Now that we have, over the past few weeks, discussed the basic principles of immunity and vaccination schedules, we can now turn to the many specific infectious diseases, including those against which we advocate vaccination. We can be very emphatic in stating that all of the diseases with which we will be dealing can cause ailments of varying intensity (even death) in our canine and feline companion animals (pets).
For starters, let us look at one of the most serious of the dog diseases – Canine Parvovirus (CPV).
This disease suddenly was recognized as a serious problem during the summer of 1978 in the USA. Since then, CPV has been on the rampage in epidemic proportions all over the world. It reached the shores of Guyana, having worked its way through the Caribbean, in the early ’80s and has been taking its toll perennially to a lesser or larger degree each year.
The suddden appearance of this Canine Parvovirus disease and the subsequent sensationalist coverage that has accompanied it the world over, have resulted in an increased concern among researchers and practitioners of veterinary medicine. It is true that veterinarians have known about different Parvoviruses for quite a while (Parvus in Latin means ‘small’). This type of virus is, in fact, the smallest of the true viruses. However, it was only as recent as 1970 that a Parvovirus was first isolated from dogs and promptly designated the Minute Virus of Canines (MVC).
Subsequently, it was shown that this MVC is structurally quite different from the Canine Parvovirus (CPV) that kills our dogs. In fact, this CPV is antigentically indistinguishable from the virus known as the Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPLV) which kill cats (see PC 7.9.2008). There is no evidence that suggests that the Canine Parvovirus is transmissible to humans.
How this virus got into Guyana in the first place is not the issue here, nor is it of significance to discuss the laboratory and pathology aspects of this disease. Rather, it is of primary importance for pet owners to recognize the symptoms of this dreaded disease which can affect dogs of any breed, sex or age, though pups seem to be more vulnerable.
The Canine Parvovirus Disease is characterized by a sudden onset of depression, a loss of appetite and fever, followed closely by diarrhoea and rapid dehydration. Vomiting is also a common symptom, especially after the initial stage has passed.
The diarrhoea is usually greyish in colour, sometimes with traces of blood. If nothing is done immediately, a massive bloody diarrhoea often develops. It is also easy to imagine that the consequences of such intestinal damage will not only weaken the animal, but will also allow the micro-organisms which normally inhabit the intestines (but are under control in a normal healthy dog) to flare up and cause even more damage. Dogs whose faeces do not contain blood have a much better chance for survival.
Those with bloody diarrhoea sometimes die in spite of medicinal therapy and blood transfusions. The fever, when present, ranges from 104°F (40°C) to 106°F (41.1°C), being highest during the first 48 hours after the onset of the symptom.
Where the treatment is concerned, it is advisable to let your veterinarian examine your pet, for he/she is, in fact, the only competent authority to administer a functional and useful therapy. Since there are no specific drugs to combat the virus once the dog has contracted the disease, the treatment of Canine Parvovirus is entirely symptomatic. Fluid therapy (preferably by the intravenous route) must be initiated to counteract the dehydration. Prophylactic antibiotics could be used in a supportive role to fight off any secondary bacterial invasion. The loss of appetite will necessarily lead you to a forced feeding regime, whereby bland (unspiced) chicken, beef or fish broths, in small quantities, could be used together with multivitamins.
Never have I seen animals so devoid of the wish to eat as in this ailment. Really, patience and perseverance are absolutely necessary ingredients in the total recipe for your pet’s survival.
We will continue with this discussion next week.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
