What is Parvovirus?

Parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly infectious virus that affects the digestive and cardiovascular (heart and lungs) systems of cats and dogs.

It can be spread if your pet has close contact with an infected animal or their bodily fluids, such as saliva, faeces, or blood.

Parvovirus is difficult to kill, can survive for a long time in the environment and is shed in large amounts by infected pets. Untreated, parvo can be deadly, especially in older pets, the very young or immunocompromised. However, the risk of contracting parvo is minimised through regular vaccination.

There are two primary strains that we see in domestic pets:

• Canine Parvovirus
•  Feline Panleukopenia (feline parvovirus)

Can Cats Get Parvovirus from Dogs?

The canine strain is most often just called parvovirus. In cats, you may see the term panleukopenia used as well. While our canine companions cannot get parvovirus from our feline friends, cats can contract parvo from dogs.

 

What are the Stages of Parvovirus?

The cycle of parvovirus in pets can be broken down into four main stages:

1. Infection
2. Incubation
3. Illness
4. Recovery

Following exposure, the virus will seek out rapidly diving cells, as this way it can multiply the quickest. These cells include the tonsils and lymph nodes. In young animals, the virus can affect the heart directly as well.

From there it can enter the cardiovascular system (blood) and spread. The virus attacks the immune cells in the bone marrow, which allows it to cause further damage to other cells such as those in the lining of the small intestine. This can prevent the body from absorbing nutrients and fluids, which leads to the primary symptoms of the disease listed below.

 

What are the symptoms of Parvovirus?

Symptoms of parvovirus start to show three to 10 days after infection (incubation period), with a loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever, progressing to vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. These effects culminate in severe dehydration.

Your pet may develop a secondary infection as the immune system is weakened, including a distinct sickly-sweet smell as the infection progresses.

If you notice your pet develops any of these symptoms, give us a call to book an appointment with the vet to get to the bottom of their illness.

 

How is Parvovirus diagnosed?

The most common way to diagnose parvo is through a faecal test. While this is a fairly accurate test, a negative result does not always rule out parvovirus if your pet is showing the above symptoms.

 

How contagious is Parvovirus? How could my pet become infected?

Parvovirus is not an airborne disease but can survive on surfaces like the ground, kennels and even a dog or cat’s paws if they have come in contact with the virus.

Parvo can be spread if your pet has close contact with an infected animal or their bodily fluids, such as saliva, faeces, or blood. We can take some simple steps at home and out and about where our furry friends explore to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

Humans can carry the virus on our hands or clothes, but we cannot contract parvovirus from our pets and vice versa. Therefore, it is essential we take extra precautions if we know a pet has parvo, so we do not spread it around the clinic or home.

 

How can we treat Parvovirus?

There is no cure for parvovirus, so the best way to facilitate recovery is through intensive supportive care. If your furry friend has a confirmed diagnosis, they will need to stay in hospital for days at a time for monitoring, medication, and intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT). This will vary on a case-by-case basis.

While any animal can be susceptible to parvovirus, vaccinated pets have a significantly lowered risk of infection. The best protection against parvovirus is vaccinating your furry friend before they can catch it. Dogs receive the C3 (Canine 3) vaccine, which covers the three most common illnesses affecting our canine friends: distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus (DHP). The F3 (Feline 3) vaccine protects against rhinotracheitis virus, calicivirus and panleukopenia (feline parvovirus).

 

How can we prevent the spread of Parvovirus?

A very hardy virus, it can survive for months outdoors. We can keep our areas clean by washing hands and clothes regularly and disinfecting outdoor surfaces with 1:32 diluted bleach and some specialised veterinary cleaners.

Unvaccinated kittens and puppies should also not socialise with other animals or visit parks and high-traffic areas until they are fully vaccinated. We ask that when you visit the vet for your appointments, that you keep your pet on a lead or in a carrier, so they don’t wander too far.

Humans can carry the virus on our hands or clothes, but we cannot contract parvovirus from our pets and vice versa. Therefore, it is essential we take extra precautions if we know a pet has parvo, so we do not spread it around the clinic or home.

 

Vaccination for Parvovirus

The best protection against parvovirus is vaccinating your furry friend before they can catch it. Dogs receive the C3 (Canine 3) vaccine, which covers the three most common illnesses affecting our canine friends: distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus (DHP). The F3 (Feline 3) vaccine protects against rhinotracheitis virus, calicivirus and panleukopenia (feline parvovirus).

 

How we can help

At the Ark, we offer a range of vaccines including parvovirus and provide regular reminders for when your furry friend is due for their annual vaccinations. Give our team a call at 02 9416 1300 or visit our website to check out our vaccination schedule, or create an account to see when your pet is due for their next treatment.