First of all, please read carefully and make sure you
follow the underlined advice; this advice is not meant to replace veterinary advice
of your veterinarian.
What is canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE)
Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2) is a highly contagious
and relatively common cause of acute, infectious GI illness in young dogs.
Meaning it is causes by an infectious agent(Parvovirus), the disease has a
short course and mainly affect the Stomach and the intestinal tract of infected
animal, It affect puppies more than adults, and is resistant to many common
detergents and disinfectants, as well as to changes in temperature and pH.
Why and how might my dog become infected?
Canine parvovirus can be found in almost any environment,
but not every dog who comes into contact with the virus becomes infected.
Several factors come into play in infection, including the immune status of the
dog and the number of viruses the dog is exposed to. If the combination of factors
is just right and a dog does become infected, a specific sequence of events is
begun as the virus attacks the body (http://www.vet.cornell.edu/baker/about/articles/CanineParvovirus.cfm)
How do I know my dog has CPVE?
When your dog begin to show the following signs you
should suspect CPVE, lethargy, depression, and loss or lack of appetite,
followed by a sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog
is experiencing bouts of bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting, CPV is only one of
several potential culprits. Your veterinarian can run several tests to help
determine whether your dog is infected with CPV.
How do I prevent CPEV
As far as CPVE is concerned and most if not all diseases,
Prevention is better than cure. to prevent this dissease, the following should
be adhered to.
1. Vaccination: By far this is the surest way to preventing
canine parvovirus enteritis. Veterinarians usually administer the CPV vaccine
as part of a combination shot which includes, among others, the distemper,
canine adenovirus, and Para-influenza vaccines. These shots are given every 3
to 4 weeks from the time a puppy is 6 weeks old until he is at least 16 weeks
of age. A booster vaccination is recommended one year later, and then at one at
three year intervals thereafter.
2. Exclude other dogs from your compound: The tiny
parvovirus is extraordinarily hardy. They are capable of surviving for months
outside an animal, even through the winter, and are resistant to most household
cleaning products. Infected dogs can shed vast numbers of viruses, making it
difficult to disinfect an area once it has been exposed to an infected dog
Is it possible to disinfect a environment contaminated
with CPV?
Yes. If your home and yard have been contaminated by an
infected dog, there are steps you can take to disinfect them before introducing
a new dog or puppy. Despite its relative resistance to cleaning agents, we do
know that CPV can be inactivated by bleach. Cleaning with a solution of one
part bleach mixed with approximately 30 parts water is an acceptable method for
disinfecting any indoor area (including bedding, food/water bowls, and all
surfaces) that once housed an infected dog.
There is evidence suggesting that CPV loses some of its ability to infect an animal after one month in an indoor environment. Outside, you cannot (and should not) bleach your lawn, but rain or watering can dilute the concentration of the virus over time. This dilution, combined with the sanitizing effects of sunlight can bring the numbers of viruses down to an acceptable level in a few weeks.
There is evidence suggesting that CPV loses some of its ability to infect an animal after one month in an indoor environment. Outside, you cannot (and should not) bleach your lawn, but rain or watering can dilute the concentration of the virus over time. This dilution, combined with the sanitizing effects of sunlight can bring the numbers of viruses down to an acceptable level in a few weeks.
