Symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in dogs and cats. Treatment of the disease. Vaccinations against enteritis in puppies

Viral enteritis is one of the most common diseases in dogs. This group of infectious diseases is characterized by intestinal inflammation. But the disease develops quickly and affects the kidneys, liver, heart and other organs. Enteritis affects animals of any age, but it most often affects puppies between two and twelve weeks of age. Since severe symptoms and untimely treatment lead to the death of a pet, every owner should know the signs of this disease, methods of its treatment and preventive measures.

Types and signs of enteritis in dogs

Depending on the pathogen, enteritis is divided into coronavirus and parvovirus. In Russia, the infection was first registered in 1980. Having become infected with enteritis, animals that did not have immunity often died. Mostly puppies aged 2 to 10 months suffered from this disease. And although many methods have now been developed for the prevention and treatment of enteritis, until the end this insidious disease has not yet been studied.

Coronavirus enteritis in dogs

This milder form of enteritis has an incubation period of up to 5 days, and can occur in both acute and mild form.

Acute form develops quickly and has the following symptoms:

• minor abdominal pain;
• rare vomiting and diarrhea;
• the dog may refuse to eat, but maintain a drinking regime;
• the pet becomes lethargic and weak.

Quite often to acute form secondary infection occurs. Mostly weakened puppies die with this form. Adult dogs are recovering well.

A mild form of coronavirus enteritis can be asymptomatic. In some cases, the pet may experience a lack of appetite and lethargy. The animal's temperature does not increase. After a few days the condition improves.

Parvovirus in dogs

Parvovirus infection is divided into three types:

• cardiac;
• intestinal;
• mixed.

Cardiac form of parvovirus occurs in very young puppies, whose age has not yet reached 9 weeks. Its symptoms include:

Intestinal form of enteritis also mainly affects puppies. It manifests itself with the following symptoms:

1. Refusal to eat.
2. Lethargy.
3. Fever, which may not occur in the first 2-3 days.
4. First of all, repeated foamy and stringy vomit appears.
5. Watery then develops loose stool characterized by a putrid odor. After a few days, blood appears in the feces.
6. The dog appears severe pain in the stomach, when touched, the pet begins to whine and tuck its tail.

The main problem with the development of the intestinal form of parvovirus is dehydration of the dog’s body, which can die within two to three days after the onset of the disease.

In the mixed form of parvovirus enteritis, the heart muscle and intestines are affected. Most often it develops in puppies that are born from unvaccinated bitches and in weakened dogs with rotovirus and adenovirus viral infections.

Treatment of enteritis in dogs at home

The first step in treating a puppy with symptoms of infection is to separate from other animals. However, such a quarantine does not guarantee that the remaining dogs did not become infected. In any case, the sick pet should be in another room.

Antibiotics and immune drugs

First of all, treatment should begin with the administration of drugs that will increase the dog’s immunity. For this purpose, immunofan and fosprenil are used in the form of injections.

Immunofan refers to veterinary products, which are aimed specifically at the treatment and prevention of enteritis. This immune drug helps the body cope with viral infections. It can be used both for a sick dog and as a prophylactic for a healthy pet. You can enter it intramuscularly or subcutaneously 2-3 times a day, 1 ml.

Fosprenil is intended for the treatment of various viral diseases in animals. Used for the treatment and prevention of enteritis. The dose of the drug administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously is 1 ml per kilogram of puppy weight. A sick dog is treated with fosprenil for 3-5 days. They stop giving injections only when it is clear that the pet has begun to recover. For healthy puppies, 2-3 injections are enough for prevention.

Immunofan and fosprenil have no contraindications, so even if the puppy is not sick, they will not cause harm.

If the dog has not been vaccinated, then together with the drugs described above for their treatment Hyxane or globcan serum is added. These immune drugs are intended for the treatment and prevention of enteritis. They dramatically increase immunity, but act only for 10-14 days. If the puppy is healthy at the time of administration of the serum, then thanks to the drug he will not get sick. If the dog has already become infected, then during incubation period The serum will alleviate the disease.

The disadvantage of hixane and globcan is that they neutralize the effect of vaccinations. Therefore, if the dog was previously vaccinated, after the administration of the serum it will need to be vaccinated again. In this regard, it is recommended to administer these drugs only when you are absolutely sure that the puppy has enteritis.

Treatment of a sick pet with serum depends on the condition of the dog. The drugs are administered at intervals of 12-24 hours, one dose 1-3 times a day. For prevention, the serum is administered once.

Having treated the dog with antiviral and immune drugs, nothing else is done until the first symptoms of the disease appear. Quite often, the pet’s stool changes soon. He becomes watery, bloody brown, with pink mucus and a “rotten” smell. Antibiotics are needed to treat it.

Experts recommend using cefazolin in powder form. It is packaged in 1 gram quantities, which is diluted in 4 ml of novocaine. The resulting solution is administered intramuscularly twice a day, 1 ml. The course of treatment is 5 days. This dosage is suitable for puppies 6-10 weeks of age. In any case, you should consult a specialist before using an antibiotic. Even if the dog has improved after the first injection, it is necessary to inject the entire course of medications in full.

