GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The highly contagious canine parvovirus (CPV) has reared its ugly head in the George and Mossel Bay areas recently. This virus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus among dogs.

CPV is viral disease that affects dogs, particularly puppies, and unvaccinated adult dogs. It primarily attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can also affect the heart in young puppies.

It's crucial for dog owners to be aware of the risks of parvovirus and take appropriate measures to protect their pets through vaccination and good hygiene practices. 

If you suspect your dog may have parvovirus, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Here are some key points about canine parvovirus:

Causes: Canine parvovirus is caused by the canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) virus. There are different strains of the virus, including CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c. CPV-2b is the most common and virulent strain.

Transmission: The virus is transmitted through contact with infected feces. Dogs can become infected by ingesting the virus orally, either through direct contact with contaminated feces or through contact with contaminated objects, such as food bowls, bedding, or even on the shoes or hands of people who have been in contact with infected dogs.

Symptoms: The symptoms of canine parvovirus can vary but often include severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. Dehydration and secondary bacterial infections can also occur due to damage to the intestinal lining.

Diagnosis: A veterinarian can diagnose canine parvovirus through a combination of clinical signs, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as fecal tests or blood tests.

Treatment: Treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. This may include fluid therapy to combat dehydration, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, and sometimes blood transfusions in severe cases. There is no specific antiviral medication for CPV, so treatment is primarily supportive.

Prevention: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent canine parvovirus. Puppies should receive a series of vaccinations starting at around 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters given every few weeks until they are around 16 weeks old. 

Adult dogs should also receive regular vaccinations to maintain immunity. 

Proper hygiene and sanitation are also essential to prevent the spread of the virus, such as promptly cleaning up feces and disinfecting contaminated areas.

Prognosis: The prognosis for dogs with parvovirus depends on various factors, including the age and overall health of the dog, the severity of the disease, and how quickly treatment is initiated. 

With prompt and aggressive treatment, many dogs can survive parvovirus, but the mortality rate can be high, especially in puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems.

If you notice signs such as lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, to a dog immediately report it to your veterinarian or the SPCA.

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