Parvovirus enteritis in dogs: characteristics of the disease, diagnosis and treatment. Parvovirus enteritis in dogs

Parvovirus enteritis in dogs it develops as a result of infection of the pet with a virus from the Parvoviridae family. A pet can “catch” it either from an unvaccinated mother or during a walk. Adult animals are less susceptible to this disease, however, if they lack immunity to the causative agent of parvovirus, there is a risk of death. Today we will tell you in detail about the symptoms and treatment of a dog for parvovirus enteritis.

In most cases, a puppy becomes infected from an obviously sick animal.(from the canine family) or from a person who has been ill. Even if the puppy is cured, he still long time poses a danger to other dogs. The virus is released into the external environment with feces, urine or milk (in the case of a sick mother). And it remains in excrement for more than ten days. All an animal needs to do is smell or lick the transmission factor and it will become infected.

In addition to animals, humans can also transmit the virus. will bring it into the house on shoes and pet the sick animal. How many dogs get infected at shows or competitions? Small puppies can “catch” the infection from their unvaccinated mother.

It can take about ten days from the moment parvovirus enters the puppy’s body until the first symptoms of enteritis appear. This is called the latent/incubation period. During this time, the pathogen “gains strength”, actively reproduces, increases its “numbers” before attacking the body. An acute course is more often recorded, while chronic enteritis is much less common. Usually everything happens very quickly. And if you do not provide veterinary care to your pet in time, then death is too likely.

Symptoms

At the very beginning, the symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in a dog are almost invisible. Only attentive owners notice how the baby’s behavior changes. Puppies that are between two and ten months old are most susceptible. Children become lethargic and their appetite almost completely disappears. The puppy has no time for games. However, not always. Sometimes cases are recorded when the animal remains cheerful, active and eats well.

Body temperature rises. Normally, in a puppy it ranges from 37.5 to 39 degrees. In this case, do not pay attention to the nose. Many people mistakenly believe that if the nose is cold, then the animal does not have a fever. However, remember yourself in a moment of chills. You are cold, you are shaking, your limbs are almost icy, and your temperature is high. The same can happen in animals. Therefore, you need to trust only the numbers on the thermometer. If the indicator is over 39, then go to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In any case, an inflammatory process has begun, which requires immediate relief.

However, parvovirus enteritis in dogs is not always accompanied by an increase in temperature. Often it remains normal until the pet’s death. Therefore, it is so important to know what other symptoms of enteritis in a dog.

Symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in dogs Manifestation of symptoms
The most obvious symptom is the dog arching when stroking its back. The pet tucks its tail and arches. The abdominal area is very painful when palpated. This is due to the fact that the virus attacks the small intestine. An inflammatory process occurs in it, it swells and becomes painful.
Vomit

Due to the fact that intestinal inflammation has begun, food digestion is impaired. Vomiting may begin on the first day. You can find pieces of undigested food in it. Gradually the vomit becomes gray and stringy.

Diarrhea The next symptom of enteritis in a dog is watery diarrhea. Its color is initially yellowish, with greenish veins on the surface. These veins are pieces of inflamed intestinal mucosa. The color of the diarrhea changes to bloody. The smell of rot appears. This is due to the fact that the intestines die. The processes develop instantly, which is why chronic enteritis is recorded extremely rarely.
Refusal of food and water. Dehydration. The pet not only stops eating, but also refuses water. Due to constant vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration begins. It's easy to recognize. Visible mucous membranes (in the mouth and eyes) become dry and dull. The cornea also stops shining. If the body becomes dehydrated, the animal will die very quickly.
Abdominal pain Because of inflamed bowel Not only does the dog have pain in his stomach, but also in his stomach. It is very painful for your pet to lie down, so he has to stand constantly. He rests his head on the corner and stands in this position long hours. Death can occur within a day, a maximum of three from the moment the first symptoms of enteritis appear in the dog. That is why it is so important to prescribe effective treatment for enteritis in dogs in a timely manner.
Rumbling in the stomach Sometimes puppy owners report hearing a strong rumbling sound in their baby’s stomach. But there is practically no pain in the stomach. But the animal still refuses food and water. In contrast to the acute course of the disease, in the “chronic” course the appearance of vomiting is noted only on the third or fourth day after the appearance of the first clinical signs. Pulse and breathing increase slightly, death occurs on the fourth or fifth day. The cause is heart failure. With this form there is no diarrhea. Or it appears almost before death.

Is it worth saying that this disease is very serious? If you find 1 or more obvious symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in a dog, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment for the animal.

Treatment

How to treat parvovirus enteritis in dogs? As you remember from what was written above, the death of an animal can occur either on the first day after the first clinical signs or on the third. Don't put off treating enteritis in dogs until the next day, because tomorrow may never come for your puppy. You should not self-medicate. Required efficient scheme treatment.

Vaseline oil

Be sure to provide peace. The doctor may recommend using petroleum jelly (sunflower oil works somewhat worse) internally or as an enema. This will help coat the intestines. As a result, the virus does not penetrate the walls of the mucous membrane, and the toxic contents of the intestine are not absorbed. Just don't do this unless your vet says it's okay. Don't force feed.

Saline solutions

Must be given saline solutions inside. Pharmacies (including those for humans) are full of powders that are intended for use in case of dehydration. They contain not only salt, but also glucose, as well as trace elements that are necessary to maintain normal osmotic pressure in cells. During vomiting and diarrhea, not only water is excreted, but also sodium and potassium. As a result, the functioning of the heart is disrupted. This solution must be given in small portions and very often (every 10-15 minutes). You can’t solder everything at once. You can give it from a spoon, or you can pour it little by little into your mouth from a syringe (of course, without a needle).

Other drugs

If the animal is in severe pain, an antispasmodic will help. For example, no-spa or analgin, but always in solution. There is no point in giving medications by mouth. Either vomiting will begin, or it will simply not be absorbed in the digestive tract due to the contents being removed from the intestines too quickly.

However, you must understand that these drugs are not the primary treatment for parvovirus enteritis in dogs, but only a secondary one that relieves symptoms.

Parvovirus enteritis can be “destroyed” only with the help of a specific serum that contains ready-made antibodies. These antibodies are obtained from the blood of recovered animals. It is impossible to cure a dog without immunoglobulins or serum.

Nutrition

Instead of food, you should give a solution of glucose or ascorbic acid to drink in small portions. This will help maintain vitality. After applying specific treatment, veterinarian monitoring is necessary for another week. Vitamins and antibiotics may be prescribed. An antibiotic will not kill parvovirus, but it will treat a secondary infection of bacterial origin that complicates the disease, causing additional complications.