Maintenance therapy

When treating enteritis, it is very effective drug is gamavit, which contains various vitamins, microelements, amino acids. It is used once a day, 2 ml subcutaneously. If the puppy’s condition is severe, then 5% is added ascorbic acid and B vitamins.

Vitamin C is administered intramuscularly twice a day, 0.5 ml. Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 must be alternated. For example, in the morning - B1, in the evening - B6, in the morning - B12 and so on in a circle. They are administered 0.5 ml intramuscularly.

If a puppy is vomiting, then cerucal, which is administered 0.3 ml 4 times a day intramuscularly, will help alleviate its condition. There is no point in giving pills to a dog in this condition.

Since parvovirus enteritis causes inflammation in the intestines, Puppies have stomach pain quite often. Take off painful sensations no-spa will help (2 times a day, 0.3 ml IM).

If there is diarrhea with blood, the dog is given injections of the hemostatic drug Vicasol. Sirepar is used to support the liver. During enteritis, it is very important to support the activity of the heart. For this purpose, injections of sulfacamphacaine are given. All drugs are administered according to the instructions and recommendations of the doctor.

The list of medications for the treatment of enteritis is very impressive. If the disease is severe, the dog is given up to 10 injections at a time. If the pet feels satisfactory, then you can limit yourself to:

• sulfacamphacaine;
• gamavit;
• cefazolin;
• serum;
• but-shy.

Of course, it’s a shame to inject a pet, but medications are really necessary. If possible, the dog can be given IV drips that combine some medications.

How to deal with dehydration?

Because dogs suffer from diarrhea and vomiting during parvovirus enteritis, they become dehydrated quite often and very quickly. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that your puppy drinks as much water as possible. If he refuses to drink, then water will need to be administered through injections or IVs.

It is best to take your pet to the veterinarian, who will put on an IV. But this possibility does not always exist. Therefore, you will have to deal with the problem yourself at home.

You will need to buy an IV system and saline solution at the pharmacy. At home, you will need to make an improvised tripod from a mop or something similar, to which a bottle with a solution is tied. All that remains is to insert the needle intravenously into the dog and adjust the speed of fluid supply. Because not everyone knows how to do intravenous injections, as a last resort, the liquid can be administered subcutaneously to the dog. To do this, the needle is inserted at the withers into a fold of loose skin.

The amount and speed of fluid infusion directly depends on the condition of the puppy. If he looks satisfactory, then it will be enough to inject him with 150-200 ml of solution over 40-60 minutes.

A dog's severe condition with parvovirus can be find out by the following signs:

• dry mucous membranes;
• the skin covers the muzzle;
• eyes sink deeply;
• the skin loses its elasticity.

In this case, it is recommended to put the dropper in place for the whole day. The liquid should drip slowly, gradually nourishing the body. The saline solution should be changed with a 5% glucose solution during the day. For a 1.5 month old puppy, 50 ml of glucose twice a day will be enough during the day.

Possible complications

Even timely treatment and mild enteritis are not a guarantee that the infection will end without complications. Quite often after an illness in dogs the following consequences remain:

At full treatment and mild form of the disease complications usually resolve within a year.

Prevention of enteritis

The only way to prevent your dog from contracting the virus is with a vaccine. Currently, for prevention infectious disease Puppies are vaccinated at the age of two to three months. Adult dogs should be vaccinated annually. To save your pet's life, be sure to vaccinate him against enteritis.

Since enteritis is very serious illness and can even lead to the death of the dog; at the first symptoms, the pet should be shown to a veterinarian. Only a timely diagnosis, timely assistance and proper treatment will help save the life of your pet.

Viral enteritis is one of the five most common and most dangerous infectious canine diseases. It is often caused by intestinal viruses, but in reality, in parallel with damage to the gastrointestinal system, the kidneys, liver, heart and many other organs suffer. The disease must be detected quickly and treatment provided in a timely manner, as the risks of death are very high.

Mechanisms of development of viral enteritis in dogs

The disease affects dogs of absolutely any age and breed - the only difference is the course and likelihood of recovery. Enteritis is considered fatally dangerous for small puppies 2-14 weeks of age, dangerous for those aged 20 weeks to a year, and relatively harmless and curable for older dogs. The virus does not have a breed predisposition, but it has been recorded that whippets, Dobermans and East European Shepherds The disease is tolerated much more severely than other breeds.

The group of viral intestinal diseases includes three types of enteritis (depending on the pathogen):

• rotavirus;
• coronavirus;
• parvovirus.

All three species have common routes of infection, the same clinical picture and the same treatment regimens. The fundamental difference is the severity of the disease: parvovirus enteritis, which is considered the most dangerous for dogs and is especially distinguished by veterinary medicine, “wins” this race.

The intensity of the development of the disease is determined by three main factors:

• the amount of virus that has entered the body and its strength;
• the health status of the dog during the period of infection;
• the presence or absence of concomitant intestinal abnormalities.

Viruses in a dog's body target cells during periods of active growth and active metabolism. This is why puppies suffer the most, because... In the first weeks after birth, it is the cells of the heart muscle and intestinal mucosa that actively divide. Next, the liver begins to suffer due to age-related inability to neutralize toxins, which enter the blood in large quantities from the breakdown of intestinal cells.

Enteritis is transmitted when a dog comes into contact with the material where it is most abundant - feces and vomit from a sick animal at the moment of sniffing them. The destructive power of enteroviruses is such that just 1 g of vomit or feces at the height of the disease can infect up to a million dogs (according to laboratory data).

