Dogs and parvo

Wednesday May 27th, 2009

Question:

What is parvovirus?

Answer:

Parvovirus is a viral disease that affects dogs' bone marrow by lowering white blood cell counts and therefore suppressing the immune system. It also affects the gastrointestinal tract causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Parvo is typically seen in dogs less than a year old, often without previous vaccination. It debilitates the pup by causing dehydration and malnutrition and simultaneously prevents the pup from fighting off subsequent bacterial disease by suppressing the immune system.

Treatment includes aggressive fluid therapy, antibiotics, and a focus on good nursing care and hygiene. Without prompt medical attention, parvovirus can be fatal.

Patti Iampietro is a veterinarian who spent time assisting animals during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which eventually led to her involvement with Best Friends Animal Society.

Tags Parvovirus

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i haave a german sheperd shepherd dog who is just 3 months oll...the weather temperature out here is min 30 to max 34..he has got small boils over his body and a swollen like thing in his testis....please suggest me with some good medication....i really love him and i cant see hin in this condition.....im from india

over 2 years ago by Anonymous

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