Parvovirus & Coronavirus:
Puppy Killers!
Parvovirus remains a major health threat
to puppies and unvaccinated dogs in this area.
PARVOVIRUS infection
in dogs is caused by a virus that infects the cells that line the intestine.
The virus causes these cells to die and slough. The result of this viral infection is fatal in close to 90% of
untreated and unvaccinated puppies. Older dogs are less likely to die from
the disease, due to a stronger immune system. This virus can live in the
environment for 6 Months!
CORONAVIRUS
infection in dogs is caused by a virus as well, but is usually not as severe,
though deaths in puppies have been seen. The symptoms of Coronavirus
are the same, with vomiting, depression and diarrhea. With both diseases, a
puppy can die of dehydration quickly.
PREVENTION of
Parvovirus and Coronavirus infection in puppies
requires repeated vaccination prior to the age of four months. Even in some
puppies that are vaccinated, a high level of exposure can cause disease, though
treatment is much easier and chances of survival are much higher.
Recent recommendation from the AVMA indicate that Coronavirus should not be considered a 'core' vaccine. This means that it should be given on an as needed basis depending on the puppy's risk factor.
We recommend that your puppy
have the first Parvovirus vaccination at 6
weeks. This vaccine should be repeated at 3 to 4 week intervals until the
puppy gets to the last set of puppy boosters at 4 months of age.
We no longer give Coronavirus vaccines as there is a higher risk of vaccine reactions to this vaccine and little to indicate that the virus is a major problem in the area.
We revaccinate the adult
animals in one year for Parvovirus. Coronavirus is
considered to be a puppy disease, that does not seem
to be a problem in adult dogs. Vaccines by certain manufacturers
have proven to be effective up to 3 years against Parvovirus, so as long as the
puppy receives its initial boosters, then the follow up vaccination the next
year should protect them for 3 more years.
ROTTWEILER AND DOBERMAN PINSCHER puppies appear to be
extremely susceptible to Parvovirus
. For this reason we highly recommend
vaccinating Rottweiler and Doberman puppies at 6, 8, 12 and 16
weeks of age. If the dog is going to be at high risk, in other words, going to dog shows, dog parks, boarding or grooming facilities or any other place where they may be exposed, you may want to consider annual vaccination for these breeds.
TREATMENT of
Parvovirus and Coronavirus infection is difficult and
very expensive. To properly treat a puppy they should be hospitalized, put on
I.V. fluids and be injected with medications at least twice daily to control
vomiting and diarrhea. Their medical
bills start out at about $250.00 and go up from there at approximately $200.00
per day. Treatment duration ranges from 2 to 10 days.
THERE
IS NO CURE FOR PARVO OR
Treatment only supports the
animal until their own immune system fights off the virus and heals the body,
or until the animal dies.
Most breeds of puppies have a
50% to 70% chance of survival with treatment, depending on how many
vaccinations they have had. An
unvaccinated Rottweiler or Doberman puppy would have less than a 25% chance of
survival even with aggressive treatment.
For your puppy and family’s sake, it is advisable to properly vaccinate your puppy
against Parvovirus, Distemper and other diseases which could cut their life short. Don’t wait, give us a call today and
schedule an appointment for your pet’s vaccinations. (281) 444-8387