Does anyone know much about Parvo?

Question

He had lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and stopped eating. My vet thinks my 7 mo. old maltese/poodle puppy may have Parvo. He started these symptoms on Friday and has been at the vet since Saturday on an IV. I went to see him this morning and he looks like he is getting worse. Has anyone had any experience with this? What is the likelihood that he can survive? I'm just heartbroken and don't know what else to do.

Answer 1

Honestly, it's hard for a dog to survive Parvo. You did the right thing, taking him to a vet, the only thing they can do is wait and see.
At least your dog is 7 months old. It hits little puppies the hardest.
Here's some info on Parvo:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=467
http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm
According to this website, around 80% of the puppies that get Parvo die from it. I'm really sorry, and I wish you the best of luck with your puppy.

Answer 2

Parvo is a dangerour killer. It is a virus that spreads through the system like wild fire. Part of survivial depends on what stage you and the vet caught it and also on the dog's immune system.
My dog had parvo about 4 years ago and it cost $5000 for a 1 week hospital stay and all the medication. Even then my vet did not give him a good survival rate. All anyone can do is wait.
This is a very emmotional time because nothing is guarenteed and it is out of anyone's control. Best Wishes and hopefully your puppy gets better soon.

Answer 3

Parvovirus is a viral disease of dogs. It affects puppies much more frequently than it affects adult dogs. The virus likes to grow in rapidly dividing cells. The intestinal lining has the biggest concentration of rapidly dividing cells in a puppy's body. The virus attacks and kills these cells, causing diarrhea (often bloody), depression and suppression of white blood cells -- which come from another group of rapidly dividing cells. In very young puppies it can infect the heart muscle and lead to "sudden" death.

How is Parvo treated?

Without intense treatment, the victims of parvo die of dehydration. Treatment generally consists of IV or sub-cutaneous fluids and antibiotics. There is no cure. Veterinarians can only treat the symptoms palliatively, and try to keep the dog alive by preventing dehydration and loss of proteins. As there is no cure for any virus, treatment for parvo is mostly that of supporting the different systems in the body during the course of the disease. This includes giving fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature and giving blood transfusions when necessary.

Dogs who have survived parvo can get it again. In the case of some puppies, a puppy testing negative for Parvo one day could succumb to the virus within a matter of days. It strikes fast and without mercy.

SEE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PREVENTION TIPS

Answer 4

I was in the same position last Feb, and unfortunately I lost my sweet puppy to Parvo. She was a rottie/chow mix, and was only 9 weeks. I took her to the vet and they had her on an IV as well, then 2 days later she passed. It's so hard, and it still kinda stings today. Good luck! I currently have a Maltese and she's healthy as can be, thank goodness.

Answer 5

There is a chance that a dog can survive parvo if it was detected early enough. I have meet someone who's dog survived parvo. I am sorry but reading how sick your dog is the odds that it will survive are not very good. As hard as it may be, you might want to consider putting him down. If you get another dog be sure to get it's parvo shot before allowing it to go outside.

Answer 6

Your vet is the best source since he/she is seeing and treating you dog.

I know it is awful to see your dog get this sick. I had a litter of Springer Spaniels and 3 got corona virus- not so dangerous as parvo. Still they looked so pitiful because they dehydrate and have about the same symptoms as you describe. They did fine once I got them to the vet with an IV to supply water. I know almost nothing about Parvo except it is a very dangerous disease.

Answer 7

I have a dog that made it through Parvo. I also had one I lost (inspite of the shots).The vet wouldn't be going to all the trouble if he thought your puppy didn't have a chance. Ask the vet to tell you what the chances are. In the meantime, here's a site I hope helps you:

http://www.4loveofdog.com/parvo.htm

I hope it works out.

Answer 8

Oh, bless your heart! We bought a puppy from a breeder and before we could get it home, it became ill with Parvo. From what the vet said, it is highly contagious. How long have you had your puppy? Mine hung on in the hospital for a week before he died - very heartbreaking!!!

Answer 9

parvo is awful. once you smell a dog that is dying of it is a smell you dont forget. i am sorry to hear about your baby.... the good news is your baby is getting medical attention. The things that will determine if your baby makes are: getting to the vet right away. how strong your baby is. how well your baby takes to the medicine the vet gives your baby. how far it got before you took your baby to the vet. nowadays they pull through it so long as they/you catch it in time.
your baby has alot of the symptoms... another symptom is the white of the eye turns red.. their breath smells like bloody death smell. it is truly awful. parvo causes dogs to hemorrhage and to dehydrate. your baby will have a fever usually too. make sure you sanitize your house and yard. and keep strange dogs out of your yard, house or get near your baby... and do not let your baby sniff other dogs poop. Also it would be good if you find out if the people who come over to your house have dogs to protect your baby keep visitors to ones you know are getting their shots against parvo for their dogs.... it is highly contagious... when it first came to my attention my baby's litter was almost wiped out. i was young and on my own and i had no clue... i let a stray (who is the dog i am speaking of as my baby) in to live with us... she was pregnant and abandoned. I wish more information was available at that time... 25 years ago.... i hope your baby recovers and the odds are in your baby's favor.... k? good luck and kiss your baby for me... i will pray ....

Answer 10

To old & young dogs it's hard to pull it off.
My Pom got it on vacation. I just knew what to look for & got her to my vet ASAP. Although she was 2 yrs old & current on all shots. I was very lucky....I told my vet I didn't care about cost just save my pet. She weighted 3 lbs. It was hard to keep the IV in, buy my vet did a wonderful job. She came home on her 3rd day. It cost me $140.00 (PERRY, GA.) My vet also told me b/c she lived, she had a built in ammunity to it now for years.