We have had a very busy day. Me, mom and Buffy agreed to take on the care of a friends puppy who has parvo and her vet told her there was nothing they could do. Since we just had parvo, we had everything to treat it already. Weve been giving it IVs and meds all day. This evening, he ate some chicken. Hes now bouncing all over the place. Pretty sure hes gonna make it. We participated in a webinar last year that taught us a lot about parvo. Information that everyone should know. All dogs are born with the virus. While they are nursing, the mothers milk keeps their immune system built up to fight it. Ideally, by the time they are done nursing, their immune system will be strong enough to fight it with the help of a vaccine. Some arent. Also, stress (such as leaving their momma) will bring out the virus. If they are exposed to another dog who has it before theyve had all three vaccinations, theyre pretty much guaranteed to get it. One shot does not cut it. They must have one every two-three weeks until they are 4 months old. Fortunately, its like chicken pox (except more deadly) in that, once they get it, the chances of ever getting it again, is very slim. Parvo is just a virus. What kills them is dehydration from the vomiting and diarrhea. If you can keep them hydrated while their body fights the virus, they will live. It is extremely painful for them though because the virus basically shreds their stomach lining. That is where the blood in their poop comes from. Doctors will prescribe antibiotics to help their own antibodies fight the virus. Fluids are crucial. If you have the ability to give them fluids under the skin with an Iv set-up, that is preferable. If not, pedialyte or Gatorade given orally by mouth as often as possible helps. They will not have an appetite and its ok for them not to eat for a few days. Its really hard on their stomach. We have IV meds to keep them from throwing up but you can also use Pepto Bismol. The most important thing to know though is how easy PREVENTION is. Vaccines are only about $7 at Southern States or Tractor Supply so there is no excuse for not getting them. You dont have to get them at the vet if you cant afford to. Be sure to get the 5 in 1 for puppies. The 7 in 1 has an extra vaccine in it that some puppies can be allergic to and it can kill them.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 23:57:30 +0000
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