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How Global Parvovirus Trends Correlate with Those in a Western US Metropolis

Since the discovery of vaccines in the 1970s, Parvovirus has mutated into three strains: CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c, each with slightly different symptoms and treatment needs. Vaccines today have improved to prevent illness caused by all three strains of the virus, though breakouts still occur frequently throughout the world. The two primary reasons that breakouts still occur, and the virus has not been eradicated, are the failure of owners to vaccinate appropriately, and the rapid mutation rate of the virus. To prevent canines from contracting the virus, professionals recommend that the canine should receive three sets of Parvo vaccines between 6 and 16 weeks with 3-4 weeks between each.

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Articles of Interest

Canine parvoviral enteritis: an update on the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Canine parvovirus type 2 is the cause of a highly contagious acute enteritis associated with high morbidity and mortality, with very low survival rates in untreated dogs. Although severe clinical disease typically occurs in dogs younger than 6 months of age, adults with insufficient immunity may potentially be affected.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly infectious and environmentally resistant virus that occurs throughout the world. Veterinarians most often diagnose infection after owners bring their dog (usually a puppy) to be examined because they are suddenly very sick (e.g. not eating, vomiting, not wanting to run or play, severe diarrhea).

Canine Parvovirus: Current Perspective

Canine parvovirus 2, the causative agent of acute hemorrhagic enteritis and myocarditis in dogs, is one of the most important pathogenic viruses. It is a highly contagious and often fatal disease.

Updates in canine parvovirus

CPV is a viral infection that can cause hypovolemic shock, changes in mental state from underlying conditions, abdominal pain, weakness, and dehydration, mainly in puppies. If myocardial disease is reported with neonatal infections, there is a chance of peracute death.

Resources

AVMA

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk. Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people.

Baker Institute for Animal Health

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs that commonly causes acute gastrointestinal illness in puppies. The disease most often strikes in pups between six and 20 weeks old, but older animals are sometimes also affected. A rare variant of the disease may be seen in very young (neonatal) puppies is myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle).