Parvovirus is known clinically as canine parvovirus type 2. Because antibodies against the disease from the mother begin to decline when the puppy reaches six to 16 weeks of age, younger dogs that have not been vaccinated against the disease are at a greater risk for severe infection.
Parvovirus is transmitted when a dog ingests the feces of another dog that has the infection and is shedding the virus in its feces. Once within the animal's system, the virus typically causes clinical signs to develop five to 12 days after infection. The virus then spreads throughout the dog's system, destroying all of the rapidly dividing cells, including white and red blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow, and cells within the intestines that absorb and digest food and fluids.
The virus causes the animal to become very sick from complications such as secondary bacterial infections and severe dehydration. Animals will also have diarrhea that may contain blood, vomiting, and fever. Supportive and aggressive medical care will often save the animal, but the cost of medical treatment is much greater than the cost of protecting the dog with appropriate vaccines. Without immediate medical attention, a dog can die from parvovirus.