A distinctive feature of parvovirus enteritis in dogs is the suddenness of its onset, i.e. the appearance of the disease cannot be associated either with a change in diet and exercise patterns, or with a change in places for walking, or with the presence or absence of stress, etc. The incubation period can range from 1 to 5 (7) days.

The immune system is activated almost immediately, but a sufficient number of antibodies to fight the disease accumulates only by 5-6 days. But this speed of the immune response is not enough compared to the speed of development clinical signs. Those. there is a chance of survival in animals that, with active treatment therapy, have crossed the line of five to seven days after the onset of the disease.

The mortality rate for rotavirus enteritis is no more than 5%, coronavirus – up to 10%, parvovirus – above 80-85%.

Symptomatic picture of the disease and the rate of its development

All types of enteritis in dogs have exactly the same symptoms - the only difference is the severity of the course and the speed of development of the disease. If a dog gets sick with enteritis, then the most striking clinical signs accompany infection with parvovirus.

Symptoms:

• general state of oppression;
• complete loss of appetite, refusal even of your favorite treat;
• continuous vomiting with mucus or foam;
• foul-smelling diarrhea of ​​an unnatural color and often mixed with mucus and blood (from black-yellow to burgundy-red); when examining stool, fragments of exfoliated intestinal mucosa are found;
• a sharp jump in body temperature to 40-41°C;
• signs of dehydration;
• enlargement of the liver and spleen (determined by the doctor upon examination);
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• decrease in the level of leukocytes (visible from the results of a blood test);
• signs of heart failure (impaired heart rate, shortness of breath, coughing).

The disease has two forms - cardiac and intestinal. Usually intestinal (in adults) or both (in puppies) occurs; separately, signs of myocarditis are very rare (and again only in young dogs).

The first symptoms appear after 1-5 days after the viruses enter the body - refusal even of your favorite food, depression, increased body temperature. 3-20 hours after the first clinic, diarrhea and vomiting appear, which lead to exhaustion and dehydration quite quickly. Signs of general intoxication intensify, causing the animal to die due to dehydration. The dog dies from enteritis on the 3rd, sometimes on the 5th day if there is no treatment timely treatment. IN special cases the animal manages to survive up to 7-9 days - basically everything is decided by age: puppies are very difficult to save. This is the classic enteritis (intestinal) form of the disease.

In the cardiac form, shortness of breath is added to the symptoms, the pulse quickens, but with weak filling (since myocardial function worsens), or tachycardia is noted. Possible slight cyanosis of the mucous membranes (blue discoloration) against the background oxygen starvation fabrics.

Dynamics of development for everyone intestinal infections of a viral nature, regardless of the form, is always rapid - mild malaise and refusal to eat on the first day is sharply replaced by vomiting, diarrhea, visible emaciation and heart failure on the second.

Treatment of enteritis

There is no single ideal cure for enteritis. Held symptomatic treatment in parallel with giving vitamins, as well as medicines to support the heart and liver. Full recovery dogs after clinical recovery takes a decent amount of time. If enteritis is suspected in dogs, treatment at home is pointless and risky!

Differentiation by type of enteritis is not carried out due to the duration of the procedure. laboratory analysis and the rapidity of development of the disease. In any of the cases, treatment is carried out as for parvovirus enteritis, observing along the way the dynamics of the animal’s condition, changes in the clinic and making adjustments according to medicinal drugs during therapy.

Important: enteritis of viral origin should only be treated veterinarian under your strict control! There are no folk or home methods to combat these diseases, even taking into account the ease of some mild forms!

Treatment is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• destruction of enteric viruses;
• removing the animal from dehydration;
• elimination of vomiting and diarrhea;
• detoxification therapy;
• stimulation of immunity;
• recovery normal operation gastrointestinal system;
• restoration of normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Important: all medications at the beginning of therapy are administered only intravenously, subcutaneously and intramuscular injections. Frequent vomiting and disturbances in the functioning of the intestines and stomach exclude the possibility of taking drugs orally (through the mouth).

The main goal of treatment is to most effectively support the functioning of all organs and systems of the body until the animal’s own immune forces begin to fight the disease (by 5-6 days, when the production of its own antibodies to fight viruses begins). Considering the rapid dynamics of the development of the disease, literally within a day from the start of treatment, the animal will either feel better (which will be a start to recovery), or the animal will die (if the treatment did not bring effective results). But fight for life pet there is always a point!

Etiotropic therapy (antiviral)

The very first treatment to block the free circulation and reproduction of enteric viruses in the body. For this purpose, serums, immunoglobulins, interferons and interferonogens are used.

