sleepless nights it is possible to get through it. Prevention is key but if you have the unfortunate diagnosis of Parvo early detection and treatment is crucial. The quicker you start treatment the better your chances. Please pray for my Maxie boy
Parvovirus Average Cost
From 451 quotes ranging from $500 - $12,000
Average Cost
$5,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
