Parvovirus is Still Killing Hawaii's Puppies
Parvovirus is Still Killing Hawaii's Puppies
Parvovirus is here in Hawaii. Puppies are particularly susceptible - most diagnosed cases are unvaccinated puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months old. Parvovirus infection can cause immunosupression, fever, severe vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Hospitalization ranging in length from 3 days to 10 days is often necessary to give infected puppies a fighting chance for survival. The cost of this care can be three to four digits (before the decimal point). Even with treatment, about 30 percent of puppies die once infected with parvovirus.
Parvovirus is highly contagious and can survive in the environment for a long time -- months to years depending on who you ask. Concrete areas can be disinfected with bleach, but carpets, lawns, soil and many other surfaces don't bleach so well. And puppies are known to pick up and chew on everything in their paths.
We would see fewer cases of parvovirus if all puppies could be born with natural immunity against parvovirus. ALL intact female dogs should be vaccinated before becoming pregnant. Vaccinated bitches provide protective maternal antibodies in their colostrum. Puppies absorb these maternal antibodies as they suckle during the first 2 days of life. Maternal antibodies are a puppy's only immunity for the 6 to 8 weeks of life until they are developed enough to make their own protective antibodies against parvovirus with the help of vaccinations.
For puppies born to unvaccinated dams, avoidance is the only way to prevent parvovirus infection. Even with maternal antibodies, ALL puppies should still be protected from potentially contaminated environments. Remember that parvovirus can survive for a long time in the environment and you won't be able to see it or smell it. If you don't know the health status of all the animals that have traveled that ground during the past year, consider it a potential risk and keep your puppy off the ground.
We can rid Hawaii of canine parvovirus, but it will require greater community participation. Parovirus has been just about eradicated in certain parts of the country, largely through vaccination programs. Prevention is the key because one infected canine can distribute millions of infectious organisms into the environment before developing symptoms and being diagnosed. If more dogs and puppies are vaccinated, fewer are infected, and fewer organisms are spread around, we can eradicate canine parvovirus from our islands.
How often to vaccinate? The generic canine vaccination protocol is every three to four weeks for puppies between 8 and 16 weeks of age, then one year later, then every one to three years. There are many variations of this protocol (see vaccine controversies) depending on environmental risk factors and lifestyle. Breed susceptibility to disease and adverse vaccine reactions should also be considered when deciding on a vaccine protocol for your animal companion. Adverse effects to vaccines do occur. The goal for each patient is to protect and not to harm. Immunity to parvovirus can be assessed with a blood test. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination protocol for your canine companions.
As with any reference, these pages are not a substitute for veterinary care. Veterinary practice is an eyes, ears, nose, and hands-on profession which cannot be accomplished over the Internet.