Bloody Diarrhea (Parvovirus)
Canine parvoviral enteritis, caused by the canine parvovirus, is a highly contagious disease in dogs that affects their digestive system. Before the late 1970’s, parvoviral enteritis did not even exist and most of what we now know of this disease has been discovered since then. It is now known that the diseases is transmitted via the oral/fecal route. Huge numbers of virus are shed in the stools of infected dogs for up to two weeks after infection. Since the virus is extremely hardy, it can survive and remain infectious for months in the environment and is extremely difficult to kill with disinfectants.
Symptoms
Once an unprotected dog is exposed to the virus, it only takes about 5 days to show signs of the disease. These signs can include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, vomiting, and profuse and usually bloody diarrhea. Death occurs in severe cases, usually as a result of dehydration, overwhelming infection, or shock. This is especially true in young unprotected dogs (especially puppies between weaning and six months of age), although dogs of any age can become infected. Certain breeds such as Rottweiler and Doberman pinschers are at higher risk. (more…)
