Canine Parvo Virus Infection is an acute highly contagious disease of dogs characterised by severe gastro enteritis and myocarditis. Disease is caused by a DNA virus namely parvo virus. This is the smallest known virus that occurs in different species of animals. Latin words ‘parvas’ means small. This virus is having a close antigenic relationship with feline panleukopaenia virus. Certain disinfectants like phenol, ether and alcohol do not inactivate the virus. Breeds like Doberman and Labrador are at high risk.
Virus cannot survive for more than 24 hours outside the body. Virus is susceptible to 1% NaOH or 3% Cresol. It can agglutinate RBC suspension of porcine and Rhesus monkey.
Transmission: Direct contact with the infected animals or its excretions. Virus excreted in massive quantity in faeces.
Pathogenesis:
Virus prefer the mitotic cells, hence the infection is more in young ones. In this virus are found in intestinal epithelium and cardiac muscles. Virus got affinity towards lymphocytes and lymphatic system and has some immunosuppressive effect. Virus attacks the vascular epithelium and germinal layers of cerebellum and liver cells. Death is due to dehydration and heart failure.
Clinical symptoms:
1. Parvo viral enteritis: Rise in temperature, haemorrhagic gastro enteritis and later subnormal temperature, inappetance, polydipsia, yellow frothy vomitus, retching, restlessness, dehydration and death doe to peripheral circulatory failure as a result of dehydration.
2. Parvo virus myocarditis: Usually seen in pups below 10 weeks of age. Heart muscles are damaged and affected show symptoms of circulatory failure. Respiratory problems, pulmonary oedema, cardiogenic shock are also observed.
Diagnosis: Symptoms, SNT, HA, HI, FAT, ELISA
Treatment:
Fluids and electrolytes to restore fluid and electrolytes, antibiotics viz. Norfloxacin, Nalidixic acid, gentamycin, Ampicillin, chloramphenicol. To treat vomition, drugs like metaclopromide (0.5mg/KG BW) to treat gastric problem cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine can be given and to treat diarrhoea loperamide or bismuth sub nitrate or other astringent preparations can be given.
Control:
Strict hygienic measures, isolation of affected and proper disposal of faecal matter of the infected animal. Vaccination of pups at 3 months then yearly booster. If vaccinated below 3 months then vaccinate again at 3 months and then booster yearly.
