What Is It?

Since 1978 dogs of all ages and breeds have been victims of a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the intestinal track, white blood cells, and in some cases the heart muscle. This disease, canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, has appeared worldwide.

CPV infection is spread by dog-to-dog contact and has been diagnosed wherever dogs congregate, including dog shows, obedience trials, breeding and boarding kennels, pet shops, humane shelters, parks and playgrounds.

A dog that is confined to a house or yard and is rarely in contact with other dogs is far less likely to be exposed to the virus. CPV infection can only be transmitted to dogs and other canids, not to other types of animals or people, but animals and people can carry it to your dog.

The source of infection is fecal waste from infected dogs. Large amounts of the virus may be present in fecal material of infected dogs. The virus is resistant to extremes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods. It is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of infected dogs or by contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. Definitive information on other means of transmission, if any, is lacking.

Dogs may dehydrate rapidly due to vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs may vomit repeatedly and have projectile and bloody diarrhea until they die. Others may have loose feces and recover without complications.

Most deaths occur within 48-72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. Pups suffer most with shock-like deaths, occurring as early as two days after the onset of illness. In the past, a high percentage of pups less than five months old and 2-3% of older dogs died from this disease. Now, due to widespread vaccination, these percentages have decreased dramatically.

Puppies, between weaning and six months of age are at increased risk of acquiring the disease. There appears to be a higher risk of severe disease in certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiller and Doberman Pinscher).

Another form of parvoviral infection is inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) in pups less than three months of age. This syndrome occurs without concurrent diarrhea because the virus multiplies rapidly in muscle cells of the growing heart.

Pups with parvoviral myocarditis may act depressed and stop suckling shortly before they collapse gasping for breath. Death may follow within minutes. Others die at intervals over the next several days. There is no specific treatment. Pups that survive may have permanently damaged hearts. Such dogs may die from heart failure weeks or months after they have apparently recovered from infection.

Treatment of CPV infection, which should be started immediately, consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections with antibiotics.

Sick dogs should be kept warm and be provided good nursing care.

Proper cleaning and disinfection of kennels and other areas where dogs are housed is essential to control spread of the virus. Remember, the virus is capable of existing in the environment for many months unless the area is thoroughly cleaned. Sodium hypochlorite solution, such as one part household bleach to 30 parts water, is an effective disinfectant.

An owner should not allow a dog to come in contact with fecal waste of other dogs when walking in a park or playground or along city streets. This is especially true until six months of age. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable. Check lawns, sidewalks, and street gutters for fecal waste from neighborhood dogs, and urge friends to do the same.

If you are unsure whether this disease is affecting dogs in your community, check with a veterinarian. The risk of exposure can be reduced if you prevent your dog from contacting other dogs in areas where the incidence of CPV infection is alarmingly high.

Abnormal discharges from the nose, eyes, or other body openings. 

Loss of appetite, marked weight losses or gains, or excessive water consumption. 

Difficult, abnormal, or uncontrolled waste elimination. 

Abnormal behavior, sudden viciousness, or lethargy. 

Abnormal lumps, limping, or difficulty getting up or lying down. 

Excessive head shaking, scratching, and licking or biting any part of hea because the virus multiplies rapidly in muscle cells of the growing heart.

Pups with parvoviral myocarditis may act depressed and stop suckling shortly before they collapse gasping for breath. Death may follow within minutes. Others die at intervals over the next several days. There is no specific treatment. Pups that survive may have permanently damaged hearts. Such dogs may die from heart failure weeks or months after they have apparently recovered from infection.