Treatment must be carried out as soon as possible to avoid serious complications. Enteritis in dogs will not go away on its own, but it can easily take the life of a puppy. Therefore, do not neglect vaccination. It is necessary to vaccinate both the mother (before pregnancy) and the puppies (after weaning from the nursing mother).

Please note that the article is dedicated specifically to the parvovirus type. There are other types.

Still have questions? You can ask them to our site's in-house veterinarian in the comment box below, who will respond to them as soon as possible.


  • Evgenia 08:43 | 24 Mar. 2019

    Hello. Please tell me what could be wrong with the dog. On March 20, diarrhea started, he vomited once, and had to be taken outside often, where the dog would sit down little by little to go to the toilet. The next day, the diarrhea continued, they also took him out often, now the situation is like this that the dog’s feces have a runny consistency, not like water, but runny, but he doesn’t ask to be taken out often. He stopped eating porridge with chicken and beef trimmings about two months ago, and from the table he eats what we eat willingly, sits and begs. Our male is 3, 7 years old, not untied and not castrated, we don’t give any pills, after a walk he becomes overexcited and jumps on his leg imitating sexual intercourse, but yesterday, during the imitation, he splattered the floor with red drops that looked like either blood or ichor. Never before This has never happened. When the dog moves around the apartment, sleeps on the chair, he has a small amount of yellowish-grayish discharge from the genitals. What can happen to the dog, and what to do, please help with advice. Thanks in advance.

  • Ksyu 17:13 | 22 Feb. 2019

    Hello, we bought a 2 month old Beagle puppy. They took it from Moscow without documents for themselves, upon arrival the puppy became worse after eating a little, and diarrhea began. The vet diagnosed parvovirus. An IV and 7 injections I don’t remember which ones I just remember: vitamins, antibiotic, antiviral immunomodulator and something else. In general, the first 2 days after the drips we were weak to eat, the first day we didn’t eat anything at all, the second day we had a Royal Canin gastro teaspoon, but we diluted it with some water and fed it a little at a time, and also gave us a liquid pribiotic 10 ml somewhere. Also a little at a time through a syringe. The puppy sleeps more during the day and is not active in the evening, tries to run around and play, well, as far as this goes, it’s true because he has no strength. Today is the 3rd day of drips and we vomited during the drip, then we’ve been vomiting all day long, well, she’s vomiting, or she’s sneezing, or she’s just drooling a lot with a mixture of blood, she drinks water herself, but we feed her just a little bit, also through a syringe, and we also give her a pribiotic in the evening becoming active. Tell me, is the puppy on the mend? Is there anything else I can do to help the baby?

  • Good day, please help. The dog fell ill with parvovirus. I would like to know about the complications of this disease. The dog does not get to his feet. Even when you help her, her legs still move apart

Abbreviations: VGNKI - All-Russian State Scientific Control Institute, VEN - mink enteritis virus, ELISA - enzyme immunoassay, MT - body weight, MFA - fluorescent antibody method, PLC - feline pan-leukopenia, PCR - polymerase chain reaction, RHA - hemagglutination reaction , RN - neutralization reaction, HRTHA - hemagglutination inhibition reaction, SBBZh - station for combating animal diseases, TCD - tissue cytopathogenic dose, CPD - cytopathogenic effect, tELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Carnivore parvoviruses are widespread in nature. They are isolated from different species of domestic and wild animals. The first of the carnivore parvoviruses to be isolated and identified was the PLC virus, then VEN, and in 1978, canine parvovirus type 2. These viruses often cause death in animals and cause significant damage, especially in fur farming.

Historical reference
In February 1978, highly contagious canine diarrhea was reported in the southern and midwestern United States. In the feces of sick animals, a small virus with a diameter of 20 nm was detected using electron microscopy, which, based on morphological characteristics, was classified as a parvovirus. In September 1978, an outbreak of parvovirus infection was observed in dogs throughout the country, with particularly severe cases of the disease occurring in animals kept in kennels. In the same year, the disease was registered in Austria, Canada, Belgium, Holland, and France.

At the end of 1979 veterinarians Moscow was registered individual cases diseases of dogs with signs of vomiting, enteritis and fatal. At the beginning of 1980, a similar clinical picture was observed much more often. In June-July the disease became widespread.

On September 25, 1980, a congress of the World Small Animal Association on canine parvovirus enteritis was held in Barcelona (Spain). By this time, 28 countries, including the USSR, were considered unfavorable for the disease. At the congress, reports of doctors from different countries, affecting methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the disease, ways to eliminate it are outlined.

Research into the disease for the first time in our country began at the VGNKI of Veterinary Medicine in the laboratory headed by Professor A.V. Selivanov. In August 1980 A.A. Sulimov, at the Timiryazevskaya SBBZh base, studied the symptoms of the disease and selected material for laboratory research. Clinical signs of the disease in dogs were characteristic of parvovirus enteritis. Fecal samples were taken from dogs with classic clinical manifestations of the disease and examined at the Russian State Academy. A hemagglutinating agent was detected in all 10 samples. When identified in the RTGA using hyperimmune serum obtained for VEN, an antigenic relationship was established, which made it possible to classify the causative agent of the disease as a parvovirus.

Serological studies were confirmed by electron microscopy: an icosahedral-shaped virus with a diameter of 20±2 nm was detected, which is typical for representatives of the Parvoviridae family. Once the diagnosis was made, the virus was isolated in cell culture, and basic biological properties were studied, research focused on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the disease.

In a short time, a kit was created at the RTGA for diagnosing parvovirus infections of carnivores - canine parvovirus enteritis, VEN, PLC. The first inactivated vaccine in our country against parvovirus infections of carnivores (Parvovac carnivorum) was developed and introduced into veterinary practice.

Thanks to the successful research of V.I. Ulasova in 1984, adenovirus type 2 was isolated from dogs. After studying the biological properties of the virus, it became possible to create an associated vaccine for the prevention of adenoviral infections and parvovirus enteritis in dogs (Trivak).

About two years later, we developed and introduced into veterinary practice a vaccine for the prevention of distemper, infectious hepatitis, adenoviral infections and parvovirus enteritis in dogs (Tetravac), and together with Yu.A. Malakhov and G.L. Soboleva created an associated vaccine against distemper, adenoviral infections, parvovirus enteritis and leptospirosis in dogs (Hexakanivac). Concerning medicinal products, then hyperimmune serum and immunoglobulin (Polycaniglob) were developed against canine distemper, adenoviral infections, and canine parvovirus enteritis. Thanks to the use of mono- and associated vaccines, it was possible to significantly reduce the incidence of parvovirus enteritis and adenoviral infections in dogs. Currently, they are quite rare - only in puppies that were not vaccinated in a timely manner.

