{"id":5623,"date":"2021-03-08T13:47:47","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T18:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/?post_type=articles&p=5623"},"modified":"2023-03-01T20:07:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-01T20:07:07","slug":"canine-parvovirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/preventive-medicine\/canine-parvovirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Canine Parvovirus"},"content":{"rendered":"

The emergence of the dreaded positive dot on a SNAP parvo test can make any veterinary professional\u2019s stomach drop. The most disturbing thing about a parvovirus diagnosis is that this infection is preventable. We have an effective vaccine to protect dogs from infection.<\/em> Many of our clients are simply not versed in the necessary precautions or the strict vaccination schedule recommended to avoid this highly contagious virus. This is where we, as veterinary nurses, come in. As advocates for our patients, our responsibility is to stay informed and pass that information on to our clients. Together, we can promote vaccination and protect more dogs from canine parvovirus. This article focuses on the prevention aspects of this vaccine-preventable disease.<\/p>\n

What is Canine Parvovirus?<\/h2>\n

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and resilient virus <\/b>that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. The virus spreads through ingestion of infected fecal matter, either directly or through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or fomites. Infected dogs show clinical signs of the disease within 2 to 14 days of infection. Clinical signs include inappetence, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Treatment commonly involves fluid therapy, intravenous antibiotics, antiemetics, careful nursing care, and any other required medical assistance.1<\/sup> Patients being treated for parvovirus infection should be hospitalized in an isolation ward, and all staff who come in contact with patients must wear personal protective equipment to avoid contaminating common areas. With appropriate treatment, nearly 90% of patients recover, but without treatment, the survival rate is less than 10%.2<\/sup>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Which Species are Affected?<\/h2>\n

Canine parvovirus affects only canids. Some evidence suggests that specific dog breeds are at increased risk for canine parvovirus enteritis (hereafter called parvovirus infection), including German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, and American pit bull terriers.3<\/sup> Parvovirus strains genetically similar to canine parvovirus may affect other species, including but not limited to skunks, pumas, and raccoons.4<\/sup> Although younger dogs are most commonly affected, all unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs are at risk <\/b>for infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Canine Parvovirus Vaccination<\/h2>\n

The canine parvovirus vaccine<\/a> is considered a core vaccine; <\/b>however (unlike rabies virus vaccination<\/a><\/strong>), parvovirus vaccination is not required by law.5<\/sup> Vaccination is strongly recommended for all healthy dogs regardless of geographic location, lifestyle, or age. This recommendation stems from the highly contagious nature of the virus and the poor prognosis of those infected by it. Canine parvovirus has been found globally, resulting in the World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommendation to vaccinate all dogs against the virus.6<\/sup>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Parvovirus Vaccine<\/h3>\n

Although products are available for vaccinating solely against parvovirus, dogs are typically given a combination vaccine. Multivalent vaccines generally protect against both parvovirus and canine distemper virus. Additional components that may be present in this combination vaccine, based on the manufacturer, are adenovirus and parainfluenza virus.5<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

The vaccine contains modified-live (attenuated) virus, meaning that the vaccine contains the virus in a viable but weakened state. The goal is to stimulate the immune system and induce an immune response without actually causing the disease. Proper storage and handling must be executed to ensure vaccine efficacy. Confirm that shipped vaccines are unpacked immediately and stored in a refrigerator at the appropriate temperature (between 36\u02daF and 46\u02daF or as specified on the label). If the product is desiccated, use only the designated diluent for reconstitution. The entire vaccine volume should be administered and should not be mixed with other products.5<\/sup> Many vaccine products must be administered within 1 hour of reconstitution or be discarded. Refer to the product label for specific directions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Parvovirus Vaccination Schedule<\/h3>\n

Rather than focusing on the number of booster vaccinations given, emphasis should be put on the patient\u2019s age at the conclusion of the initial vaccination series. Puppies can receive their first combination vaccine as early as 6 weeks of age. American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccination Guidelines recommend revaccination every 2 to 4 weeks until the pet is at least 16 weeks of age. An older puppy first vaccinated after the age of 16 weeks should receive 1 or 2 boosters of the vaccine, given 2 to 4 weeks apart. In general, most practices recommend a total of 3 to 4 vaccinations given until the age of 16 weeks, or 2\u00a0vaccinations (administered at 2- to 4-week intervals) for dogs beginning their initial vaccination series after the age of 16 weeks (<\/span>TABLE 1<\/span><\/strong>).5<\/sup>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Any young dog exposed to high-risk conditions should receive a final dose between 18 and 20 weeks of age. High-risk environments\/regions are those in which prevalence of canine parvovirus is significant and include areas with the potential for high contamination (e.g., animal shelters, dog parks, boarding facilities, and pet stores).<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs should receive a parvovirus booster vaccination 1\u00a0year after the final dose in the initial vaccination series. Subsequent vaccination boosters should be administered every 3 years thereafter for the lifetime of the dog.5<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Canine Parvovirus Vaccine Administration<\/h3>\n

Canine parvovirus vaccine is administered <\/b>subcutaneously.5<\/sup> A credentialed veterinary nurse can administer the vaccine under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, meaning that the veterinarian may or may not be on the premises but has given written or oral instructions to administer the vaccine. In some states, veterinary assistants may be authorized to administer vaccines under the supervision of a credentialed veterinary nurse or veterinarian, defined as the overseeing veterinary nurse or veterinarian being on the premises and having provided written or oral instructions. Note that these regulations vary according to the state of residence.7<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Although there are no specific recommendations for where on the dog to administer parvovirus vaccines (in contrast with vaccination site mapping for cats), it is prudent to record the injection location and the manufacturer\u2019s lot number, which is valuable information in the event of a reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Canine Parvovirus Vaccine Adverse Reactions<\/h3>\n

Any injection has the potential to cause unfavorable side effects (adverse reactions). Reactions to vaccines are categorized as localized or systemic.<\/span><\/p>\n