Understanding the Stages of Parvo: Treatment of Parvo in Puppies

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD. It was last reviewed in August 2, 2024

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.

Understanding the Stages of Parvo in Puppies

Parvo in puppies is a frightening disease. Watching puppies suffering from the severe gastrointestinal symptoms of canine parvovirus and trying to help them survive the infection is one of the saddest things I’ve ever experienced as a veterinarian.

Symptoms of Parvo in Puppies:

• Lethargy
• Depression
• Anorexia
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain

Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial for timely treatment. The initial symptoms often progress quickly, making immediate veterinary care essential. Parvo treatment typically involves: Intensive IV fluid therapy Constant monitoring

• Frequent blood tests to track white blood cell count and electrolytes
• Administration of medications like antibiotics, anti-nausea, and pain relief via IV
• Maintaining cleanliness and comfort for the affected puppies

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and recognizing the symptoms early can significantly improve the chances of survival. The combination of timely medical intervention and supportive care is vital in managing this serious disease.

The History and Impact of Parvo in Puppies

Parvo used to be much more deadly. In the 1980s, as a vet student in inner-city Philadelphia, I witnessed numerous parvo outbreaks. We sometimes lost more than 50% of our puppies in the parvo ward. Experiences from the Parvo Ward:

• Gowned up in head-to-toe disposable garb in a windowless isolation ward
• Cleaning little bodies covered in feces and vomit
• Administering IV meds and taking tiny amounts of blood from fragile bodies
• Palpating abdomens to check for intussusception

The emotional toll of this experience was immense. I began to develop a sense of which of my patients would survive and who I would likely lose in the next 8 hours. In a room with the distinct, stomach-turning odor of parvo infection, I prayed for my little patients.

Today, understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and the advancements in treatment have significantly improved survival rates, but the disease remains a serious threat.

Survival Rate and Cost of Treating Parvo in Puppies

What is the survival rate of parvo in puppies? Can a puppy with parvo survive? Yes. In fact, puppies today are much more likely to survive than in years past. Current Survival Rates:

• 75–80% survival rate with intensive veterinary care
• Some studies show survival rates as high as 90%
• This is a significant improvement from virtually 0% survival during the first big parvo outbreak in 1978

Despite these improvements, parvo in puppies remains a very serious, sometimes fatal disease. Survival generally requires intensive veterinary care and carries a high emotional and monetary price tag. Key Points:

• Intensive Veterinary Care: Crucial for survival, especially in the first 3–4 days
• Cost of Treatment: Typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 with no guarantees
• Prevention: Vaccination is essential to prevent parvo (Learn more about vaccination)

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and the necessary treatments can help pet owners be better prepared for this serious disease.

Understanding Canine Parvovirus

What is parvo? Canine parvovirus infection is a contagious viral disease of dogs. Key Facts about Canine Parvovirus:

• Species-Specific Viruses: Other species have their own parvoviruses, such as feline “distemper” (panleukopenia).
• Emergence: The canine parvovirus emerged in the United States in 1978. It is believed that a virus similar to feline panleukopenia mutated and crossed to canines. Learn more about the emergence.
• Rapid Spread: The disease spread worldwide very quickly, killing thousands of dogs and infecting millions.
• Vaccination Development: The first canine parvo vaccine was developed by 1981, but not before thousands of families had lost their beloved canine friends.

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and recognizing the symptoms early can significantly improve the chances of survival. Prevention through vaccination is essential to protect dogs from this serious disease.

How Do Dogs Get Parvo?

Parvovirus is everywhere and anywhere. It's ubiquitous, and many disinfectants won’t kill it. Transmission of Parvo in Dogs:

• Shedding the Virus: An infected dog can shed the virus in its feces in extremely large numbers. Although a dog usually sheds the virus for only about 2 weeks, once in the environment, the parvovirus can exist for months inside and out.
• Survivability: The virus can survive even in winter. The warmer the climate, the longer the virus can survive.
• Susceptibility in Puppies:
• Immature Immune System: Puppies are most susceptible because of their immature immune system. Until a puppy is about 4 months old, they are in a precarious position regarding protection from parvo (and other viral diseases, such as distemper).
• Maternal Antibodies: Puppies are born with some protective parvo antibodies from their mom, but all antibodies begin to drop quickly after birth. Early parvo vaccination begins to protect the puppies.
• Vulnerability: There are times when puppies are still vulnerable to contracting parvo because neither the maternal antibodies nor the vaccination is totally protective. Puppies who have other challenges (e.g., concurrent disease, high parasite burden, malnourishment, or pups born from an unvaccinated mom) are less able to mount a good immune response, even if vaccinated.

