How does the vet diagnose parvovirus?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nA simple fecal test is available to rapidly diagnose parvovirus. <\/span>Additional<\/span> lab work<\/span> can help <\/span>determine<\/span> just <\/span>how ill a dog is<\/span>. The m<\/span>ost concerning findings <\/span>includ<\/span>e:<\/span> low white blood cell count, low blood sugar, or associated organ dysfunction.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"parvo,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-2.png\")
A dog with parvovirus receiving nebulizer treatment from Courtney, one of our veterinary technicians. <\/em><\/p><\/div>\nHow is parvovirus treated?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nOnce parvovirus is diagnosed, prompt treatment is necessary. No specific medication will eliminate the virus. Rather, medical care is focused on supporting the body through the infection, including fluid therapy, medications to manage vomiting and diarrhea, preventing the risk of secondary infections, and keeping the pet comfortable.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHospitalized care is usually needed for a patient to survive, and death can still occur despite aggressive treatment. However, with appropriate care, survival rates can be as high as 90%. The length of time in-hospital is variable but can range from one day to over a week, with the average stay being 3-4 days.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat precautions do veterinary teams take to prevent spread?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\nBecause of how highly contagious parvovirus is, special precautions must be taken to protect other patients in-hospital. At Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, dogs with history and symptoms consistent with parvovirus are tested immediately upon arrival. A team member wearing protective gear administers the test while keeping the patient separate from all other dogs.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIf the test is positive, and the dog is hospitalized, the pet is housed in a special ward where it can be cared for while remaining isolated from the patient population. Team members wear protective gear when handling the patient for treatment, nursing care, and bathroom breaks. A dog with parvovirus does not encounter other hospitalized patients, and all surfaces that the patient touches are routinely disinfected. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"parvo,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/3-1.png\")
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What <\/span>should I do when my<\/span> dog with parvovirus <\/span>return<\/span>s home after hospitalization?\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nThe virus is shed in feces during the active phase of the infection and for at least two weeks after symptoms resolve. Therefore, following discharge from the hospital, continued home isolation is important. A dog recovering from parvovirus should not be allowed to interact with any other dog (vaccinated or unvaccinated) for at least two weeks after symptoms have completely resolved.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAll surfaces the dog touches at home, including bedding, food\/water bowls, leashes, and toys, must also be routinely disinfected. Parvovirus is very hardy in the environment and can survive for months to years if not properly disinfected. Most household cleaners will not kill the virus; however, bleach (diluted with water in a 1:30 ratio) is effective at killing the virus when left to soak on surfaces for at least ten minutes. Prior to disinfecting the surface, all organic material (such as food or feces) must be removed.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow can I prevent my dog from getting parvovirus?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nVaccination, avoiding high-risk areas, and appropriate cleaning are key factors in the prevention of parvovirus. A series of puppy vaccinations are administered to help protect against parvovirus, and adult dogs should be kept up-to-date on their parvovirus vaccinations as well.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nUntil a puppy has received its full series of vaccinations, caution should be used when socializing the puppy with other dogs with unknown vaccine histories or environments with poor hygiene practices. Interaction between a puppy and another dog with gastrointestinal symptoms should be avoided.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"parvo,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-2.png\")
\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIf you<\/span> have any questions or concerns about your dog\u2019s potential exposure to parvovirus or any suspicious symptoms, contact your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital. If your dog needs to be vaccinated, schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian as soon as possible<\/span>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMore Reading:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
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