The viral disease: Canine Parvoviral Infection

The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The virus shows itself in two various forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is marked by anorexia, depression, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea. The less common form is the cardiac form, that attacks the heart muscles of young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are found in puppies that are within 6 weeks to 6 months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been decreased thoroughly by early vaccination in young puppies.

Types and Symptoms

The main symptoms associated with the intestinal form of a canine parvovirus infection include lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, depression, severe bloody diarrhea, high body temperature and vomiting. The intestinal form of CPV affects the body's strength to absorb nutrients, and an affected animal will quickly become dehydrated and debilitated from lack of fluid and protein absorption. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes may become noticeably red and the heart may beat so fast. When the veterinary doctor palpates your dog’s abdominal area, your dog may respond with irritation and not pleased. Dogs that have contracted CPV may also have a low body temperature (hypothermia), rather than a fever. 

Disease causes

Genetic alteration of the original canine parvovirus: the canine parvovirus type 2b causes several cases of CPV diseases There are a variety of risk factors that can increase a dog’s susceptibility to the infection, but mostly, the virus is spread either by direct contact with an infected dog, or indirectly, by the fecal-oral route. Large concentrations of the virus are found in an infected dog’s stool, so when a healthy dog sniffs an infected dog’s faeces, it will get the disease. The virus can also be brought into a dog's kennel or environment by way of sandals, shoes etc that have come into contact with infected feces. There is evidence that the virus can survive in ground soil for up to a year. The virus is resistant to most cleaning products, or even to weather changes. If you suspect that you have contacted feces at all, you will need to wash the affected area with household bleach, the only disinfectant known to eliminate the virus. 
Wrong vaccination protocol and vaccination failure can also result in CPV disease. Breeding kennels and enclosures that hold a large number of inadequately vaccinated puppies are especially dangerous places. For remote reasons, recognized dog breeds like German Shepherds,  Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Alaskan sled dogs and Pit Bulls and Springer Spaniels are particularly susceptible to the disease. Drug treatment that restrain the normal response of the immune system may also increase the risk of infection. 

Diagnosis

Canine parvoviral infection is diagnosed with a physical examination, urine analysis, laboratory biochemical tests, abdominal radiographs. A  blood profile and a complete blood cell count will also be carried out. Low white blood cell levels are characteristic of CPV infection, usually in connection to bloody stools. Urine and biochemical analysis may show electrolyte imbalances, increased liver enzymes(ALT,AST) and lymphopenia. Abdominal radiograph imaging may display intestinal blockage, while an abdominal ultrasound may display enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, or all over the body, and intestinal sections filled with fluid.
You will also need to give a comprehensive history of your pet's health, late activities, and dawning of symptoms. If you are able to get a sample of your dog's faeces, or vomit, your veterinary doctor can use these samples for microscopic identification of the virus.

Treatment of the disease 

Because CPV is a viral infection, there is no certain cure for it. Treatment is centered on curing the symptoms and preventing secondary bacterial infections, rather in a hospital environment. Intensive treatment and system support are the solution to recovery. Nutrition therapy and intravenous fluid is essential in maintaining a dog’s normal body fluid after vomiting, severe diarrhea and dehydration, and electrolyte and protein levels will be monitored and regulated as necessary. Medications that will be administered in the treatment are drugs to limit vomiting (antiemetics), H2 Blockers to reduce nausea, anthelmintics to combat parasites and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infection. Meanwhile, the survival rate in carnivores especially dogs is about 70 percent, though death may occasionally result from intense dehydration, a serious secondary bacterial infection, bacterial toxins in the blood, or a acute intestinal hemorrhage. The forecast of the disease is reduced for puppies because they have a less improved immune system. It is normal for a puppy that is infected with Canine parvovirus to experience shock, and abrupt death. 

Management of the condition 

When your dog has recovered from a CPV infection, it will still have a debilitated immune system, and will be vulnerable to other disease. Talk to your veterinary doctor about things you are able to do in order to improve your dog's immune system, and if not, protect your dog from any condition that may cause sickness. A balanced diet easily digested and absorbed is good for your dog throughout recovery period. 
The dog will remain a disease risk to other dogs for more than two months after the first recovery. It is necessary to separate your pet from neighbors’ dogs for a period of time, and you may want to tell neighbors who have pets that they will require to make sure that their pets screened. It is necessary to wash all things your dog uses (e.g., kennel, dishes etc) with non-toxic cleaners. Recuperation comes with long-term immunity against the parvovirus, although it is not assurance that your pet will not come in contact with the virus another time.

Prevention of the condition

Prevention is better than cure. The best way to avoid CPV infection is to follow the right procedure for vaccination. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 weeks, and should not meet outside dogs for more than two weeks after their last vaccinations. Note that a high-risk dog breeds may need a longer early vaccination period of up to 22 weeks.

Note that a high-risk dog breeds may need a longer early vaccination period of up to 22 weeks.