Causative agent of canine parvovirus enteritis
The causative agent of parvovirus enteritis belongs to the Parvovirus family (Parvoviridae). Two types of virus have been isolated in dogs.
Type 1 isolated in 1968 in Germany from feces clinically healthy dog. This virus is non-pathogenic for dogs. Type 2 was isolated in 1978 in the USA during an epizootic of canine parvovirus enteritis and is virulent.
Virus types differ in the spectrum of sensitivity of cell cultures and the lack of cross-linking serological reaction.

Parvovirus type 2 is a DNA-containing virus, devoid of an envelope, icosahedral in shape, with a diameter of 20±4 nm, resistant to physicochemical factors. Infectious activity persists when exposed to ether, chloroform, as well as at a pH of up to 3. At a temperature of 80 ° C, the virus is inactivated in 15 minutes, at 56 ° C - within 30 minutes. At low temperatures the infectious activity of the pathogen persists for up to two to three years or more. The virus is sensitive to formaldehyde. A 30% solution of soda ash and jelly water are considered good disinfectants.

Parvovirus type 2 is characterized by hemagglutinating activity (reactions with red blood cells of pigs and rhesus monkeys); using RTGA, RN and monoclonal antibodies, its antigenic affinity with the PLC virus, VEN was revealed. When dogs are infected, antibodies are formed that inhibit hemagglutination and neutralize the virus.

For virus reproduction, a primary trypsinized kitten kidney cell culture or continuous cell line (CRFK) is used. During reproduction, the virus forms intranuclear inclusions and exhibits a weakly expressed CPE, which is not detected under a light microscope. Therefore, indirect methods are used: detection of intranuclear inclusions, MFA, tELISA, RGA.

Epizootology
The main source of spread of the pathogen is the feces of sick dogs. It is believed that the virus is excreted in feces for 10 days, and its maximum amount occurs on the 5th day. In low titers, the virus is detected in vomit with mucus for 2...12 days.

Other, no less important factor- high resistance of the virus to physical and chemical factors and its preservation during external environment up to several months. When a small dose of the virus enters an animal’s body, a subclinical form of the disease often occurs, and more high dose causes a disease characteristic of parvovirus enteritis. Sick dogs spread the virus for 2...3 weeks. The virus can survive on dogs' paws and fur for a long time and pose a threat to unvaccinated animals. Dogs that have had parvovirus enteritis can be a source of infection for a long time.

The pathogen is transmitted through contact of sick dogs with clinically healthy ones, as well as through contaminated animal care items, feed, and soil contaminated with secretions of infected animals. People can also be mechanical carriers of the virus.

The most common routes of infection are oral and intranasal.

The maximum number of cases of the disease occurs in the spring-summer period and from October to March.
The susceptibility of dogs does not depend on breed and gender, but only on age. Dogs between 2 months and 1 year of age are most susceptible.

At experimental infection raccoon dogs and foxes, their sensitivity to the virus has been established. Some other members of the canine family are also susceptible to canine parvovirus type 2. The disease has been reported in a maned wolf that died of gastroenteritis at the Texas Zoo, a crab-eating fox, a raccoon, a coyote, a corsac (wild fox) and a dog-jackal hybrid at the Moscow Zoo. In 1980-1982 In 7 fur farms of the country, parvovirus enteritis was diagnosed in foxes and arctic foxes. Clinical signs of the disease did not differ from canine parvovirus enteritis. When examining fecal samples from sick foxes and arctic foxes, a hemagglutinating antigen with high titers was detected in the RGA, and an antigenic relationship was established in the RGA with hyperimmune serum obtained for canine parvovirus. Using electron microscopy, viral particles characteristic of parvovirus were detected in fecal samples.
Domestic cats, ferrets, and minks are also susceptible to parvovirus type 2 during experimental parenteral infection. The disease is asymptomatic, but antibodies are formed. Many scientists believe that dogs that have recovered from parvovirus enteritis acquire lifelong immunity.

For humans, parvovirus enteritis is not dangerous. According to French researchers, the blood sera of veterinary specialists who were in long-term contact with sick dogs and had gastrointestinal disorders did not contain antibodies to canine parvovirus.

Pathogenesis
Infection most often occurs through the digestive tract, nasal mucosa, lymphoid cells of the pharynx, and Peyer's patches located under the intestinal mucosa. The age of dogs is of great importance in pathogenesis. The virus multiplies in actively dividing myocardial cells and in the intestinal epithelium. In newborn puppies, cardiomyocytes multiply quite quickly during 2-4 weeks of life, while reproduction of intestinal epithelial cells occurs later. After weaning, intestinal epithelial cells divide more intensively, and myocardial cells multiply more slowly, so during this period, in puppies not protected by maternal antibodies, the intestine is more often affected, rather than the myocardium. The disease occurs in two forms - intestinal, which is much more common, and myocardial.

The pathogen, after entering the animal’s body naturally or during experimental infection, reproduces in the pharyngeal lymphoid tissues - T- and B-lymphocytes, then enters the blood and spreads throughout the body. Lymphoid tissue in dogs is characterized by high mitotic activity, and therefore the virus usually affects lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues, and crypts of the intestinal epithelium.

The pathogenesis of the intestinal form has been studied during experimental infection through the nasal route. The body temperature increased to 41°C on the 5th...6th day after infection, and at the same time, antibodies that inhibit hemagglutination were detected in the blood serum, the peak titer of which was observed after 7...9 days. During this period, the pathogen was detected in significantly higher titers in the spleen, thymus, and ganglia. Diarrhea and the maximum amount of virus in feces were observed from days 3 to 5, regardless of whether clinical signs were present or absent. On the 8th day after infection, the virus was excreted in the feces in small titers in only 10% of infected dogs, and on the 9th day it was absent. Antibodies that appear on the 4th...5th day after infection are able to stop viremia and reduce the titer of the virus in the feces.

In dogs infected parenterally, the clinical manifestation of the disease, virus shedding, hematological changes and antibody formation were noted after 24...48 hours, i.e. The pathogenesis with this method of infection differs from the previous one. When dogs are infected parenterally, the virus initially multiplies in the lymphoid tissue, then enters the bloodstream, and is subsequently reproduced in the epithelial cells of the intestinal crypts.

The pathogenesis of the cardiac form of the disease in young puppies has not been sufficiently studied. Experimental myocarditis was reproduced by introducing the virus into the uterus and by infecting 5-week-old puppies that did not have antibodies to canine parvovirus. Experiments to reproduce the disease with the myocardial form in older puppies always proceeded with the development of enteritis.

