Canine Parvo Virus
Canine Parvo Virus
Parvo Virus has been around since the 1970’s, is shed by infected dogs in extremely large numbers and is hard to get rid of in the environment. Dogs with parvovirus can shed the virus particles for two weeks post infection, and it is shed in their faeces, but only a tiny portion of infected faeces (which could be months old) can infect a non-immune dog. Generally, we are very lucky, that vaccinations provides dogs a great immune system to parvo virus, and infections in dogs that have been vaccinated are unusual.
The virus enters a dogs through their mouth - so licking the floor, eating, chasing a ball that has been on the ground. There is a 3-7 day incubation period before the puppy seems unwell. The virus goes straight to cells that are growing rapidly - so one of it’s first port of calls is the bone marrow. Here is reduces the puppy’s natural ability to fight the virus and then the virus enters the intestines. The infection results in diarrhoea, and nausea. It also causes a disruption in the intestinal barrier that results in bacteria from the gut entering the body. You can see how nasty it is!
Treatment for parvovirus is supportive care, meaning the vet’s aim is to keep the puppy hydrated and comfortable while their own immune system can start helping. Supportive therapy may include intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, nutritional support and intense monitoring. Generally with parvovirus you need to expect a 3-7 day hospital stay, with intensive management - this is why it’s so expensive to treat.
Cleaning post infection - is a two step process, cleaning and disinfecting. First clean up any organic matter - all stools, vomit or areas of urination. Any bedding or towels can be cleaned hot soap/bleach wash cycle. All heavily contaminated bedding is best disposed off.
Once all faeces and organic matter have been picked up from the grass - you can hose it down to dilute the virus particles, but the effectiveness of this depends on drainage and the ability of the grass/ground to dry. In most situations it’s not possible to complete disinfect your yard, so avoiding unvaccinated dogs coming to the yard for 6-12 months is recommended.
In the house - all non-porous equipment can be washed in hot soapy water and dis-infected. Carpet will need to steam cleaned. If there is anything heavily contaminated it is recommended that it be disposed off. Unfortunately there is no magical time frame about when your house will be safe post infection and there are many factors whether your cleaning process has been effective inside or out. It would be recommended that only vaccinated dogs are allowed on the property.