Parvo, also known as parvovirus, is a canine virus that spreads through direct contact with an infected dog. If you want to know how long are dogs hospitalized for parvo, then this article will discuss some of the essential information about the disease.
First discovered in 1967, this virus has become a threat to canine health. This is because parvo is hard to kill and can survive for a long time. The virus is highly contagious, explaining why the parvo vaccine is a core vaccine for canines.
What Is Parvo In Dogs?
Parvo is a contagious DNA virus that can cause severe illness to young and unvaccinated dogs. Your furry friend may contract the virus through direct contact with an infected pup.
There are two forms that this disease can take. The most common is the intestinal form, which has symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Another one is the cardiac form, which can cause the heart to malfunction and affect the heart muscles of canines.
How Serious Is Parvo In Dogs?
Parvovirus dogs can attack the small intestine lining, leading to diarrhea and severe vomiting. This virus can cause severe dehydration, especially in younger canines. If a dog’s gut lining sustains damage from the virus, it can take several days for the gut to serve its function in water balance and digestion.
The virus can also attack a dog’s bone marrow. A damaged bone marrow can’t produce adequate white blood cells to fight off infections, making the disease even more severe.
Parvovirus can weaken a dog’s immune system and lower its white blood cell count, affecting its ability to eliminate secondary bacterial infections.
Signs And Symptoms Of Parvo In Puppies
Any pet owner must perform the necessary action as soon as there is a sign of parvovirus in their pets. Since it is a common viral infection in puppies, all pet owners should always keep in mind the symptoms of parvo in puppies:
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
All these symptoms can be a sign of parvo or other serious illnesses. You should contact your trusted veterinarian immediately if your pup is exhibiting these signs they can perform the appropriate procedures to stop further infections.
Diagnosis And Treatment For Parvo
A veterinarian can identify parvovirus infections based on physical examination, dog’s history, and laboratory tests. A fecal test may also help in confirming the diagnosis. An ELISA test can also search for virus antigens from the dog’s feces and conduct additional diagnostic testing as needed.
No drug can kill the virus in infected dogs. All dog owners must consider treatment as soon as possible so that the dog can strengthen its immune system and fight off the viral infection.
Parvovirus treatment should include the following shown below:
- Efforts to replace protein, electrolyte, and fluid losses
- Control abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Preventing secondary infections
How Long Is The Hospitalization For Parvo?
When an infected dog is in the hospital, a veterinarian will put it on IV fluids to keep it hydrated and keep its blood pressure up. If the dog needs sugar or electrolytes, a veterinarian can add this to the fluids.
They may also put the infected dog on anti-vomiting medications and IV antibiotics. They would have to put the dog on IV pain medications if it looks hurt from the virus. Keep in mind that all these medications are only supportive because no medicine can directly attack the virus.
Hospitalization takes up to 7 days in some cases, but most of the time, it only takes 3-5 days. Pets may go home if they are hydrated enough, eating willingly, and no longer vomiting. If a puppy has parvo, it may continue to shed the disease for up to 4-5 weeks after recovery.
If an infected dog does not get hospital treatment, the veterinarian will talk about home treatments to the fur parent. Home treatments involve oral medications and subcutaneous fluids, which means it will take a lot of work and long hours of care for pet owners.
Conclusion
How long are dogs hospitalized for parvo? Hospitalization for a parvo-infected dog can take up to 3-5 days. A veterinarian will put the dog on IV fluids to keep it hydrated and maintain its blood pressure at the right level.
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