I manage my pups the sameway cc does. also be sure and bleach everything she waS in and walked like your floors. my vet says to spray yard with bleach water if they was out there. I like to learn all i can so i read and ask lots of questions

sorry for the long post...but i really liked the info i found on this site: www.animalclinic.com.


PARVOVIRUS INFECTION

*What is Canine Parvo?

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a relatively new disease that appeared in 1978. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, CPV has aroused a great deal of public interest. The virus that causes it is very similar to feline distemper, and the two diseases are almost identical. Therefore, it has been speculated that the canine virus is a mutation of the feline virus. However, that has never been proven.

*How does a dog become infected with parvovirus?

The causative agent of CPV disease, as the name infers, is a virus. The main source of the virus is the feces of infected dogs. The stool of an infected dog can have a high concentration of viral particles. Susceptible animals become infected by ingesting the virus. Subsequently, the virus is carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation.

Unlike most other viruses, CPV is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. CPV has been recovered from dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within 7-10 days of the initial infection.

*How does this disease affect the dog?

The clinical manifestations of CPV disease are somewhat variable, but generally take the form of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea may or may not contain blood. Additionally, affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, depression, and fever. It is important to note that many dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs; vomiting usually begins first. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat.

*How is it diagnosed?

The clinical signs of CPV infection can mimic other diseases causing vomiting and diarrhea; consequently, the diagnosis of CPV is often a challenge for the veterinarian. The positive confirmation of CPV infection requires the demonstration of the virus in the stool or the detection of anti-CPV antibodies in the blood serum. Occasionally, a dog will have parvovirus but test negative for virus in the stool. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence. A tentative diagnosis is often based on the presence of a reduced white blood cell count (leukopenia). If further confirmation is needed, stool or blood can be submitted to a veterinary laboratory for the other tests. The absence of a leukopenia does not always mean that the dog cannot have CPV infection. Some dogs that become clinically ill may not necessarily be leukopenic.

*Can it be treated successfully?

There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. However, the virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes loss of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte (sodium and potassium) imbalances, and infection in the bloodstream (septicemia). When the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream, it becomes more likely that the animal will die.

The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This requires the administration of intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to inhibit the diarrhea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems.

*What is the survival rate?

Most dogs with CPV infection recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicemia and dehydration occur. For reasons not fully understood, some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds.

*Can it be prevented?

The best method of protecting your dog against CPV infection is proper vaccination. Puppies receive a parvo vaccination as part of their multiple-agent vaccine given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. In some situations, veterinarians will give the vaccine at two week intervals and an additional booster at 18 to 20 weeks of age. After the initial series of vaccinations when the dog is a puppy, all dogs should be boostered at least once a year. Dogs in high exposure situations (i.e., kennels, dog shows, field trials, etc.) may be better protected with a booster every six months. Pregnant bitches should be boostered within two weeks of whelping in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies. The final decision about a proper vaccination schedule should be made by your veterinarian.

*Is there a way to kill the virus in the environment?

The stability of the CPV in the environment makes it important to properly disinfect contaminated areas. This is best accomplished by cleaning food bowls, water bowls, and other contaminated items with a solution of one cup of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water ( 4 to 8 ounces of bleach in a gallon of water OR 250 mL in 4 liters of water). It is important that chlorine bleach be used because most "virucidal" disinfectants will not kill the canine parvovirus.

*Does parvovirus pose a health risk for me? How about for my cats?

It is important to note that at the present time, there is no evidence to indicate that CPV is transmissible to cats or humans.

i don't know if this will help but my mother who is a breeder has had puppies come down with parvo. here is what she does first all money goes back to the buyer even if it is not her fault. ( her puppies always have 2 sets of shots and are vet cked two times before leaving ) next the puppy comes back to her and here is her secret she feeds the puppy light karo egg yolks and puppy milk replacer all mixed up 6 times a day. in all the years she has been breading she has yet to lose a baby. when the puppy is better she has it spayed and if the owner wants it back he goes home. this is hard work and i have seen it done. it takes work form the vet and puppy owner. my mother came across this from a vet that she worked with for years. good luck and i hope all goes well ;)

Am I understanding this correctly? You have a contract from the breeder with a health guarantee? What is the period on that guarantee? What are the exact terms? Read it very carefully. If you think the contract expressly promises you a healthy puppy (which is should but does not necessary do), what I would do is bring a claim in small claims court for your vet bills. The advantage to small claims court or municipal court is that you do not need a lawyer and there’s usually an expedited process so you can recoup your lost funds and focus on your puppy’s health faster.

