Parvovirus

Dogs become infected with parvovirus through contact with the stool of an infected dog or a contaminated environment. The virus is very hardy and remains infective in the environment for a long time. Puppies are most susceptible to parvovirus infection.

Parvovirus causes severe and often bloody vomiting and diarrhea. Infected animals rapidly dehydrate, and severe cases progress to shock and death. Fatalities occur mostly in puppies less than 12 weeks old. Occasionally parvovirus attacks the heart muscle of puppies and can cause sudden death.

Treatment for parvovirus usually requires hospitalization for fluid therapy to prevent dehydration. Additional treatment includes prevention of secondary bacterial infection and drugs to control vomiting and diarrhea.