Viral enteritis in dogs. Ways to manage parvovirus infection in dogs

The development of enteritis in dogs occurs as a result of the penetration of viruses into the body: parvovirus and coronavirus. Therefore, there are two types of disease: parvovirus and coronavirus enteritis. There is also a mixed form of the disease, inflammation of a bacterial nature and a disease caused by other, non-infectious causes (for example, poor diet). Viral enteritis poses the greatest danger to a pet’s life.

Once parvovirus enters the body, it begins to multiply very quickly. The intestinal mucosa a short time is subject to destruction, erosion and necrotization. At the same time, the infection penetrates the heart, where it destroys myocardial cells.

In addition, being in the bloodstream, parvovirus “corrodes” the walls blood vessels and changes the composition of the blood. All this happens so quickly that when the first signs of the disease appear, the blood vessels, heart and intestines have already undergone structural changes. Severe poisoning of a dog's body with virus toxins can lead to death in the first days of the disease.

Coronavirus has a weaker effect and does not affect the heart muscle. However, even in this case, without timely and proper treatment, the animal will die.

The incubation period for enteritis ranges from 2 to 10 days. Viruses released at this time are characterized by high resistance to temperature conditions and disinfectants. So, under normal home conditions they can remain viable for up to 5-6 months or more.

Causes of enteritis in dogs

There are several reasons why four-legged friend may become infected with enteritis.

Since the virus is able to remain viable for a long period of time, any secretions (feces, urine, saliva, vomit, etc.) of a sick animal on the street are a dangerous source of infection for a healthy dog. A pet can become infected by sniffing, licking, or if it steps on an infected area and later licks it. The virus can be anywhere: on the grass, in a puddle, on a stick that the owner picked up to play with his pet.

There is a high probability of infection with enteritis through direct contact between animals - just sniffing an infected dog is enough (it may look healthy). Even a completely domestic dog can get inflammatory bowel disease if the owner brings the virus into the house on his sole.

Symptoms of enteritis

Regardless of the type of enteritis, the dog exhibits symptoms such as:

• frequent vomiting;
• frequent diarrhea;
• putrid smell of feces;
• exhaustion;
• apathy.

The intestinal and cardiac forms are characterized by different symptoms (in addition to those mentioned above).

Intestinal enteritis

Cardiac enteritis

Weakness

The animal is lethargic and sleepy

Normal or a little increased performance body temperature

Breathing heavily or not at all

Abdominal pain (responsive to touch)

Pallor, cyanosis of mucous membranes

Appetite may be absent or persistent

Cold paws

Rumbling in the stomach

Imperceptible pulse

Attention: before treating your pet, you need to determine the type of disease and pathogen. This is only possible by laboratory diagnostics. Delay can cost your dog's life, so you should immediately take him to a veterinary clinic.

Diagnosis of enteritis

Even though every minute counts, urine, blood and feces will have to be collected from the dog for testing. Using these laboratory tests, the doctor will be able to differentiate viral nature enteritis from plague, helminthiasis, hepatitis, gastroenteritis of another nature. The results will allow you to find out the cause of diarrhea and vomiting: virus, bacteria, poisoning or other, depending on which appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

Treatment of enteritis in dogs

Treatment of enteritis in dogs can take place both in a hospital setting and at home, depending on the condition of the animal. The treatment regimen is determined by a specialist based on laboratory data and the dog’s condition. Therapeutic measures are complex in nature and are aimed at solving the following problems:

• destroy the virus;
• prevent dehydration;
• stop diarrhea and vomiting;
• remove toxins;
• strengthen and stimulate the activity of the immune system;
• normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.

Note: they are mainly used for treatment injection forms drugs, since the state of the gastrointestinal tract interferes with the normal absorption of drugs.

Provided that therapy is well-designed and provided in a timely manner, improvement will be noticeable within a day after its start.

Drug treatment

For enteritis, the following groups of medications are indicated.

Action

A drug

Antiviral (serums, immunoglobulins and others)

Prevents further proliferation of viruses, stimulates the immune system, promotes cell restoration

Fosprenil, Immunofan, Cycloferon, Giskan, Vitacan

Rehydration

Restore water balance

Trisol, Ringer-Lock solution

Detoxification

Removes toxins

Hemodez, Hydrolysin, Sirepar, Enterosgel

Antiemetics

Stop vomiting

Serenia, Cerucal

Painkillers

Eliminate pain syndrome

Hemostatic

Increase blood clotting (if present in feces or vomit)

Vikasol, Etamzilat

To maintain cardiovascular system

Stimulate cardiac activity, normalize its trophism and oxygen saturation

Cordiamine, Sulphocamphocaine, Riboxin

Antibacterial

To eliminate and prevent the development of bacterial infection

Cefazolin, Amoxicillin

Probiotics

Normalization of microflora in the intestines

Bactoneotime

It is possible to prescribe additional medications. For example, if enteritis is caused or complicated by worms, the doctor will prescribe an anthelmintic drug appropriate to the age of the animal and the characteristics of the clinical case.

