Canine parvovirus, << KAY nyn `pahr` voh VY ruhs, >> also called parvovirus, is a contagious disease that affects dogs. Its symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Dogs with parvovirus also lose their appetite, become dehydrated, and appear listless. The disease can result in death, especially among puppies.
Canine parvovirus is caused by a virus belonging to a group of viruses called parvoviruses. Other members of this group produce diseases in people, cats, cattle, pigs, rodents, and other animals. A dog may get canine parvovirus by consuming food or water that has been contaminated by the feces (solid body wastes) of a dog infected with the disease.
There is no cure for canine parvovirus, but certain treatments may be helpful. A veterinarian may inject fluid into the sick dog’s body to replace fluid loss caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Such antibiotics as ampicillin or gentamicin may be administered to prevent additional infections.
Dogs that have recovered from parvovirus develop a long-lasting immunity to it. Vaccines that prevent canine parvovirus are available. Most veterinarians recommend yearly vaccination against the disease.
A major outbreak of canine parvovirus occurred in many parts of the United States in 1978. Since then, canine parvovirus has occurred in countries throughout the world.
