The warmer weather brings with it some dreaded viruses. One such virus is parvovirus, commonly known as “cat flu” (katgriep). The name is a bit misleading as it neither affects nor is transferred from cats.
Dogs that develop the disease show signs of the illness five days after exposure to the virus. The signs may include lethargy (tiredness), vomiting, fever, and diarrhoea (usually bloody).
Generally, the first sign is lethargy. Secondary signs are loss of weight and appetite or diarrhoea followed by vomiting. Diarrhoea and vomiting result in dehydration that upsets the electrolyte balance and this may affect the dog critically. Secondary infections occur as a result of the weakened immune system. Because the normal intestinal lining is also compromised, blood and protein leak into the intestines leading to anaemia and loss of protein, and endotoxins escape into the bloodstream, causing endotoxemia. The white blood cell level falls, further weakening the dog. Any or all of these factors can lead to shock and death.
Basic treatment includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection, electrolyte supplementation, and medication to control vomiting. This is a labour-intensive treatment, dogs need constant monitoring and care, it is very costly to treat, and, even with treatment, the survival rate is only 50%.
The only way to prevent your dog from getting parvo is through vaccination. First vaccination is between 6–8 weeks with a boost again twice thereafter at four weeks apart. An additional boost is given a year later.
The virus is extremely hardy and has been found to survive in faeces and other organic material such as soil for more than ten years. It survives extremely low and high temperatures. The only household disinfectant that kills the virus is bleach. The dilute bleach solution needs to be a 1:10 ratio to disinfect and kill parvovirus.
A dog that successfully recovers from parvo virus generally remains contagious for up to three weeks, but it is possible they may remain contagious for up to six.
Don’t take the risk: Make sure you prevent by vaccinating—especially puppies!