Remember to keep all your receipts. Document all your expenses! These should be the original reciepts and not a summary you've made up. You'll need to be able to prove the exact amount of money you have lost.

Also, hold onto any correspondences you have with the breeder and your vet. If you have a verbal conversation with the breeder, follow-up immediately with a letter, documenting what was said in the conversation and retain a photocopy of the letter with the post mark date for your records (I would even send these letters registered mail so that you have the return receipt as evidence that your breeder received your letter).

My heart goes out to you. Know how it feels to have a dog in the ICU. Best wishes to you and your pup for a quick and full recovery!

Great advice! Great Post!

your story is kinda like me although beaker never got parvo.. i did get him from a women in fl where i live and he was so sickly and i didnt get nothing in writing.... she also did shots herself.... i hope all goes well... where did you get your baby from..

I've already done everything you mentioned above....I am taking this to a small claims court and requesting she pay for my vet bills. There is no PROOF that my dog has picked up the Parvo in my care...but it could've been prevented if her immunizations were up to date and if I had proof of a health certificate and records of what shots exactly she's had etc. I didn't even know anything about Parvo until i went to the 2nd vet i'm at. The dog was born 11/20 and she sold her to me 3/6 so i sent her to the other (first vet with free examination) first about 9 days later. It was hard for me to get her to one right away with work and everything. Aside from all of that..i have all my documents, receipts, a letter from the 2nd vet im at now stating she does have parvo, hookworm and is being hospitalized for 4 days etc. Both vet's are on my side..so things are looking good. I have a feeling she will not cooperate though..and I will not see any $ any time soon.

Forgot to mention...I've read up on my rights and everything, and have called her within the two days i have stated in the pet lemon law, to call her and let her know of the pet being sick. (that didnt go over so smoothly) and then after 3 days i HAVE to send her a letter stating what's going on etc. , contact information and a resolution...and of course a copy of my vet bills, letter from vet etc. So i am orgainzed and have researched all of this thoroughly-sp? first..believe me!

UPDATE: Kelsey is doing wonderful!!! Dr. called today while i was at work to tell me she was doing well and that she can come home tomorrow with 3 pills to take for a week and she should be fine. I still have to clean my whole house and disenfect everything with bleach and stuff...but I'm just as excited as can be!!! I will keep ya'll posted. Thanks so much for your support and consideration.
:)

I got her through the pet and livestock classifides in my local newspaper..shes a local breeder.

I'm so glad she is doing well. I can't imagine how devastated I would be if this happened to my Sophie. Hang in there.

Give that pup a kiss from Sophie!

I am sooooo glad she is doing better! :D I know you can't wait to bring her home. I hate that you feel you won't get any help on vet bills. The main thing is that your puppy is going to be fine and healthy. :animal-sm Let us know how she continues to progress.

Thats so great that Kelsey is doing better and gets to come home to get some TLC. You have really been through the ringer. I hope everything works out with your breeder.

Sick Puppy
 

My little Eddie is sick too. He has been to the vet twice this week and still does not seem any better. He still has an appetite but doesnt usually keep the food down. Today he had blood in his stool. I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions.

Get him to the vet right away. Blood in the stools can be parvo. It could be other things too but I would not mess around with it especially with his vomiting also. He could dehydrate on you quickly.

Eddiesmom- I just reread you post. Did your vet check for parvo??? Did he give you medication for an infection? Did he give you keopectate for your dog or tell you to give it? I don't mean to frighten you but I had a dog (lhasa Apso) and when it was a pup I noticed it had bloody stools. I called and made a vet appt. and the dog died an hour later. He had a seizure. It was parvo. If the vet didn't check for parvo take him to another vet that will. Im not saying it is it but you really need some intervention since hes also vomiting.