Clinical signs
In older dogs, the disease is more often subclinical (up to 80% of cases), less often (10%) moderate and severe course. Symptoms of the disease are varied: the intestinal form is predominantly found and the myocardial form is rare.

The incubation period for natural oronasal infection is 4...6 days; with experimental infection, signs of the disease in puppies appeared after 3...4 days; with intravenous administration of the virus - after approximately 24 hours. Animal mortality ranges from 2 to 5%, mainly observed in puppies. With the intestinal form, puppies are most sensitive at the age of 2...6 months.

The first clinical signs appear suddenly. Initially, loss of appetite is noted, the abdomen sometimes becomes tense and sensitive to palpation. Vomiting appears very quickly and in most cases is accompanied by a decrease in the number of acts of urination. Vomit often contains mucus and bile, and diarrhea occurs approximately 24 hours after vomiting. Feces can be yellow, green, bright purple, dark red, liquid consistency, with foul odor, hemorrhagic or with a small amount of blood, sometimes there is no blood. Body temperature in most cases is within normal limits or slightly increased in the first days of illness - by 0.5...0.8°C, in rare cases by 1...2°C. Leukopenia is noted in the first 4...5 days of illness in approximately 25...30% of dogs; this sign coincides with an increase in body temperature. The number of leukocytes may decrease to 500...2000/μl.

Vomiting and diarrhea quickly lead to dehydration of the animal's body. Signs of dehydration often appear in the folds of the skin and the recesses of the eyeballs. IN oral cavity young puppies sometimes show vesicles that gradually disappear, but this sign is very rare.

In older dogs, the disease often occurs in a subclinical form, and they sometimes remain ill for 2...3 weeks or more. In such animals, a sharp decrease in appetite, depression, and rarely gastrointestinal upset are noted.
The nature of the course of the disease is influenced by the time of weaning of the puppies from their mothers, the presence of helminths, lambia, stress, the state of the immune system, as well as (significantly) the virulence and dose of the virus that has entered the body.

Animals that have recovered from the disease develop immunity.

The cardiac (myocardial) form of the disease is much less common than the intestinal form in puppies without antibodies aged 3 weeks to 2 months, most often it is recorded before 4 weeks of age. The sudden death of completely healthy puppies is preceded by difficulty breathing, tachycardia, weak pulse, blue discoloration of the mucous membranes, convulsions and collapse. Typically, more than 50% of puppies by 8 weeks of age die from acute heart failure, and those who survive are left with myocardial lesions.

Subacute heart failure in puppies older than 8 weeks is accompanied by shortness of breath, depression, weakness, prostration, congestion in the liver, resulting in the development of arrhythmic tachycardia and ascites. This form of the disease can last for several months, and signs of heart failure lead to lung damage.

Clinical signs were studied during experimental infection of puppies at the age of 6 weeks that do not have antibodies to the pathogen, infected simultaneously subcutaneously and by spraying the virus onto the mucous membrane of the larynx. On the 2nd day, an increase in body temperature and virus shedding in feces were observed. In euthanized puppies, after 48 hours, the virus was isolated in cell culture from the thymus, tonsils, mesenteric nodes, heart, liver, and intestinal contents; on the 5th day it could not be isolated. Antibodies were detected on the 3rd day after infection, but classic signs of the disease were absent. Puppies (n=7) of the same litter, 6 weeks of age, were infected orally with a virus isolated from dogs with pronounced signs of parvovirus enteritis. On day 5, all puppies developed vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The feces were red, watery, foul-smelling, and contained mucus. On the 7th day, 5 puppies died.

Pathomorphological changes in parvovirus enteritis
Characteristic changes in parvovirus enteritis are observed in the intestines. They can be significant or local. Most often, catarrhal hemorrhagic inflammation is found in the small intestine. The intestines may be empty or contain yellow, sometimes hemorrhagic, fluid. The mucous membrane is severely inflamed and bright red. It is also affected ileum. Mesenteric lymph nodes are almost always enlarged, swollen and hemorrhagic. Peyer's patches are also often hemorrhagic. Internal organs may be darkened and slightly reddish, and in some cases vascular inflammation and erosion are noted.

In puppies with acute cardiac injury, the lungs are swollen, and in some animals localized red-gray areas are visible, often located in the cranial and middle lobes. The bronchi contain mucous exudate. The spleen is enlarged, uneven in outline, with hemorrhages, and heart attacks are common.

In puppies with subacute cardiac damage, liver congestion, ascites, hydrothorax and hydropericarditis are observed. With the sudden death of puppies with the myocardial form, the heart valves are dilated, damage to other organs and the formation of foamy fluid in the bronchi and trachea are noted. As a result of cardiac dysfunction, acute liver inflammation develops, pleural fluid forms, or ascites appears.
Morphological changes are detected in the small intestine in the form of separate foci of damage to crypt epithelial cells and destruction of epithelial villi. Necrosis of lymphoid tissue and destruction of lymphocytes occurs in the follicles of Peyer's patches, lymph nodes, spleen and thymus. Infiltration of neutrophils was noted in Peyer's patches. In the mesenteric nodes, the number of lymphocytes decreases and reticular cells are affected. Eosinophilic inclusions are found in the nuclei of crypt cells. At acute myocarditis foci of lymphocyte necrosis are visible, edema and foci of destroyed lymphocytes are regularly detected. Using MFA, intranuclear inclusions are detected.

In case of subacute heart failure in puppies, autopsy revealed pulmonary edema, pericardial edema and ascites, the heart was enlarged, with pale foci of fibrosis in the myocardium. Histological lesions were characterized by interstinal myocarditis and edema. Lymphocytes, plasma cells, histiocytes and intranuclear inclusions were found in various quantities in myocardial tissues. How a clear sign The diseases noted depletion and necrosis of lymphoid tissue, especially in Peyer's patches, lymph nodes, spleen and thymus.

Diagnosis of parvovirus enteritis
A preliminary diagnosis can be made on the basis of epidemiological data and clinical signs such as the suddenness of the onset of the disease, the presence of vomiting, hemorrhagic enteritis, dehydration, and sometimes leukopenia. Of the pathoanatomical changes, acute catarrhal hemorrhagic inflammation in the small intestine is most often observed. Mesenteric lymph nodes are almost always enlarged, swollen and hemorrhagic.

The diagnosis is finally established by laboratory methods. The most common is the detection of the virus in the feces of a sick dog taken within acute period diseases. RGA is used to detect the virus antigen. If positive results are obtained, the pathogen is identified in the RTGA using monospecific serum. It was with the help of this method that in August 1980, canine parvovirus enteritis was established for the first time in our country. Along with this method, virological methods are used for diagnosis and for detecting the virus in feces. The virus is isolated in kitten kidney cell culture. This method has not received practical application in diagnostics, because research is expensive and time consuming.

