Canine Parvovirus Vaccine (CPV) - Does Your Dog Need It?

Parvo viruses affect nearly every mammal species (including humans). Individual strains are more species specific so the canine version will not infect humans.

Canine Parvo is highly contagious and can be a rather serious disease mostly for puppies. It infects rapidly dividing cells such as lymph, bone marrow, cardiac and intestine cells.

Canine Parvo virus was initially discovered in 1967. That strain was CPV-1. In 1978 a new strain appeared - CPV-2. Dogs had no immunity to this strain and it resulted in a bit of an epidemic. A mutated, more aggressive version - CPV-2a - was discovered in 1979. The most common form today is CPV-2b. However a newer strain - CPV-2c emerged in 2000. CPV-2c can infect cats as well.

Parvo is spread through direct and indirect contact with dog feces. It's a hardy virus which can persist outside the body in a wide range of temperatures and conditions and survive for a long period. Infected feces can be tracked virtually everywhere and it takes just trace amounts.

For unknown reasons, dark colored dogs as well as German Shepherds, Doberman Pinchers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Pitbulls and sled dogs are more likely to contract the disease.

Two Forms of Parvo Disease

Parvo may target either the intestines or the heart.

Intestines targeted Parvo virus is more common and has symptoms of vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Cardiac targeted Parvo has respiratory and cardiovascular system symptoms and can result in congestive heart failure, even months or years later.

Additional symptoms: loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, dehydration.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is made through stool testing.

Untreated, Parvo has a mortality rate of nearly 90% in puppies. However, it can be treated if caught early. However, surviving puppies will remain relatively unhealthy for the rest of their lives and can contract the disease again.

There is no cure for the virus itself. Treatment primarily includes IV fluids, antibiotics to address secondary infections, possibly blood transfusions and other supportive care to keep the dog alive while it hopefully mounts a defense against the virus.

Vaccination

Vaccinations available today address the 4 known strains of Canine Parvo. Vaccination does not guarantee immunity but is generally effective when done properly.

Proper vaccination with puppies is tricky...

Puppies get immunity from their mother's first milk ("colostrum") - the first 24 hours. The milk contains the mother's antibodies. How much antibodies a particular puppy receives varies greatly. The most aggressive feeder in the litter generally will get the highest level. The "runt" will generally receive the least.

Antibodies levels from maternal milk decrease by about half every 10 days.

If you vaccinate when there are still adequate levels of mom's antibodies, the vaccine will inactivated. If you vaccinate well after mom's antibodies have worn off, the puppy will be unprotected and vulnerable.

Mother's antibodies can be effective up to as long as 20 weeks but as little as 8 weeks or even less. The typical strategy is to get vaccine shots every 2-4 weeks between 8 weeks and 14-16 weeks.

Also, it's important to be extra careful until the puppy is fully vaccinated.