Watch Out For Canine Parvovirus In Jack Russell Dogs

By: Richard Cussons

What you should know about parvovirus in your Jack Russell dogs? Canine parvovirus or commonly called CPV is a highly infectious disease affecting our four-legged friends. Every mammal has its own specific parvovirus. Canine parvovirus affects dogs and can not affect cats or other animals.

Though emerged in the late 1970s, Canine Parvovirus was only first recognized in 1978. Jack Russell dogs can be affected with this disease but other breeds more prone to this are Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers and Pit bull terriers.

This disease is spread through physical contact of dogs. The virus of this disease is passed on through feces and attacks your dog's gastrointestinal tract when ingested. This doesn't only affect the gastrointestinal tract but also damages the heart muscle of young and even unborn pup.

Symptoms of this disease include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and diarrhea usually visible within three to ten days. Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea leads to dehydration so it is important that these two should be treated as soon as possible. Dogs with CPV are also at risk of intussusception. It is a condition wherein part of the intestine has prolapsed to another section of the intestine.

Presence of this disease should be discovered and treated immediately. When not treated immediately, victims of this disease may need extensive hospitalization especially when dehydration sets in. CPV can be diagnosed through CPV test in the feces using either hemagglutination or electron microscopy. Your veterinarian will then diagnose the disease based on clinical appearances and these laboratory tests.

There is no specific drug known to kill Canine Parvovirus in infected dogs. The treatment usually involves treating dehydration. Electrolytes and fluid losses should be replaced immediately. Control of vomiting and diarrhea prevents dehydration that could possibly lead to death.

The most important thing every dog owner should secure is the animal's vaccination against the disease. Immunity provided by their mother's milk wears off when they are old enough. So make sure that your dog is vaccinated at the right age because this disease usually attacks puppies even at a very young age.

Hygiene and proper cleaning are also ideal tools to combat canine parvovirus. Kennels and areas where infected dogs are kept should be properly cleaned and disinfected. It is also best if infected dogs are separated from other dogs to prevent further spread of the disease.

Good health is the best gift you can offer your dog in return to all the happiness, friendship and loyalty he is showing you. Why deprive him of this gift when you know you can offer it? Your dog deserves to live long, not suffer!

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