Canine Parvovirus Enteritis
Canine parvovirus enteritis is a highly contagious viral infection of the GI tract. Without treatment, puppy mortality reaches 90%. With intensive care, 70–90% survive.
Canine Parvovirus Enteritis
Canine parvovirus enteritis is a highly contagious viral infection of the GI tract. Without treatment, puppy mortality reaches 90%. With intensive care, 70–90% survive.
- •Repeated vomiting, often with foam
- •Profuse diarrhoea, frequently bloody with a characteristic odour
- •Sudden lethargy and refusal to eat
- •High fever (40 °C+) or hypothermia
Symptoms
- •Repeated vomiting, often with foam
- •Profuse diarrhoea, frequently bloody with a characteristic odour
- •Sudden lethargy and refusal to eat
- •High fever (40 °C+) or hypothermia
- •Dehydration: dry gums, sunken eyes
- •Abdominal pain, whining on palpation
Causes
- •Canine Parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) and variants 2a, 2b, 2c
- •Transmission via faeces, shoes, soil — survives in environment for months
- •Especially affects unvaccinated puppies 6 weeks – 6 months
- •Breed risk: Rottweilers, Dobermans, pit bulls have more severe disease
Diagnosis
- Faecal antigen ELISA snap test (15 minutes)
- CBC: marked leukopenia
- Biochemistry: hydration, kidneys, electrolytes
- Ultrasound: thickened bowel walls
Treatment
- •Hospitalisation in an isolation ward
- •IV fluid therapy (Ringer's, glucose)
- •Antiemetics (maropitant)
- •Broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary infection
- •Parenteral nutrition if unable to eat
- •Hyperimmune serum in first 24–48 hours (case-by-case)
- •Hospital stay: 5–10 days
Prevention
- •Core vaccination: 6–8 weeks, boosters at 12 and 16 weeks
- •Annual or triennial booster per protocol
- •Do not walk unvaccinated puppies in public areas
- •Disinfect with bleach (1:30)
- •14-day quarantine after contact with infected dogs
When to see the vet
- →Any vomiting or diarrhoea in puppies under 6 months
- →Blood in stool
- →Refusal of water
- →Unvaccinated puppy with any GI symptom
Treatment costs (₽)
| Parvovirus snap test | ₽1,200 – ₽2,500 |
| Day in hospital | ₽4,500 – ₽12,000 |
| Full treatment (5–10 days) | ₽40,000 – ₽150,000 |
| Puppy vaccination (full course) | ₽4,500 – ₽9,000 |
FAQ
Can a vaccinated dog catch it?
Possible but rare and usually milder. Protection forms 10–14 days after the booster.
Is parvo contagious to humans or cats?
No, CPV-2 does not infect humans or cats. But dog faeces carry other pathogens — wash hands and shoes.
Can it be treated at home?
No. Without IV support survival is very low. Hospitalisation is mandatory.