• Fosprenil(veterinary antiviral drug). A single dose varies according to the dog’s weight: 0.1 ml per weight up to 1 kg; 0.25 ml – up to 5 kg; 0.5 ml – 5-10 kg; 1 ml – 10-20 kg; 1.5 ml – 20-30 kg; 2 ml – over 30 kg. Administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, orally with a doubling of the dose, and intravenously with a halving of the dose. Regimen: 1 day - 4 doses every 6 hours, 2-8 days - 3 doses every 8 hours, 9-11 days - 2 doses every 12 hours, 12-15 days - 1 dose daily.
• Immunofan(a veterinary immunostimulating drug used in combination for the treatment and prevention of various microbial and viral infections). Maintenance dosage – 1 ml once a week for 1-2 months; therapeutic dose – 1 ml once a day (up to 5 injections in total, given every other day). Subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
• Cycloferon(a mild immunostimulating drug that increases the restoration of cells in the affected mucous membranes - an option for veterinary medicine): the dose varies depending on the weight of the dog: up to 1 kg - 0.8 ml/kg; up to 2 kg - 0.4 ml/kg; up to 5 kg - 0.2 ml/kg; 6-12 kg - 0.15 ml/kg; up to 25 kg - 0.12 ml/kg; 26-40 kg - 0.10 ml/kg; over 40 kg - 0.08 ml/kg. Administered intravenously, subcutaneously and intramuscularly on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8. At acute course can be combined with globulins, serums and interferons.
• Anti-enteroviral serums(sources of ready-made antibodies against enteroviruses. Always used in combination with vitamins, antibiotics and other therapeutic and supportive drugs). Dose for dogs up to 5 kg – 2-3 ml, over 5 kg – 5-6 ml (based on serum concentration according to the instructions for the drug).

Pathogenetic treatment

This animal treatment includes a whole range of additional therapies:

• rehydrating,
• detoxification,
• symptomatic.

Rehydration therapy

is aimed at removing the body from a state of dehydration. In this condition, the use of any medications is considered absolutely ineffective. Rehydration solutions restore alkaline balance blood and contain the necessary salt set of elements. Administered intravenously by stream or drip. Sometimes subcutaneous administration in small doses is allowed. All solutions must be brought to body temperature (38-40°C) and administered (dripped) until the dog begins to drink on its own without vomiting. Afterwards, it is recommended to pour small doses into the mouth several times a day.

• Ringer-Locke solution. Dose 10-20 ml for each kg of animal weight.
• Trisol. Dose 7-10% of body weight.
• Rehydration mixture: 200 ml of saline solution + 20 ml of 40% glucose solution + 4 ml of 5% ascorbic acid solution. Dose: 30-100 ml/kg body weight once a day, depending on the general resistance of the animal’s body.

Detoxification

This is a set of measures aimed at removing toxic products from the body from viral processes and cellular breakdown of the intestinal mucous membranes. Often combined with hepatoprotective drugs.

• Hemodez(a pronounced detoxifier that binds toxins and removes them through the kidneys). Dose: 5-10 ml/kg body weight 1-2 times a day until signs of general intoxication subside.
• Sirepar (veterinary drug with a pronounced hepatoprotective and detoxification effect). Dose: 2-4 ml once a day until signs of intoxication disappear. Slowly intramuscularly or intravenously.
• Hydrolysine(replenishes proteins in the body, removes toxins). Administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously in a mixture with saline. Dose: 5-15 ml for 3-5 days.

Symptomatic therapy

is aimed at the general maintenance of the body, as well as the elimination of general clinical symptoms that accompany the disease.

• Antiemetic drugs:
  • Cerucal. Dose 0.5-0.7 ml up to 3 times a day. Do not use on small puppies or pregnant bitches. Continuous use should not exceed three times a day for 7 days.
  • Cerenia(Serenia is an antiemetic veterinary drug specifically for dogs). Dose: 1-2 mg/kg. Administered only subcutaneously.
• Hemostatic drugs (if blood is detected in stool or vomit).
  • Vikasol(a hemostatic drug that increases blood clotting - synthetic analogue vitamin K). Dose: 1-2 mg/kg body weight once a day for 3-5 days for general medical therapy. Intramuscularly.
  • Etamzilat(veterinary hemostatic agent of capillary direction). Dose: 10-12 mg/kg. Intramuscularly.
• Cardiovascular support:
  • Sulfocamphocaine (heart drug stimulating the heart). Dose: 1-2 ml once a day for a month. Not prescribed for puppies. It is not possible if heart failure is manifested by tachycardia.
  • Cordiamine(a cardiac drug used for weak heart function). Dose: 0.1 ml/kg intramuscularly or up to 3 drops orally.
  • Riboxin(cardiodrug that improves nutrition and oxygen supply to the heart muscle). Dose: 5-10 mg/kg every 12 hours for two weeks.
• Antibacterial drugs are prescribed for prolonged elevated temperature and suspicion of secondary infection:
  • Cefazolin(cephalosporin antibiotic wide range impact). Dose: 5-10 mg/kg, dissolved in water for injection. The interval between injections is 6-8 hours daily for 5-7 days.
• Probiotics for recovery intestinal microflora, prescribed when the animal's appetite returns.
  • Bioprotectin(hepatoprotector + probiotic). Dose: 1 capsule. for weight up to 5 kg, 2 caps. – 5-10 kg, 4 caps. – more than 10 kg. Course – 23 days. Mix the contents of the capsules into food or drink.
  • Bactoneotime(probiotic to normalize digestion). Dose: 1 tablet/10 kg weight big dog, ½ tab. puppies. It is crushed, mixed with water and given half an hour before feeding twice a day.

Feeding during the recovery period

You can start feeding a sick animal once vomiting has been stopped and brought under control. Feeding should be strictly dietary and in small fractional portions.