Histological analysis is used for post-mortem diagnosis. Establishes necrosis of crypt epithelial cells, a decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the organs of lymphoid tissue thin section intestines.

In recent years wide application when diagnosing canine parvovirus enteritis, I received FA. In our country, NPO NARVAK produces a Parvo-Test kit for the rapid diagnosis of parvovirus infections in carnivores. It is used to detect canine parvovirus enteritis antigen, PLC, VEN in the feces of infected animals. PCR is also highly sensitive with primers that are fragments of the V1 and V2 capsular protein genes.

Electron microscopy is used to diagnose the disease. The material for research is the feces of sick dogs.

They resort to serological tests. Antibodies are detected in RTGA and RN in kitten kidney cell culture.

Blood serum is examined twice with an interval of 24...48 hours.

Diarrhea of ​​nutritional origin occurs sporadically, is sometimes accompanied by vomiting and has a favorable outcome.

Gastroenteritis may be a consequence of intoxication various substances: aspirin, naphthalene, arsenic, organic phosphorus, lead, etc. In most cases, intoxicants cause a marked abdominal odor. As a rule, convulsions and other nervous disorders appear along with vomiting and enteritis.

From bacterial infections First of all, it is necessary to exclude escherichiosis in puppies. With this infection, the feces become liquid and the illness lasts several days. Salmonellosis in dogs is quite rare, even if they are carriers of the pathogen. Mostly young animals are affected, but animals very rarely die.

In the differential diagnosis, coronavirus enteritis in dogs must be excluded from enteritis of viral origin. Clinical signs of the disease are similar to parvovirus enteritis. Dogs of all ages are affected, but puppies are more common. Vomiting precedes diarrhea, and sometimes occurs simultaneously with it. Usually it stops after 1...2 days. The feces become liquefied, foul-smelling, yellowish-green in color, mixed with mucus and sometimes blood. In young puppies, the body becomes dehydrated. Body temperature does not increase.

In the differential diagnosis, one should keep in mind infectious hepatitis, which in puppies is similar in some clinical signs to parvovirus enteritis, body temperature rises to 40...41 ° C, and sometimes diarrhea mixed with blood is recorded in animals.

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis
It is known that in case of infectious diseases, treatment of animals is most effective when early stage diseases. Unfortunately, during this period it is not always possible to accurately establish a diagnosis. First of all, etiotropic therapy should be used, aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. Among the specific agents, we recommend polyvalent hyperimmune serum against parvovirus enteritis, adenoviral infections and canine distemper (Giscan-5, Vitacan-S, Immunovet 3Sn), as well as polyvalent immunoglobulin (Globcan-5, Vitacan, Immunovet 3In) in doses prescribed in the instructions for use . The drugs are administered at the initial stage of the disease. Using serums after 3 days, when the virus disappears into the tissues, is practically useless and even dangerous. Immunomodulators with antiviral activity are also used (Roncoleukin, Glycopin, etc.).

In parallel with specific treatments, symptomatic therapy is prescribed, aimed at eliminating individual signs of the disease. If vomiting is present, antiemetic drugs (eg, Serenia) are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. To suppress bacterial microflora, it is advisable to prescribe antibiotics wide range actions.

Indicated against dehydration saline, enriched with glucose, vitamins and other substances at the rate for older dogs 40 ml/kg BW per day, and for puppies 100...150 ml, which is administered parenterally.

In severe cases, severe diarrhea with blood in the feces that lasts several days leads to acidosis and hypokalemia. In this case, bicarbonate and potassium administration are indicated. In case of hypovolemic shock, prednisolone 10...20 mg/kg body weight is prescribed.

Diet therapy is of great importance in the treatment of sick animals. It begins on the 2-3rd day after the cessation of vomiting. Feed should provide a gentle regime for the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. You need to include easily digestible foods in your diet. Animals are fed small portions 3...4 times a day.

An important point that contributes to speedy recovery dogs, - vitamin therapy and especially the prescription of a 5% solution of ascorbic acid. Vitamins of group B (B 1, B 6, B 12) or vitamin complexes (Dufalite, Katozal, Hemobalance) also have a good effect. It is advisable to inject them subcutaneously, intravenously or orally.

Prevention of parvovirus enteritis
For passive immunization of puppies born from non-immune mothers, and in unfavorable epizootic situations, domestic polyvalent hyperimmune serum against parvovirus enteritis, adenovirus infections and canine distemper is used, as well as immunoglobulin Polykaniglob or Giskan.

A large number of studies by foreign scientists are devoted to the development of means of specific prevention of the disease. Due to the antigenic affinity of canine parvovirus with PLC, the use of a heterologous inactivated vaccine against PLC has been recommended following experimental studies. In most countries in Europe and the United States, this vaccine was used in the first year of the onset of the disease, with the exception of Finland, where the vaccine against VEN was used for prevention, given the antigenic affinity of canine parvovirus with VEN. The inactivated vaccine was harmless to dogs of all ages and pregnant animals. However, it created immunity lasting no more than 6 months. Antibody titers in vaccinated dogs were directly proportional to the amount of antigen (mass) present in the vaccine dose. To immunize dogs, the required amount of virus must be higher than for cats.

Along with the inactivated one, a live vaccine against PLC was also used, which is harmless for dogs of all ages, but is contraindicated in pregnant animals. The immunogenicity of the vaccine depends on the amount of virus, which in one dose must be at least 104 TCD 50 . The duration of immunity in animals immunized with the attenuated vaccine did not exceed 6 months.

The use of heterologous inactivated and live vaccines against PLC for the prevention of canine parvovirus enteritis has played a significant role in limiting the spread of the disease.

In parallel with the use of heterologous vaccines, developments were underway in many countries around the world to create homologous vaccines from strains of canine parvovirus isolated during the epizootic. We developed in a short time inactivated vaccines. To cultivate the virus, primary trypsinized cultures and a continuous line of CRFK were used, and formalin and [3-propylactone] were used to inactivate the virus. The vaccine, when administered twice, created immunity within a year. Live vaccines were prepared from attenuated strains. Thus, in the USA, an attenuated version of the virus was obtained that passed 80 passages in cell cultures. Similar vaccines have been developed in Canada, France, the Netherlands, Russia and other countries.

, Puppy DP, Eurikan DHPPI 2-L, Eurikan DHPPI 2-LR, etc.