To minimize the risk, puppy owners are instructed to:

• Avoid Heavily Trafficked Areas: Keep pups away from heavily trafficked areas like dog parks and limit exposure to other dogs until the puppy is about 16 weeks of age.

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and how they contract the virus can help in taking preventive measures and ensuring timely vaccination.

Stages and Symptoms of Parvo in Puppies

Once a puppy or dog becomes infected, it takes 3–7 days for symptoms to appear.

Stages of Parvo:

• Initial Invasion: The virus invades the tonsils or lymph nodes of the throat, then the lymphocytes, and then the bloodstream.
• Attack on the Body: The virus attacks the bone marrow and the cells that line the small intestine. Very young dogs can also experience infection in the heart.
• Immune System Damage: The damage to the bone marrow causes a puppy’s immature immune system to become compromised, allowing the virus to wreak havoc in the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of Parvo:

The initial symptoms of parvo are usually: Lethargy Depression Anorexia (Learn more about anorexia in pets) These are followed by gastrointestinal symptoms:

• Diarrhea (often bloody) (Learn more about vomiting and diarrhea in pets)
• Vomiting
• Then the puppy develops:
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Associated abdominal pain

The fluid losses from diarrhea and vomiting cause severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Sepsis, increased heart rate, intussusception of the intestines, seizures, shock, and death can occur within a few days.

When to Seek Veterinary Care:

Any dog, especially puppies, with bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and depression should be taken to the vet immediately. Parvo must be ruled out to ensure timely treatment and increase the chances of survival.

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and recognizing these symptoms early can significantly improve the chances of recovery with appropriate veterinary care.

Parvo Diagnosis in Puppies

Canine parvovirus can be diagnosed by a veterinarian with a quick in-house ELISA test on feces. The results are known within 15 minutes. Diagnostic Methods:

• ELISA Test: This quick in-house test provides results within 15 minutes.
• PCR Test: Feces can also be sent to a laboratory for a more accurate test (PCR), but this takes more time. False negatives are possible with any testing.
• Additional Diagnostic Steps:

If your vet is suspicious of parvo, they will run a white blood cell count immediately. Since the parvovirus attacks the bone marrow early in the disease process, a low white blood cell count can be a significant warning sign. Key Indicators for Treatment:

• Symptoms: A puppy with bloody diarrhea (Learn more about what it means when your dog has bloody stool), vomiting, and depression.
• Test Results: A low white blood cell count and a positive ELISA test for parvo indicate that treatment must begin immediately.

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and the diagnostic methods can help ensure timely and appropriate treatment, increasing the chances of survival.

How Do You Treat Parvo in Puppies?

Parvo treatment almost always begins with hospitalization in a full-service veterinary hospital. A very sick puppy with parvo is going to need intensive IV fluid therapy, 24-hour monitoring, and in-house laboratory services. Typical Recovery Time: Hospital Stay: 5–7 days Steps in Treating Parvo: Initial Diagnostics: Monitoring and Medications: Nutritional Support: Nursing Care: Abdominal Palpation:

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and knowing what to expect during treatment can help pet owners prepare for the intense care required to save their beloved pets.

The Parvo Isolation Unit

Isolation protocols are essential when dealing with parvo cases, and many veterinary hospitals are not equipped or built to follow intensive isolation techniques. Key Isolation Measures:

• Location: The parvo unit should be housed far away from the rest of the hospital population, preferably on a separate floor.
• Sealed Room: The room is sealed off from the rest of the hospital.
• Protective Gear: Anyone entering the unit must be completely covered, usually in disposable hospital gowns, shoe covers, gloves, etc.
• Contamination Prevention: If any feces or vomit gets through to the person’s clothing, everything must be changed before leaving the unit and entering the main hospital.
• Separate Equipment: Treatment sheets, stethoscopes, thermometers — in other words, any hospital equipment or paperwork for the parvo unit — must be totally separated from the rest of the building.
• Time and Cost Considerations:
• Entry and Exit: Every time a person enters and exits the parvo unit, it is time-consuming, adding to the intensive nature and expense of treating a parvo puppy.
• Laundry: Even laundry is time-consuming. Although much of the bedding can be disposable, any soiled laundry should not be tracked through the main hospital area. It should be washed separately, bleached twice, and completely dried.
• Visitor Protocols:
• People visiting their puppies must follow the intense isolation protocols as well.