Important: it is forbidden to try to force feed the dog - only after the appearance natural appetite and stop vomiting!

You can use special ready-made dietary complexes, or you can create a diet yourself. Frequent crushed feeding should be maintained for at least a month.

• limit carbohydrate foods;
• introduce the first week dairy products(yogurt, cottage cheese, kefir);
• low-fat and weak chicken broth is allowed;
• a week or two after the appearance of appetite, you can introduce boiled meat;
• later the introduction of mucous porridges with water into the diet;
• You can gradually introduce boiled vegetables.

• any sausages;
• spices;
• flour and sweet;
• fatty meat or fish products;
• bones.

You will have to keep an eye on your dog's diet. for a long time, because one of the consequences of contracting viral enteritis is long-term disruption to work gastrointestinal tract. See also do's and don'ts.

Preventive measures

Prevention of enteritis in dogs is carried out only by vaccination - mono- or polyvalent vaccines. Even after recovery from the disease, immunodeficiency states are possible, in which recurrent disease is possible even in a short time. The risk of getting sick in a vaccinated dog is only 4-5%, the course of the disease is several times weaker, and mortality tends to zero.

Vaccination schedule:

• 1st: at 4-6 weeks of age, vaccine for puppies;
• 2nd: at 8 weeks with an “adult” vaccine;
• 3rd: revaccination with an “adult” vaccine 3-4 weeks after the 2nd injection (11-12 weeks);
• 4th: at 6-8 months (approximately after changing teeth) planned;
• 5th and all subsequent: annual - recommended 11 months after each previous one.

Only clinically healthy animals that were dewormed 2 weeks before vaccination are subject to vaccination.

Important: it is forbidden to vaccinate bitches during estrus and during pregnancy. After birth, adult dogs are vaccinated along with the 2nd vaccination of puppies (at 12 weeks).

Due to the fact that parvovirus enteritis is a fatal danger for small puppies, there are some other things that need to be observed: preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection:

1. Unvaccinated puppies should not be allowed to free-range.
2. Unvaccinated puppies should not be visited in shoes and clothes that were worn outside.
3. Before petting the puppy, hands should be washed after going outside.
4. Before allowing a nursing bitch to see her offspring after a walk, you need to wash her belly and paws.
5. Do not allow small puppies to be cuddled by guests who come to the house and to strangers– most often enteritis is introduced precisely with such visits.

The most commonly used vaccines for the prevention of viral enteritis

There are a huge number of all kinds of poly- and mono-vaccines against viral enteritis. It is more convenient to use polyvaccines. However, a complex vaccine preparation also has a corresponding cost, so the use of monovaccines is also justified.

The most commonly used vaccines are:

Mono-vaccines

Polyvaccines

Nobivak – a multivaccine preparation that includes viral enteritis. Immunity – 12-14 months. Production: Netherlands. Price: 200-310 rub.

Multikan – polyvaccine with enteritis. Immunity is created in 2-3 weeks and lasts up to 12 months. Production: Russia. Price: 210-400 rub.

Biovac– polyvaccine along with enteritis. An intense immune response is created for up to 1 year. Production: Russia. Price: 260-410 rub.

Eurikan –a complex vaccine that includes viral enteritis. Maintains immune response for up to 12 months. Manufacture: France. Price: 350-490 rub.

Asterion – two-component polyvaccine for dogs, including several diseases, including viral enteritis. Provides immunity: in adult dogs for 12-15 months, in young animals – up to 8 months. Production: Russia. Price: 150-300 rub.

Enteritis of viral origin is a rather dangerous and difficult to treat disease in dogs. If your pet loses its appetite and develops diarrhea, you should immediately seek advice from veterinary specialist. Timely diagnosis and correct curative therapy- This is a guarantee of preserving the life of the animal.

Parvovirus enteritis- this is very dangerous viral disease, often leading to fatal outcome, in which the gastrointestinal tract and heart muscle are damaged by the virus, severe dehydration (loss of fluid) of the body occurs, and white blood cells - leukocytes - are destroyed.

This is one of the most dangerous pathologies of viral origin, with a possible fatal outcome for puppies, from all those belonging to the section - diseases of dogs.

How does infection occur?

The most great danger infection - through direct contact with a sick animal. After infection, an infected dog excretes millions of viruses through diarrhea and vomiting for 2-3 weeks. The virus can be transmitted through environmental objects - carried on a person’s clothing, shoes, transmitted through toys and other things. Parvovirus is very persistent, is not destroyed by freezing, and can withstand quite long time(up to 3 days) temperature up to +100° C.

In adult dogs, the incubation period (the time from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first clinical signs) can last 4-10 days; in puppies aged 1-2 months, clinical signs appear already on the 2-3rd day and due to their very small body weight they have the highest percentage of deaths from the disease.

Symptoms

Clinical signs of this disease can be expressed in varying degrees Therefore, it is customary to conditionally divide the forms of parvovirus enteritis into intestinal, cardiac and mixed, depending on the prevailing symptoms.

The intestinal form, the most typical, is characterized by both acute and subacute course of the disease. The dog refuses food and water. The reason for the refusal is a severe hemorrhagic lesion (the virus removes the intestinal mucosa, which leads to bloody diarrhea) in the colon and small intestine causing severe pain. One of the main symptoms is uncontrollable vomiting for several days.