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Rotavirus infection of dogs (Rotavirus, Rotovirosis) is a dangerous, highly contagious infectious disease of viral etiology. Most often, rotavirus infection is one of the forms intestinal infection. For this reason, in veterinary practice, an infectious disease caused by viruses of the rotavirus family is also called “intestinal” or “stomach flu”.

Dangerous rotavirus infection All breeds of dogs are susceptible, especially small puppies with immature, unformed immune system, weakened animals, dogs kept in unfavorable conditions. Rotavirus infection is especially dangerous for puppies aged two to four months. I diagnose rotavirus less often in adult dogs. Rotavirus infection is widespread.

Small (miniature) dogs are most susceptible to rotavirus infection. ornamental breeds dogs, high-breed individuals.

Etiology of rotavirus infections in dogs

The causative agents of the infectious disease are viruses of the Rotoviridae family. The virus exhibits resistance to acidic environments, a long period time can persist in the external environment, frozen parenchymal organs, feces.

After entering the dog’s body, rotavirus is transported through the bloodstream to the gastrointestinal tract and is localized in the cellular structures of the epithelium. small intestine, causing swelling, destruction of the epithelium and mucosa. After the accumulation large quantity virus on the mucous membrane, the pathogen penetrates the lumen of the duodenum, provoking an inflammatory process and other pathologies.

Rotavirus enters the external environment with feces and feces of infected animals and virus carriers.

Infection of dogs with the rotavirus virus occurs through direct contact of healthy animals with infected individuals, when animals communicate with latent virus carriers, the so-called oral-fecal route. The virus can be carried by rodents, rats, mice, voles, birds, and some types of blood-sucking insects.

Transmission of the virus can occur through household items, care items, dog equipment, bedding, bowls, contaminated water, and food. Predisposing factors are poor living conditions for dogs, especially if animals are kept in groups in enclosures and nurseries. Frequent stressful situations that weaken the animal’s body and helminthic infestations can become a predisposing factor for infection.

Symptoms of rotavirus infection in dogs

Duration incubation period for rotavirus infection in dogs is from two to three days to a week. The intensity of manifestation of characteristic clinical symptoms of rotavirus depends on age, physiological state, age of animals, exposure to predisposing factors.

Rotavirus in dogs, especially small puppies, young animals of six to seven one month old begins sharply. In adult animals, the infection occurs in a subclinical form.

The first, most characteristic sign of rotavirus in dogs at the initial stage is sharp increase temperature, fever, chills, mild symptoms of gastroenteritis. The pet refuses food and favorite treats. Throughout the day, profuse diarrhea, frequently recurring bouts of vomiting, and nausea are noted. Fecal masses acquire foul odor, green-yellow color. There is a lot of mucus in the feces, and blood clots are possible.

Symptoms of rotavirus infection in dogs:

    temperature rise to 40-41 degrees;

    a sharp decrease in physical activity, lethargy, apathy;

    the dog shows anxiety, hides in dark corners, whines;

    lies down with his stomach on the cold floor or tiles;

    refuses food, quickly loses weight;

    increased thirst;

    pain in epigastric region;

    profuse discharge from the eyes and nose;

    anemia of the mucous membranes and palate;

    diarrhea, soft, light yellow stool mixed with mucus.

When palpating the peritoneum, animals whine due to severe pain. Increased and soreness is noted in sick animals regional lymph nodes, signs of rhinitis, damage to the respiratory tract. Vomit contains a lot of mucus.

Vomiting and diarrhea lead to weakening and severe dehydration (dehydration) of the body. Dehydration can cause severe shock in a dog and cause death. The death of small puppies during acute rotavirus infection occurs on the second or third day from the moment of infection.

Diagnosis of canine rotavirus

To make an accurate diagnosis, which is complicated due to the similarity clinical manifestations with many infectious diseases, not infectious diseases, veterinary clinics conduct a comprehensive examination of animals. Diagnosis is made based on clinical, visual inspection, anamnestic data obtained from the owner, breeder of the dog.

A number of serological and biochemical laboratory tests are carried out. As biomaterial for laboratory diagnostics, nasal swabs, eye discharge, and stool samples are taken. It is mandatory for a veterinary specialist to carry out differential diagnostics (PCR, ELISA).

Treatment of rotavirus infection in dogs

Treatment methods for diagnosing rotavirus in dogs are reduced to complex, symptomatic treatment. Treatment of rotavirus infection in dogs should be under the supervision of the attending veterinarian.

For four-fingered patients, according to indications, a veterinarian may prescribe antibacterial drugs– antibiotics of the tetracycline, cephalosporin, penicillin series, wide spectrum of action. But in most cases, antibiotics are not used for treatment of rotavirus infection, as they disrupt the intestinal microflora.

To eliminate the clinical symptoms of rotavirus infection, dogs are prescribed symptomatic therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, enzyme preparations, and hepatoprotectors. Sick animals are prescribed immunomodulators to increase the protective immune forces of the animal’s body and prevent the addition of other bacterial infections.

Dogs are made up therapeutic diet, a balanced diet during treatment for rotavirus. According to indications, pathogenetic treatment is carried out aimed at eliminating the symptoms of dehydration and restoring electrolyte-water balance. In case of dehydration, a glucose-electrolyte solution is administered and maintenance drips are prescribed.

Treatment of rotavirus infection in dogs should be strictly under the supervision of the treating veterinarian. Having noticed a deterioration in the general condition of your pet, characteristic symptoms rotavirus infection, do not self-medicate and, moreover, do not delay your visit to the veterinary clinic to examine the animal and make an accurate diagnosis. After diagnosis, veterinarians will select effective method treatment for your pet.

Prevention of rotavirus infection in dogs

To prevent infection with dangerous viral infection, it is necessary to vaccinate the dog with complex or mono-vaccines of domestic and foreign production. Do not neglect preventive revaccinations, which should be carried out annually. Follow the treatment regimen for rotavirus infection prescribed by your veterinarian.

Pay special attention to your pet’s diet, keep an eye on general condition pet. If the dog is kept in natural diet nutrition, do not forget to give vitamins and minerals and supplements. Create optimal conditions for your dog, carefully monitor the behavior and general condition of your four-legged friend.

Despite the fact that all owners of dogs (cats, hamsters, fish and other pets) dream that their pets will grow up healthy, strong and cheerful, unfortunately, sooner or later they are faced with animal diseases.

Some of them respond well to treatment and do not leave serious consequences after recovery. Others are very severe, difficult to treat and often lead to fatal outcome. One of these terrible diseases is parvovirus enteritis in dogs. Symptoms, treatment, necessary help for an animal - this is what every person who has a four-legged friend lives in their home should know.