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and the rigorous isolation protocols required can help pet owners appreciate the complexity and cost involved in treating this serious disease.

Treating Parvo at Home

Adolescent or older dogs who contract parvo have a better chance of survival. Most likely, these older dogs will have shorter hospital stays or even be treated as outpatients. Home Treatment Considerations:

• Survival Rates: Treating puppies as outpatients carries a much lower survival rate and is done only when financial concerns are extreme or veterinary care is not available.
• Veterinary Guidance: Treatment at home should be done under the careful guidance of a veterinarian.
• Steps for Home Treatment:
• Initial Hospitalization:
• Home Care Regimen:
• Follow-Up Care:

Recent studies have published that survival rates can reach 75% — as long as there is careful veterinary monitoring and initial hospital stabilization.

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and the necessary steps for home treatment can help pet owners manage this challenging situation more effectively.

In the video below, Dr. Greg Martinez, DVM, explains more about treating parvo in puppies:

Is Parvo Contagious to Humans?

No, humans cannot get parvo from dogs. Species-Specific Viruses:

• Mammal-Specific Parvoviruses: Just about every mammal species has its own parvovirus, including cats and humans.
• Species-Specific Transmission: These viruses are species-specific, meaning that canine parvovirus cannot be transmitted to a human or a cat.
• Origin and Transmission:
• Canine Parvo Epidemic: Even though it is theorized that the canine parvo epidemic could have come from a mutated cat parvovirus, cats were not affected by the canine parvo epidemic.

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and knowing that it is not contagious to humans can help alleviate concerns for pet owners while focusing on the necessary care for their infected dogs.

Rehabilitation and Life After Parvo

Puppies who have survived the critical phase of parvo are sent home and should get stronger and happier in a short period of time. Post-Recovery Care:

• Feeding Guidelines: Clients are usually instructed to follow careful feeding guidelines.
• Medications: Antibiotics and/or other GI medications are often given for a week or so.
• Isolation: Puppies should be kept away from other canines for about 1 month.

Puppies and dogs who have recovered from parvo should go on to lead a totally normal life.

Take Vaccination Seriously

Parvo is rare in a well-vaccinated population of dogs, although it can still occur. Importance of Vaccination:

• Puppy Vaccination Schedules: Take puppy vaccination schedules extremely seriously. This is when your puppy is most susceptible to parvo (Learn more about puppy vaccination schedules).
• Booster Shots: If an outbreak of parvo occurs in your area, check with your vet to see if a booster is suggested for your dog.

Can a Vaccinated Dog Get Parvo?

Yes, it is possible — although rare — for a vaccinated dog to contract parvo.

Never let a severe case of bloody diarrhea and vomiting go undiagnosed. Get to the vet!

Understanding the stages of parvo in puppies and the importance of vaccination can help protect your dog from this serious disease and ensure a healthy, happy life after recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• Brashear, Megan, CVT, VTS (ECC). "Small Pets in Big Trouble." BSAVA Companion 2015 no. 2 (February 2015): 20–21. https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/journals/10.22233/20412495.0215.20.
• Brooks, Wendy, DVM, DABVP. "Parvovirus in Dogs." Veterinary Partner. May 8, 2018. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951463.
• Baker Institute for Animal Health. "Canine Parvovirus." Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/about-us/animal-health-articles/canine-parvovirus.
• Shell, Linda, DVM, DACVIM. "Canine Parvovirus Infection." VIN. 2018.
• Venn, Emilee C., DVM, DACVECC, et al. "Evaluation of an Outpatient Protocol in the Treatment of Canine Parvoviral Enteritis." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 27, no. 1 (January 2017): 52–65. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27918639/.