After one or two days, the sick animal begins to have severe diarrhea, lasting up to 10 days. At first, the stool is brownish and mucous, then it becomes watery with an admixture of blood, and a characteristic fetid odor appears. Prolonged diarrhea and vomiting cause severe dehydration, which impairs basic body functions. The sick animal becomes very weak, exhausted, and pulmonary and cardiovascular failure manifests itself.

The most critical for the disease are usually 3-5 days, on the 3rd day blood appears in the diarrhea, and it takes at least three days to restore the intestinal mucosa, then, with proper treatment the process moves towards recovery if there are no complications from other organs and systems of the body.

The cardiac form usually affects puppies 1-2 months of age. This form of parvovirus enteritis is characterized by acute myocardial damage with a fulminant course of the disease.

Puppies stop eating and drinking, even refusing mother's milk. Observed severe weakness, irregular weak pulse, shortness of breath, heart failure. Death occurs within 1-2 days.

In the mixed form, both the digestive, cardiac, and respiratory system. Most often, the mixed form appears in dogs with weak immune system, in puppies born from unvaccinated bitches, or in the presence of complex infection various types infections. Symptoms may be different; damage is added to the previously described manifestations respiratory tract(upper and lower).

IN initial stage During illness, body temperature most often rises to 40-41.5 ° C and remains at this level for 2-3 days. After this, it either returns to normal or drops below 37° C in particularly severe cases.

A blood test in the first days of the disease shows a sharp decline the number of white blood cells (leukocytes), with a favorable course of the disease, after a few days the opposite phenomenon occurs - a significant increase in leukocytes in the blood.

Forecast

The hyperacute form of the disease causes a fatal outcome of up to 95% in puppies when kept in groups; individual housing reduces this figure to 50-60%; in the acute form, the mortality rate is 25-50% and 20-35%, respectively. If a subacute form develops with a longer course of the disease, then the likelihood of a favorable outcome increases significantly.

Since the disease can manifest itself in various forms, treatment is selected individually in each case, in accordance with the recommended comprehensive system, developed on the basis of research conducted by domestic and foreign scientists.

• Polyvalent immunoglobulins and serums are used (against canine distemper, viral hepatitis and parvovirus enteritis).
• It is absolutely necessary to introduce physiological water-salt solutions with the addition of vitamins, glucose, etc. into the dehydrated body of a sick animal. 30-100 ml per 1 kg of animal body weight should be administered per day, hemostatic drugs are also used.
• To remove toxic substances from the body of a sick dog, the use of “Reopoliglucin”, “Reosorbilact”, etc. is recommended.
• To reduce the body's sensitivity to foreign proteins and antigens, it is necessary to use antihistamines.
• The restoration of normal metabolism is stimulated by the use of multivitamins and nutrients.
• Depending on the degree of manifestation of various clinical signs of the disease, antidiarrheal and antiemetic drugs, analgesics, cardiac, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. For all listed drugs it is recommended parenteral administration(by injection).
• For the first 1-2 days after the vomiting stops, the sick animal needs a fasting diet.

Feeding for enteritis

The diet provides the most gentle regime for the damaged mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract; for this purpose, only easily digestible foods are included in the diet natural products, which are given to the dog in small portions 4-5 times a day.

A day later, after the vomiting stops, the dog is prescribed therapeutic feeding. Proper nutrition during the recovery period ensures restoration of impaired functions digestive system body.

Prevention

To avoid infection of puppies obtained from unvaccinated bitches, specific immunoglobulins and sera against canine parvovirus enteritis, both mono- and polyvalent, are used.

For general prevention intestinal infections of viral origin, especially in kennels, it is necessary to provide dogs with normal balanced diet, timely deworming, quarantine for new animals, maintaining cleanliness in dog premises (including periodic disinfection, extermination of insects and rats).

Dogs, although they have more good health than people still get sick, including serious infectious diseases, for example, parvovirus enteritis. The virus that causes it develops at lightning speed and is very dangerous for four-legged friends. Therefore, the owner should know how parvovirus enteritis manifests itself in dogs and what to do to help the pet.

The causative agent of the infection is a virus from the Parvovirus family, there are 2 types:

• Type I – found in the feces of healthy animals and is not pathogenic.
• Type II – contains DNA, does not have a shell, is highly resistant to physical and chemical influences.

The main source of the infectious agent is the feces of infected dogs. It is believed that the virus is excreted in feces within a week and a half, and its maximum amount, the most dangerous for infection, reaches on the 5th day.

Also, the virus can be present in the vomit for 2-12 days. Due to the fact that the pathogen is resistant to various threatening factors and has the ability to persist for a long time in external environment, it can be dangerous for several months.

In some cases, with a small dose of the virus entering the animal’s body, the disease occurs without pronounced symptoms. When there is a large amount of it, symptoms characteristic of parvovirus enteritis occur.

Sick animals shed viruses for 14-21 days after infection, and even after recovery they are contagious for a long time. The pathogen can survive for a long time on the dog’s fur and paws, which is very dangerous for pets who have not been vaccinated.

The virus can be transmitted in the following ways:

• during contact of a sick animal with healthy brothers;
• through care items – bowl, toys, combs, etc.;
• through food;
• through soil containing contaminated feces;
• a dog can become infected from a person who is a carrier of the virus - owners often bring it on their shoes and outerwear.

