Parvo

Parvo is a Highly Contagious life threatening viral disease affecting the intestinal tract. It attacks the white blood cells and can cause lifelong cardio issues. Puppies can die within 48 hours if not treated immediately as the survival window is very small. Dog breeds that seem to have a higher risk in contracting Parvo are: German Shepards, Rottweilers, Doberman pinchers, Labrador retrievers, American Staffordshire terriers.

Parvo can be spread by humans, animals, objects, dog feces and it can live inside your home for months, especially if no disinfecting is done on carpets, floors, clothes, shoes, and surfaces. Parvovirus can also live outside in the grass for up to a year. If you or your dog walked in an area that was contaminated with the Parvo virus, both you and your dog could carry it back to your home. Removing your shoes and washing your dogs feet after an outting is a very important preventative measure.
Puppies have a weaker immune system and should especially be kept away from areas that might be infected.

Symptoms: (A parvo infected dog may only have one symptom)

• Severe Vomiting
• Diarrhea (foul smelling)
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration

Prognosis
The prognosis for a puppy with parvo, is quite guarded to poor, if not treated immediately. In the active illness stage of Parvo, the intestinal lining cells are dying and sloughing, leaving little ability for the intestine to absorb fluids or nutrients. As a result, oral fluids are often poorly utilized, and may just end up in the runny stools that you are seeing. Intravenous fluids allow the body to restore its normal fluid balance, without relying on the intestinal lining cells.

As the illness progresses, if body hydration can be maintained, the intestinal cells will eventually begin to regenerate, and the diarrhea should slow down, and have a less fetid odor. Once the appetite returns, then most parvo cases have “turned the corner” and will be back to normal within a few days. The suvival rate claims from verterinary care is approx. 65%

Holistic Recommendation from DeAnimal Saver

1.  See your vet immiediately if your dog / puppy has severe signs of diarrhea and or vomiting. Parvo must be treated within the first 24 hrs. After that, survival rate goes down significantly.
2.  Have you vet do a fecal test (ELISA)
3. IV Fluids can be a lifesaver and will be done by your veterinarian.
4. Vitamin Injections: C and B to Boost the immune system
5. Helpful herbs: (Holistic Treatment)

• • Hibiscus flower
  • Spearmint Leaf
  • Peppermint Leaf
  • Oregon grape root
  • Goldenseal
  • Echinacea
  • Rosehip
  • Fruit
  • Garlic
  • Colloidal Silver
  • Chamomile Flower
  • Yarrow
  • Plantain Leaf

6.  Colostrum: Helps fight infection in the gut and provides antibacterial elements
7. Glucosamine: Will coat the intestines

Note: Parvo is resistant to many disinfectants. Toys and dishes should be cleaned for 10 minutes with 1part bleach and 32 parts water. If not disinfected, these items should be discarded. You can also use the bleach solution on the soles of your shoes if you think you’ve walked through an infected area. Areas that are harder to clean (grassy areas, carpeting and wood, for example) may need to be sprayed with disinfectant, or even resurfaced.

Preventative Recommendation from DeAnimal Saver

You can take some preventative steps that will lessen the chance of your canine contracting Parvo. We feel this is very important to include on this page.

1. Vitamin supplements are Extremely important to Boost the immune system as a preventative measure.
2. Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes: Promoting good bacteria in your pet’s intestines can help prevent the Parvo virus
3. High protein diet / Low carbs
4. Live foods
5. Avoid dog parks, pet stores, play groups, high dog traffic areas, especially puppies.