Do anybody know how to cure if dogs areeffected with PARVO?
Since parvo is a virus, there is no cure.What is done is supportive care (in hopes that the immune system itself will fight off the virus), which includes: -IV fluids (to correct/prevent the dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea (dehydration is life threatening)) -Antibiotics (to ward off secondary infections that the animal is susceptible to due to their immune system being compromised by the virus) -Anti-vomiting/diarrheal medications (again to prevent further dehydration) -Absolute cage rest The survival rate with proper hospitalization is quite high if caught soon enough.
There are 2 canine parvoviruses. CPV 1 which is well known and associated with mild diarrhoea. CPV 2 which was discovered after 1978. A second mutation is believed to have happened in 1981 making the virus even more host specific for dogs. The virus is highly resistant to many disinfectants but is destroyed by hypochlorite & formalin. Large amounts of virus particles are shed in the faeces of infected dogs and are the main source of infection for other dogs. Transmission occurs by direct or indirect contact between a susceptible dog and an infected dog or contaminated faeces. The virus replicates in the lymph nodes and targets rapidly dividing cells. The virus will also target the intestine, myocardium and bone marrow. The clinical signs and tissue affected depend on the the age of the dog. In 1978, myocardial disease and gastroenteritis were commonly seen in dogs. Treatment for myocardial CPV is seldom successful. Therapy includes rest, diuretics and nutritional support. Treatment for