Most often, the infectious agent enters the animal’s body through the nasal (intranasal) or oral (oral) cavity. Parvovirus infection peaks in late spring and summer and from October to March.

Specialists in the process clinical trials The relationship between susceptibility to the disease and the breed and sex of dogs has not been established, but only with age. Most often, puppies 2-12 months old become ill.

Symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in dogs

The disease is insidious, as it can be accompanied by a wide variety of symptoms, which complicates its diagnosis. And sometimes the signs of infection are very mild, and the owner does not even suspect that his dog is seriously ill. In the case of this pathology, not only the health, but also the life of the dog depends on its early detection and timely treatment.

To notice the primary manifestations of the disease, the owner should be more attentive to the pet, noticing even a slight change in behavior. If there are any signs, you should not hesitate; you should immediately take the dog to a veterinary clinic.

Symptoms of parvovirus may include the following:

1. Lethargy. The dog becomes less active, and even walks and favorite games do not bring the same joy. The dog may not react to the actions taking place around him and rarely gets up.
2. Increased body temperature. A reading above 39°C signals the development of an infectious disease. But there is one caveat - sometimes with enteritis the temperature can rise just before the pet dies, so you should pay attention to other signs of the disease.
3. Pain symptoms. The incubation period for parvovirus is 5-10 days. And if the animal begins to arch its back when stroking, and when touching the stomach area tries to move away, it means that the pet is experiencing pain - this is the first manifestation of the disease.
4. Gagging. This symptom occurs within a day after the incubation period. Initially, vomit consists of the remains of undigested food, later it becomes grayish mucus.
5. Diarrhea. Feces liquid, first yellowish or greenish in color, later red.

A sick pet refuses to eat, does not drink, and the body quickly loses moisture, which threatens rapid dehydration. Due to excruciating pain and developed heart failure, the disease can lead to death within 2-3 days.

Diagnosis of enteritis

When a four-legged patient with signs of parvovirus enteritis enters the veterinary clinic, the doctor immediately tries to establish a preliminary diagnosis. The sudden development of a pathological condition, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration are the main symptoms of parvovirus.

In addition, infection almost always causes an increase in mesenteric lymph nodes, which can be detected by palpation. For more accurate diagnosis The veterinarian prescribes a number of laboratory tests:

• PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) – effective method detection of the pathogen in the feces of a sick animal;
• HRA (hemagglutination reaction) - detects the antigen of a pathogenic agent;
• RGTA - analysis that identifies the pathogen;
• electron microscopy - studying the feces of a sick animal;
• histology - used posthumously, detects tissue necrosis, a critical decrease in lymphocytes in the small intestine.

In modern veterinary medicine, ELISA analysis, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is often used, considering it a more informative and reliable method for diagnosing parvovirus in dogs.

Differential techniques are important for an accurate diagnosis. A specialist must distinguish parvovirus from other types of enteritis - nutritional, caused by pathogenic bacteria and toxins.

Treatment of infection

First of all, the dog needs emergency medical care, but if at the same moment it is not possible to call a doctor or take the dog to the clinic, then the following is required from the owner:

• it is important to provide the dog with complete rest, not to give him water or food;
• You cannot give your dog enemas yourself unless recommended by a veterinarian;
• you can give the dog a little Vaseline or any vegetable oil(the first is more effective), it is not absorbed into the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, but envelops them and promotes the elimination of toxic substances.

• several syringes of different volumes (5-20 ml) and replacement needles for them;
• analgesics and antispasmodics – No-shpa (Drotaverine), Analgin; it is best for these to be injection ampoules, since parvovirus is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and the tablets will not be absorbed by the body of a sick animal;
• Sulfocamphocaine, Cordiamine are drugs that support heart function.

Such measures are only suitable for short-term help and will not completely cure the animal from parvovirus enteritis. Veterinarians in this case use an integrated approach.

Intensive infusion procedures

First of all, the animal loses a lot of moisture; it needs to replenish the deficit and compensate for its subsequent loss. For this purpose, droppers with balanced crystalloid solutions are prescribed.

The doctor approximately determines the volume of lost fluid and prescribes double the amount. This allows you to normalize the balance and avoid serious complications. Experts often prescribe Normosol, to which a solution of potassium salt of hydrochloric acid is added.

It is important to monitor the amount of glucose in the blood and, when necessary, add this component to the infusion fluid. To correct persistent hypokalemia (low concentration of potassium ions), a certain amount of magnesium salt of hydrochloric acid is added to the infusion solution.

Use of antibacterial agents

Experts recommend a parenteral (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract) method of administering these drugs, since for parvovirus, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, which can destroy the protective lining of the intestinal mucosa, which increases the risk of sepsis.

Often, veterinarians prescribe injections of Gentamicin and Ampicillin, with an 8-hour interval, but take into account that aminoglycosides have renal toxicity.

Some doctors, if the dog does not show neutropenia or feverish state, drugs from a number of first-generation cephalosporins are recommended, and the previous combination is used when signs of sepsis occur.

Drugs that can neutralize endotoxic substances

They are given to the dog during antibiotic therapy to speed up the process of eliminating endotoxins and prevent deterioration of the patient’s condition. In addition, drugs in this group reduce the likelihood of septic shock.

