Signs of Parvo Virus Infection in Dogs

Parvo, also known as Canine Parvovirus or CPV, is a highly contagious viral disease. Dogs who are sick or recovering from parvo pass incredibly large numbers of the virus in their faeces, and virus particles can survive for months in the environment. Susceptible dogs are infected orally when they come into contact with a contaminated area. Puppies and young dogs who have not received all of their vaccine are at highest risk for developing parvo.

That's the bad news. The good news is that parvo does not have to be deadly. If dogs with parvo receive prompt and appropriate veterinary treatment, many can be saved.

Learn the signs of parvo in dogs, so that you can work with your veterinarian on treating and beating the parvo disease.

Poor Appetite or Anorexia

Often, one of the first signs that a dog is getting sick is a loss of appetite. This is especially true with parvo. In the early stages of the disease, the virus invades and starts to replicate within the lining of the intestinal tract and other parts of the body. The immune system is also gearing up to respond. All of this can lead to a fever, low energy levels and most notably, a loss of interest in food.

Vomiting

Most dogs with parvo vomits a lot. Initially the vomit may contain remnants of the dog's last meal, but as vomiting continues all that comes up is a foamy mucus that may contains bile, a yellow-brown digestive fluid, or blood. Blood can be bright red or partially digested, which gives it the appearance of coffee-grounds. As dogs with parvo become dehydrated, they may try to drink, but  anything they take in typically comes right back up.

Diarrhoea (Possibly with Blood)  

Diarrhoea develops as the virus anfd the resulting immune response damages the lining of the intestinal tract. The intestines can no longer absorb water and nutrient and become leaky. Fluid from the body can pass into the intestines, worsening diarrhoea and dehydration. Blood vessels within the intestinal wall may be damaged, causing blood to become visible in the stool and providing a route for the bacteria to enter the dog's circulatory system.

Damage to Other Body Parts

Parvovirus doesn't just invade the lining of the intestinal tract, it also attacks other rapidly dividing cells. In young puppies, this can include heart muscle, leading to chronic heart disease or sudden death. Bone marrow, which produces important parts of the immune system, can also be affected.

The combination of a weakened immune response and bacteria entering the bloodstream through a damaged intestinal wall often results in bacterial pneumonia for dogs with parvo.