Canine Parvovirus and Canine Parvovirus Myocarditis

Cause, A small but very tough and persistent virus, Usually 5 days, Transmission, Dog to Dog, via virus excreted in faeces, and also via virus carried on human clothing, footwear and objects which may have been contaminated by an infected dog.

Canine Parvovirus is a small but extremely hardy virus that can survive in the environment for long periods. The decease first emerged in the 1970s as an epidemic, killing many thousands of dogs before effective vaccination become available. The main source of infection is the faeces of infected dogs, the virus can also be spread on shoes and clothing and on the coat and pads of dogs.

Originally, two forms were seen: heart disease (in young puppies) and enteritis. Now, heart decease is rarely seen, as most young puppies are protected by virtue of immunity passed in the mothers first milk. Enteritis is seen in any age of dog from about four weeks of age, but most commonly in dogs less than one year old.

Signs appear quickly and usually consist of depression, severe vomiting, refusal of food and water, abdominal pain and profuse smelly, bloody diarrhoea. This can result in rapid and server dehydration leading to death. 'Parvo' is still commonly seen in unvaccinated dogs.