Parvovirose Canina: Uma Doença Mortal mas Prevenível
O parvovírus causa vômitos e diarreia severos em filhotes. A vacinação é altamente eficaz na prevenção desta doença devastadora.
Canine parvovirus is one of the most serious infectious diseases in dogs, particularly puppies. It attacks the intestinal lining and bone marrow, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and immunosuppression. Without treatment, mortality is over 90%. With aggressive veterinary care, survival rates are 80-90%. Vaccination is highly effective prevention. RVC provides parvo vaccination and emergency treatment. Call +853 6677 6611.
Key Points
- Parvovirus attacks the intestines and bone marrow
- Most deadly to puppies 6 weeks to 6 months old
- Virus is highly contagious and survives in the environment for months to years
- Symptoms: severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fever, lethargy, dehydration
- Treatment requires hospitalization with IV fluids and intensive care
- Vaccination is highly effective — core vaccine given at 6-8, 10-12, and 14-16 weeks
How Parvovirus Works
Parvovirus enters the body through the mouth and attacks rapidly dividing cells. It destroys the intestinal lining (causing vomiting, diarrhea, and inability to absorb nutrients), attacks the bone marrow (causing immunosuppression and low white blood cell counts), and can infect the heart muscle in very young puppies (myocarditis). The virus is shed in massive quantities in feces and can survive in the environment for months to years, resisting many disinfectants.
Transmission and Risk
Parvovirus spreads through direct contact with infected dogs or indirect contact with contaminated feces, soil, grass, shoes, clothing, bowls, leashes, or human hands. Puppies are most vulnerable during the vaccination series before immunity is fully established. Breeds at higher risk: Rottweilers, Dobermans, American Staffordshire Terriers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers. Unvaccinated adult dogs can also get parvo but often have milder symptoms.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms appear 3-7 days after exposure: lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting (often severe and frequent), and diarrhea that quickly becomes bloody and foul-smelling. Dehydration develops rapidly. Diagnosis: in-house fecal parvo antigen test (results in 10 minutes), low white blood cell count on CBC, and clinical signs. Early diagnosis allows immediate treatment.
Treatment and Prognosis
There is no specific antiviral drug for parvo. Treatment is supportive and intensive: IV fluids (critical for correcting dehydration), anti-nausea medications (maropitant, ondansetron), antibiotics (to prevent secondary bacterial infection from gut bacteria entering the bloodstream), nutritional support, and careful monitoring of electrolytes and blood sugar. Hospitalization typically lasts 3-7 days. Cost: $500-2000+. Survival rate with treatment: 80-90%. Without treatment: less than 10%.
When to See a Vet Immediately
- Puppy vomiting repeatedly
- Bloody diarrhea in a puppy
- Lethargy and unwillingness to eat or drink
- Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, skin tenting)
- Any puppy with symptoms who is not fully vaccinated
- Fever in a young, unvaccinated dog
How RVC Can Help
Parvovirus is a critical emergency. RVC provides 24/7 treatment for parvo. If your puppy shows symptoms, come immediately — do not wait. Call +853 6677 6611.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing any symptoms, please contact Royal Veterinary Center immediately at +853 6677 6611.