Medicines are diluted with saline and administered through a dropper for half an hour to an hour.

Antiemetic agents

Metoclopramide is prescribed, but caution is required, since adequate rehydration is first required to eliminate the risk of severe hypotension.

Such drugs are necessary when, due to prolonged profuse vomiting, it is impossible to maintain water and electrolyte balance.

Nutrition correction

No less important aspect, which affects the results of therapy. First of all, at the first signs of parvovirus infection, the owner should stop feeding and watering the pet. The dog should be on a fasting diet for at least 2-3 days.

The dog can be given a little water only a day after the vomiting stops. Afterwards, the pet begins to be fed food that has been ground into a paste. Meals should be fractional - initially food is given in small portions, every 2-2.5 hours.

Suitable as a first course for a sick dog congee, chicken breast broth, flaxseed decoction. If the dog does not approach the bowl or does not have the strength to eat on its own, then you can carefully introduce liquid food into its mouth using a syringe.

Gradually, other products are introduced into the diet - one per day. You can give your pet a crushed egg, noodles, diluted with chicken broth.

A recovering animal needs carbohydrate food to replenish the body's energy resources. It is also recommended to give the dog 2-3 times a week lean fish boiled, separated from the bones, preferably sea.

To normalize the intestinal microflora, fermented milk products are useful - kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk, yogurt, but they should not contain sugar or artificial additives.

At the beginning of recovery, you should not give your pet meat, especially raw meat. Also not the best products are milk, fatty, pickled, salty food, spices and seasonings.

To protect your pet from such a dangerous disease, you should take care of regular vaccination. In addition, it is important to ensure good conditions maintenance and proper nutrition for the dog.

Parvovirus infection can kill an animal in a couple of days, especially for puppies, so preventive measures are required, and, if infection does occur, timely professional help veterinarian This is the only way to help your four-legged friend.

Do you love your dog and want him to be happy and healthy? Then you should take care of protection from a dangerous disease. Here you will learn why prevention against parvovirus infection is extremely important.

What is canine parvovirus infection?

Canine parvovirus is an infectious disease that primarily affects thin section intestines. The disease is highly contagious. It ends with serious consequences, often fatal.

How is parvovirus infection transmitted?

The disease is transmitted to other dogs through direct or indirect contact with contaminated feces. The virus is highly resistant in the external environment and can survive for several months. Parvovirus can survive for a long time on a variety of surfaces, such as food and water bowls, toys, floors, clothing and anything that has been in contact with an infected dog's feces. The virus is most widespread in places where dogs gather: kennels, shelters, and animal walking areas. Any place where dogs come into contact with each other can become infected.

Who is at risk?

Parvovirus primarily affects unvaccinated dogs. Puppies are the most vulnerable, as they may not have had time to be properly vaccinated during infection. High level incidence occurs in puppies between six weeks and six months of age. Certain breeds of dogs may be more prone to infection. For example, American Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Pitbull and Rottweiler. Representatives of the canine family: coyotes, wolves, foxes, can also be infected and carry parvovirus infection. Caution should be exercised if you live in areas where your pet may come into contact with wildlife.

How is parvovirus diagnosed in dogs?

• Upon examination, the veterinarian may find clinical symptoms parvovirus infection
• A blood test can reveal low level white blood cells, which is often an indicator of infection
• Stool testing can be used to detect viral antigen

What are the symptoms of canine parvovirus?

• Infected dogs usually show the following symptoms:
• Severe vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea caused by intestinal bleeding
• Severe dehydration
• Loss of weight and appetite
• Lethargy and weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Rapid pulse

Can parvovirus infection be prevented?

Vaccination – the best option to protect your dog from parvovirus. Early vaccination of puppies is recommended for protection in the most dangerous period. Puppies should be vaccinated against parvovirus enteritis at 6, 8 and 12 weeks. For dogs belonging to the above risk breeds, additional vaccination may be required at 16 weeks.

For early vaccination of puppies, Eurican Primo or Nobivak Puppy DP vaccines are used.

In adult dogs, it is important to maintain immunity at the proper level. Dogs who medical indications Vaccination is prohibited; it is recommended to check the titer of antibodies against parvovirus enteritis.

After vaccination, avoid contact of your pet with other dogs until 2 weeks have passed since the day of the booster vaccination (administration of the second vaccine). Never bring unvaccinated pets to dog parks, pet hotels, or other places where infected dogs may be present.

Can a dog be cured of parvovirus?

Dogs with parvovirus are given treatment based on the symptoms of the disease. Since there is no cure for parvovirus itself, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. Your veterinarian can treat your dog for vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Often required intensive therapy V veterinary clinic, where they can constantly monitor the condition of your pet. Maintenance therapy may include intravenous administration fluids, and, in some cases, blood transfusions to combat anemia.

What is the prognosis for recovery?

If treatment is started without delay, adult dogs with a fully developed immune system have a better chance of recovery. However, adult dogs also have problems with immunity and they also need to be vaccinated regularly. For puppies, the threat is much more serious. Infection is often fatal.
Parvovirus infection is a serious threat to your dog's health and life. By regularly vaccinating, you can protect your pet from contracting a potentially fatal disease.