What is parvovirus enteritis?

A highly contagious (infectious), acute and severe viral disease, which is characterized by high mortality in animals, these are brief characteristics of parvovirus enteritis. Enteritis of dogs of the second type, the most common in our country and the USA, has synonymous names: infectious enteritis, parvovirus infection, canine parvovirus.

Penetrating into the animal’s body, the virus attacks cells, usually the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, immune blood cells(neutrophils and lymphocytes), which naturally causes a weakening of the immune system. More often, parvovirus enteritis in dogs is observed in young animals - puppies from six to twenty weeks, as well as in older individuals. It is these age groups that have the weakest immunity to this dangerous virus.

Parvovirus enteritis is very often complicated by the cardiac form. Even after complete recovery, the animal may still have the consequences of parvovirus enteritis. They can remain until the end of the dog’s life as a consequence of development acute inflammation heart muscle (myocarditis).

Parvovirus enteritis of carnivores is not transmitted to humans and people are not carriers of the virus.

Characteristics of parvovirus enteritis

Although the nature of this canine virus has not yet been precisely studied, there is an assumption that it originated from panleukopenia, a feline virus. It is a single-stranded, non-enveloped DNA virus that is resistant to most disinfectants and a wide range of pH and temperature.

The virus retains its ability to infect at room temperature in a room for at least sixty days. In the open air, when it is protected from direct sunlight and drying out, it is completely viable for years.

Types of enteritis

Veterinary virologists today distinguish two types of parvovirus enteritis, which can affect dogs:

  • CPV 1 - the first type.
  • CPV 2 is the second type.

CPV2 causes the most severe disease and affects not only domestic dogs, but also wild canids. Parvovirus enteritis in dogs of the second type can have the following varieties:

  • classic CPV-2.
  • CPV-2a.
  • CPV-2b.
  • CPV-2c.

2a and 2b are antigenic models that have quite a lot of similarities not only with each other, but also with classical CPV-2. Variant 2c has a unique antigenic pattern that distinguishes it significantly from other types. Moreover, any parvovirus enteritis in dogs has similar symptoms.

Differences in the 2c model have long led virologists to believe that vaccinating dogs is not effective in this case. However, recent studies have proven that the current vaccine against canine parvovirus enteritis based on the 2b virus provides the necessary level of protection against 2c.

What dog breeds are most susceptible to enteritis?

It must be repeated that puppies from six weeks to six months who have not been vaccinated at all or if the vaccination process was not carried out on time are especially vulnerable to this virus. For the health of the puppy, vaccination of the mother is of great, and sometimes even decisive, importance. The following breeds are most at risk of contracting parvovirus:

  • Doberman;
  • English Springer Spaniel;
  • Rottweiler;
  • American Pit Bull Terrier;
  • German Shepherd;
  • American Staffordshire Terrier;
  • Labrador Retriever.

By receiving colostrum, puppies born from a timely vaccinated mother are quite well protected from dangerous virus for the first few weeks of life. But over time, the young animal's susceptibility to infection increases as the effect of the antibodies obtained from the mother's milk weakens.

Parvovirus enteritis in puppies can develop due to weakened immunity caused by stressful events: malnutrition, weaning of sisters and brothers from the litter and other unfavorable factors. Among adult animals older than six months, males who have never known females are most often affected. In older dogs over seven years of age, parvovirus actively develops due to age-related weakening of the immune system.

Parvovirus enteritis: forms and symptoms of the disease

"Multikan-6" - except listed diseases, this composition includes the prevention of leptospirosis.

If you had a dog in your house that had a viral infection, then before purchasing a puppy, thoroughly disinfect the entire apartment, quartz each room for an hour and do not bring the puppy into the house for a month. To prolong immunity and protect the puppy from possible infection with a viral infection, at one and a half months he will need serum against parvovirus enteritis.

A serum should be administered that will extend the puppy’s immunity to three types of infections for two weeks: plague, hepatitis and enteritis. This polyvalent serum is obtained from the blood of horses that have been hyperimmunized with strains of canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, and canine adenovirus serotype 2. It is a clear light yellow liquid. Sometimes it has a reddish tint. The product is recommended for subcutaneous injections.

When storing whey, a small gray-white precipitate may appear, which is easily broken when shaken into a uniform suspension. The serum is available in glass bottles with a capacity of ten milliliters. It is administered under the supervision of a veterinarian, since the effect of prolonging immunity can only be achieved if vaccination was carried out absolutely healthy puppy. If you administer it to a baby who has signs of illness, which an inexperienced dog breeder may not be aware of, the effect may be the opposite: the picture of the disease will be blurred, since the serum has therapeutic effect. The disease will take on a latent form and as a result may lead to the death of the animal.

Dogs, although they have more good health than people still get sick, including serious infectious diseases, for example, parvovirus enteritis. The virus that causes it develops at lightning speed and is very dangerous for four-legged friends. Therefore, the owner should know how parvovirus enteritis manifests itself in dogs and what to do to help the pet.

The causative agent of the infection is a virus from the Parvovirus family, there are 2 types:

  • Type I – found in the feces of healthy animals and is not pathogenic.
  • Type II – contains DNA, does not have a shell, is highly resistant to physical and chemical influences.

The main source of the infectious agent is the feces of infected dogs. It is believed that the virus is excreted in feces within a week and a half, and its maximum amount, the most dangerous for infection, reaches on the 5th day.

Also, the virus can be present in the vomit for 2-12 days. Due to the fact that the pathogen is resistant to various threatening factors and has the ability to persist in the external environment for a long time, it can be dangerous for several months.

In some cases, with a small dose of the virus entering the animal’s body, the disease occurs without pronounced symptoms. When there is a large amount of it, symptoms characteristic of parvovirus enteritis occur.

Sick animals shed viruses for 14-21 days after infection, and even after recovery they are contagious for a long time. The pathogen can survive for a long time on the dog’s fur and paws, which is very dangerous for pets who have not been vaccinated.

The virus can be transmitted in the following ways:

  • during contact of a sick animal with healthy brothers;
  • through care items – bowl, toys, combs, etc.;
  • through food;
  • through soil containing contaminated feces;
  • a dog can become infected from a person who is a carrier of the virus - owners often bring it on their shoes and outerwear.

Most often, the infectious agent enters the animal’s body through the nasal (intranasal) or oral (oral) cavity. Parvovirus infection peaks in late spring and summer and from October to March.

Specialists in the process clinical trials The relationship between susceptibility to the disease and the breed and sex of dogs has not been established, but only with age. Most often, puppies 2-12 months old become ill.

Symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in dogs

The disease is insidious, as it can be accompanied by the most various symptoms, which complicates its diagnosis. And sometimes the signs of infection are very mild, and the owner does not even suspect that his dog is seriously ill. In the case of this pathology, from its early detection and timely treatment Not only the health, but also the life of the dog depends.

To notice the primary manifestations of the disease, the owner should be more attentive to the pet, noticing even a slight change in behavior. If there are any signs, you should not hesitate; you should immediately take the dog to a veterinary clinic.

Symptoms of parvovirus may include the following:

  1. Lethargy. The dog becomes less active, and even walks and favorite games do not bring the same joy. The dog may not react to the actions taking place around him and rarely gets up.
  2. Increased body temperature. A reading above 39°C signals the development of an infectious disease. But there is one caveat - sometimes with enteritis the temperature can rise just before the pet dies, so you should pay attention to other signs of the disease.
  3. Pain symptoms. The incubation period for parvovirus is 5-10 days. And if the animal begins to arch its back when stroking, and when touching the stomach area tries to move away, it means that the pet is experiencing pain - this is the first manifestation of the disease.
  4. Gagging. This symptom occurs within a day after the incubation period. Initially, vomit consists of the remains of undigested food, later it becomes grayish mucus.
  5. Diarrhea. The stool is liquid, initially yellowish or greenish in color, later turning red.

A sick pet refuses to eat, does not drink, and the body quickly loses moisture, which threatens rapid dehydration. Due to excruciating pain and developed heart failure, the disease can lead to death within 2-3 days.

Diagnosis of enteritis

When a four-legged patient with signs of parvovirus enteritis enters the veterinary clinic, the doctor immediately tries to establish a preliminary diagnosis. The sudden development of a pathological condition, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration are the main symptoms of parvovirus.

In addition, infection almost always causes enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes, which can be detected by palpation. For a more accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes a number of laboratory tests:

  • PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) – effective method detection of the pathogen in the feces of a sick animal;
  • HRA (hemagglutination reaction) - detects the antigen of a pathogenic agent;
  • RGTA - analysis that identifies the pathogen;
  • electron microscopy - studying the feces of a sick animal;
  • histology – used posthumously, detects tissue necrosis, critical decline lymphocytes in the small intestine.

In modern veterinary medicine, ELISA analysis, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is often used, considering it a more informative and reliable method for diagnosing parvovirus in dogs.

Differential techniques are important for an accurate diagnosis. The specialist must distinguish parvovirus from other types of enteritis - nutritional, caused pathogenic bacteria, toxins.

Treatment of infection

First of all, the dog needs emergency medical care, but if at the same moment it is not possible to call a doctor or take the dog to the clinic, then the following is required from the owner:

  • it is important to provide the dog with complete rest, not to give him water or food;
  • You cannot give your dog enemas yourself unless recommended by a veterinarian;
  • you can give the dog a little Vaseline or any vegetable oil(the first is more effective), it is not absorbed into the walls of organs gastrointestinal tract, but envelops them and promotes the removal of toxic substances.
  • several syringes of different volumes (5-20 ml) and replacement needles for them;
  • analgesics and antispasmodics – No-shpa (Drotaverine), Analgin; it is best for these to be injection ampoules, since parvovirus is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and the tablets will not be absorbed by the body of a sick animal;
  • Sulfocamphocaine, Cordiamine are drugs that support heart function.

Such measures are only suitable for short-term help and will not completely cure the animal from parvovirus enteritis. Veterinarians in this case use an integrated approach.

Intensive infusion procedures

First of all, the animal loses a lot of moisture; it needs to replenish the deficit and compensate for its subsequent loss. For this purpose, droppers with balanced crystalloid solutions are prescribed.

The doctor approximately determines the volume of lost fluid and prescribes double the amount. This allows you to normalize the balance and avoid serious complications. Experts often prescribe Normosol, to which a solution of potassium salt of hydrochloric acid is added.

It is important to monitor the amount of glucose in the blood and, when necessary, add this component to the infusion fluid. To correct persistent hypokalemia (low concentration of potassium ions), a certain amount of magnesium salt of hydrochloric acid is added to the infusion solution.

Use of antibacterial agents

Experts recommend a parenteral (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract) method of administering these drugs, since for parvovirus, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, which can destroy the protective lining of the intestinal mucosa, which increases the risk of sepsis.

Often, veterinarians prescribe injections of Gentamicin and Ampicillin, with an 8-hour interval, but take into account that aminoglycosides have renal toxicity.

Some doctors, if the dog is not neutropenic or febrile, recommend medications from a number of first-generation cephalosporins, and the previous combination is used if signs of sepsis occur.

Drugs that can neutralize endotoxic substances

They are given to the dog during antibiotic therapy to speed up the process of eliminating endotoxins and prevent deterioration of the patient’s condition. In addition, drugs in this group reduce the likelihood of septic shock.

Medicines are diluted with saline and administered through a dropper for half an hour to an hour.

Antiemetic agents

Metoclopramide is prescribed, but caution is required, since adequate rehydration is first required to eliminate the risk of severe hypotension.

Such drugs are necessary when, due to prolonged profuse vomiting, it is impossible to maintain water and electrolyte balance.

Nutrition correction

An equally important aspect that affects the results of therapy. First of all, at the first signs of parvovirus infection, the owner should stop feeding and watering the pet. The dog should be on a fasting diet for at least 2-3 days.

The dog can be given a little water only a day after the vomiting stops. Afterwards, the pet begins to be fed food that has been ground into a paste. Meals should be fractional - initially food is given in small portions, every 2-2.5 hours.

Rice water, broth from chicken breast, decoction of flaxseed. If the dog does not approach the bowl or does not have the strength to eat on his own, then you can carefully introduce liquid food into his mouth using a syringe.

Gradually, other products are introduced into the diet - one per day. You can give your pet a crushed egg, noodles, diluted with chicken broth.

A recovering animal needs carbohydrate food to replenish the body's energy resources. It is also recommended to give the dog 2-3 times a week low-fat boiled fish, separated from the bones, preferably sea fish.

For normalization intestinal microflora Fermented milk products are useful - kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk, yogurt, but they should not contain sugar or artificial additives.

At the beginning of recovery, you should not give your pet meat, especially raw meat. Also not the best products are milk, fatty, pickled, salty foods, spices and seasonings.

To protect your pet from this dangerous disease, it is worth taking care of regular vaccination. In addition, it is important to ensure good conditions content and good nutrition dog.

Parvovirus infection can kill an animal in a couple of days, especially for puppies, so preventive measures are required, and, if infection does occur, timely professional assistance from a veterinarian. This is the only way to help your four-legged friend.



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