Canine Parvovirus
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and if left untreated, it kills them within day's, usually due to dehydration and it's side effects. Parvo is caused by a virus present in the faeces of infected dogs. Other dogs and pups pick up the parvo virus through eating food off the ground, chewing bones on the dirt, licking each other... there is so much parvo virus in the environment that older dogs have become somewhat immune to it, however puppies are very susceptible, especially from around weaning age at 5 to 8 weeks. Parvo symptoms include severe depression and a loss of appetite, followed by a high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration The infected dog will pass bloody stools within 24 hours. Puppies infected with parvo usually die within 48 hours if left untreated. The virus initially lodges and multiplys in the lymph nodes of the throat and in 3 or 4 days it spreads to the bone marrow and the gastro-intestinal tract. All three sites contain the rapidly multiplying cells that the virus needs. In the bone marrow it kills the young immune system cells, and as such a low white cell count is the first clinical sign of possible parvo virus infection. Having a low white cell count also means that the host dog cannot fight the infection. While this is happening the parvo virus is attacking the gastro intestinal tract, killing new cells of the intestine walls before they have a chance to grow. This results in an inability to absorb nutrients, causing acute diarrhoea. The intestinal wall becomes so damaged that bleeding occurs, allowing bacterial infections to take hold. Therefore puppies can die from either severe dehydration and shock, bacterial infection... or more commonly,both. You can't treat parvo with antibiotics, however, they are routinely given to prevent secondary bacterial infections setting in, while the dog's immune system is actively fighting the virus. The best treatment for parvo is prevention. And the best form of prevention is Vaccinating, which should be mandatory for all puppies before they are 3 months old. Follow up every 12 months with a booster shot. You should vaccinate pregnant broody's with a killed parvovirus vaccine, either before mating, or 2 weeks before her puppies are born. This will pass on protection to the puppies until they are about 6 weeks old, or until they stop suckling. The danger period for puppies is between weaning at 5 to 8 weeks old, and 3 months of age, when they should get their full shots. On dog farms and in breeding barns, it's advisable to give puppies a 4 in 1 shot that includes parvovirus and corona virus vaccines at about 7 weeks, followed by their full 5 in 1 shot which includes Leptovirus vaccine at 3 months of age. The only way to kill parvo in the environment is with either Bleach diluted 30 to 1 with water, or some other proprietary brand containing bleach. If the infected area is left dormant, the parvo will die in the ground in around 7 months, but you would be well advised to leave them vacant for 1 to 2 years. Freezing protects parvovirus cells, so if the ground is snowbound in winter, it may be at least 2 years before it is safe to allow puppies on it again. Russell Savige has been breeding and rearing greyhounds since 1986. His website http://www.training-dog-breeds.com has an extensive collection of dog related articles.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Home Hazards That Can Affect Our Pets
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might surprise you to know how many hazards there are in a typical home for the pets we love.
Caring For Your Pomeranians Teeth
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not caring for them properly can cause serious health problems for your dog.
The Beauty of Boxer Dogs
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled in hunting and police work, and are always alert and vigilant, making for a very instinctive guard dog. Boxer dogs can bring you years of joyful companionship with a life expectantcy of about 9 to 11 years, but they could possibly live as long as 15 years!
Lower Your Veterinarian Costs And Increase the Longevity of Your Pets Lives
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating, prevention medicines, and premium kibble was natural preventative care. Hardly.
How To Recognize A Respiratory Tract Ailment In Your Parrot
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot if left untreated. Find out how to recognize if your parrot is having problem with its breathing.
Natural Horsemanship Patientis: The 4th Of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse
The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your
Horse.
Three Important Litter Box Considerations
There are three important litter box considerations to account for whether you're a new kitten owner, or someone who has had a cat for a while. If kitty isn't happy with any or all three of these, you may find she'll start urinating outside the box.
What is It About Horses and Young Girls?
In a world of computer games, the
Internet and shopping malls, what is it about this four-legged farm animal
that seems to capture the heart of most of them?
Secrets of Kitty Body Language
Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know that every twitch, every purr, every motion actually means something... at least to your kitten!
All Natural Dog Cookies ? Because Your Dog?s Health and Happiness is So Important
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that to be savored, which offered little or no health benefits. Chocolate is not a particularly healthy treat for dogs; in fact research has indicated that chocolate treats are even poisonous to dogs if fed in large quantities.
Given this, it is little wonder that natural dog cookies have become all the rage!
Natural Dog Cookie - The Basics
The basics of natural canine cookies are that they use entirely natural ingredients. Ingredients are also balanced in such a way that treats can be used as part of a broader, balanced diet. Cookies are a popular choice when it comes to natural treats, but there are also several other options.
Another popular choice is the natural range of dog foods. Instead of being treats, organic ranges are actually food that forms the main part of your dog's diet. By feeding organic and natural foods permanently, it is thought that your dog will have greater health and a longer life expectancy.
All Natural Dog Cookie - The Benefits
By using natural dog cookies as part of a diet, your dog can have regular treats that are actually good for him! Dog cookies can be used as part of a training regime as a reward for good behavior. With traditional treats, trainers were often reluctant to use them in abundance due to their potential health disadvantages. However, natural cookies do not have this downside and can be used much more liberally as part of any reward scheme.
Bearing this in mind, natural cookies are not a treat; they are an essential as part of your dog's ongoing health care. Go on - treat man's best friend!
Should Your Family Get a Purebreed Dog?
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed or a mutt?"
Hamsters; The Perfect Starter Pet
As a parent, you want to be able to give your kids everything that they want in life.
Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths of Rover and Boomer ? can be a signal of serious health problems.
Tips for Introducing Two Cats
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually more exciting for you than your current cat. Even though they are solitary by nature, most cats eventually learn to accept or at least tolerate newcomers. Because they are very territorial, the way you go about introducing the new cat to your existing cat can mean the difference between success or "cat-astrophe."
Pet Tracking Devices
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and my two kids saying that they couldn't find our cat Nala anywhere waked me up. I didn't pay much attention, because it was common for her to find a new hiding spot and sleep there for hours.
Top Five Dog Breeds for Homes with Children
Top five dog breeds for homes with children
Keeping Your Cat Healthy
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and water and they will be quite healthy most of the time. Like any other living thing, however, they can get sick and can come down with anything from a minor cold to a major ailment.
Health Concerns for Goldfish
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured. But better still these diseases can be prevented. While you should be alert to symptoms of a sick goldfish, you should first of all try and prevent them from happening. Some of the common diseases that you must protect your Goldfish include:
Feeding Bettas
Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing it wrong can have big consequences for your betta's health. Nothing is more stressful than dealing with a sick fish, right? So, let's do it right, and not have a calamity!
Dog Hygiene Basics
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as critical as most people seem to believe. If your dog is healthy, he really doesn't need to be bathed more that once every few months, but most of us put them in the tub or under the hose more often to get rid of that doggie smell and look shinier. Although most dogs do not enjoy getting a bath, it is a good bonding experience. They will appreciate the contact and attention they get from their owner.
|
