Canine Parvo Virus Type 2 (CPV2, “Parvo”)

Canine parvo virus type 2 is a contagious virus mainly affecting dogs and wild canines. The disease is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. The virus can survive in the environment for several months. The disease can be especially severe in puppies that are not protected by maternal antibodies or vaccination. Parvo virus has two distinct presentations, a cardiac and intestinal form. The intestinal form causes severe vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody). The cardiac form causes respiratory and cardiovascular failure in young puppies.

Symptoms include lethargy and loss of appetite, followed by fever, vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody). The virus attacks the intestinal crypts and the bone marrow, leading to a compromised intestinal tract and depressed immune system. The vomiting and diarrhea lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. The normal bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract can cross into the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, shock and death. Concurrent infestation with intestinal parasites or other infectious agents can allow the virus to be more deadly.

Treatment consists of intravenous fluids, antiemetics, antibiotics and electrolyte supplements, including dextrose and vitamin B complex. Survival rate depends on how early CPV2 is diagnosed, the age of the animal and how aggressive the treatment is. With severe disease, dogs can die within 48-72 hours without treatment by fluids and antibiotics. Vaccines can prevent this infection, but mortality can reach as high as 91 percent in untreated cases.