HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WEENIE DOG HAS PARVO?

by SANDRA GUERRA
(SAN ANTONIO TX. BEXAR COUNTY)

I HAVE AN INSIDE 6 WEEK OLD WEENIE DOG AND MY BROTHER LIVES IN THE APARTMENT IN THE BACK AND HE HAS 6 WEEK OLD PITBULLS THAT WERE JUST DIAGNOSED WITH PARVO AND HOOKWORMS AND GARDEN WORMS. THE PITBULLS ARE BEING TREATED STARTING TODAY.

THEY HAVE DIARRHEA AND VOMITING. THE PITBULLS LIVE OUTSIDE MY WEENIE LIVES INSIDE AND I ONLY TAKE HIM OUT TO POOP AND PEE. HE IS NOT VOMITING AND POOPS SOLID , HE HAS A VERY GOOD APPETITE AND IS VERY ACTIVE .

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT PARVO?





Hi Sandra
I'm afraid that if your puppy has access to the same outdoor areas that these Pitbull puppies do then she is definitely at risk of contracting Canine Parvovirus.

Parvo is transmitted through the diarrhea or other bodily fluids and it can live outside the body for a long time.

Some breeds are more prone to this illness than others, these include Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, some other black-and-tan breeds and some bully breeds (incl. Pitbulls). That doesn't mean other breeds won't get it, just that their immune system copes a little better.

However, Parvo in a young, unvaccinated puppy is often fatal. Pretty much the only chance a pup has at recovery is early diagnosis and aggressive 'supportive' care. This usually means IV fluids and antibiotics and complete rest. But even with this not all pups survive, depending on their age, breed, immune system and the particular strain of the virus that has attacked them.

Do please keep a close eye on your little girl and at the first sign of lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea get her to your vet for an exam. That way if she tests positive for Parvo you can get treatment started right away.

For now, do NOT let her have access to any area where the sick puppies have been and be very careful about washing your hands, removing your shoes indoors and so on. Parvo is very contagious and can be transmitted on shoes, hands, clothing etc.

I'm sorry I couldn't give you better news, but being prepared is half the battle here and could save her life.