Gastric and intestinal lavage

The solution is prepared from boiled water at room temperature and several crystals of potassium permanganate. When it dissolves (the water should be slightly pink), you need to take the liquid into a syringe and inject it into the pet’s anus.

You need to give enemas until the fluid flowing from the intestines becomes clear. The same applies to introducing the solution into the mouth - only the injected water should flow out during vomiting.

Diet

Proper nutrition is of great importance in the treatment of enteritis in dogs. The animal should be on complete fasting in the first days of the disease. An inflamed digestive tract will not be able to accept, much less digest, food. In addition, food (even if it comes back out in the form of vomiting) will require additional energy expenditure from the weakened body. The only thing your dog should always have nearby is a bowl of clean boiled water.

As your pet's condition normalizes, you can begin to introduce liquid food to him. These can be low-fat broths, cereals boiled in water (rice, oatmeal). After a week, it is allowed to feed boiled lean fish, boned, boiled eggs and/or white chicken meat. To restore the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, food should be given frequently and in small portions, in crushed form.

Attention: under no circumstances should you feed your dog fatty, dairy or raw foods!

Additional treatment measures

Treatment at home for viral enteritis involves daily sanitization of not only those items to which the dog is directly related (leash, bowl, bedding, etc.), but also the entire room. The pet's things need to be boiled; if possible, it is better to replace them with new ones (it is recommended to burn the old ones). Interior items should be treated with disinfectants. Ideally, it is advisable to quartz the housing. All these measures will prevent re-infection pet.

Preventive actions

Prevention of enteritis in dogs is as follows:

• get vaccinated in a timely manner;
• protect your pet from strangers;
• observe sanitary and hygienic standards in the house;
• keep the dog's area clean;
• be attentive to changes in the animal’s condition, contacting a veterinarian in a timely manner.

Can humans or other animals become infected with enteritis?

No, a sick pet does not pose a danger to humans and cats. Enteritis viruses are not transmitted to dog owners and non-canine animals.

What vaccines can be used against enteritis in dogs?

For preventive purposes against parvovirus enteritis, vaccines of both Russian and foreign origin are used. Among them: Nobivak, Hexodog, Pentodog, Multikan and others. Some drugs have preventive action not only in relation to parvovirus, but also coronavirus (Multican).

What is the schedule for vaccination against enteritis?

For the first time, the vaccine is given to puppies at the age of just over 1 month. Then vaccination takes place according to the scheme: 2 times with a break of 3-4 weeks. The regimen is built individually, depending on the physical condition of the puppy, other vaccinations, deworming and other factors. After reaching one year of age, dogs need to be vaccinated once a year.

Can a vaccinated dog become infected with enteritis?

Vaccinating your pet minimizes the risk of contracting viral enteritis. However, the probability of the disease still remains and is about 5%. This may be due to insufficient care for the dog, low immunity, and the presence of chronic gastrointestinal diseases. However, even if an animal develops this dangerous disease, it occurs in a less pronounced form and is easier to treat. The death of the dog in this case is reduced to zero.

Why enteritis is dangerous for a dog: complications

Unfortunately, the disease does not go away without a trace for all recovered animals. After enteritis, a dog may experience such consequences and complications as:

• adhesions in the intestines;
• gastrointestinal obstruction;
• wall rupture small intestine;
• heart failure;
• peritonitis;
• myocarditis;
• inflammation of the pancreas, liver;
• infertility in females;
• paralysis of limbs and others.

Which dogs are at risk?

Most often, viral enteritis affects puppies and young animals. This is due to the fact that parvovirus “loves” young, dividing tissues, in which its reproduction occurs most actively and rapidly. Older dogs rarely suffer from this disease.

There is no particular predisposition among breeds. However, there are differences in the course of the disease: Dobermans, shepherds and whippets suffer enteritis more severely than others. In terms of gender, it has been observed that males are more susceptible to the disease than females.

Differences between enteritis and plague

The clinical picture of enteritis in dogs is similar to that of distemper, but still has differences:

• none purulent discharge from the eyes of an animal;
• no damage to the nervous system;
• the lungs are not damaged;
• with enteritis, a sharp increase in temperature up to 41 ° C is possible.

Can a dog get enteritis again?

Yes, if a dog gets sick with enteritis and then recovers, then the possibility of re-infection still remains. It is reassuring that the disease will progress in more soft form, and the likelihood of the pet’s death is reduced to a minimum.

What is the prognosis of the disease

In the absence of timely veterinary care The prognosis of the disease, unfortunately, is unfavorable: the mortality rate in puppies from parvovirus is almost 90-95%, and in adults - half of the sick animals. With coronavirus infection, the indicators are lower, but the risk of losing a pet remains high.

Only timely vaccination and the attentive and sensitive attitude of the owner can prevent the death of a beloved animal from viral enteritis.

→ Parvovirus enteritis (parvovirosis)" url="http://for-vet.ru/articles/parvovirusnyiy-enterit-parvoviroz/">

The disease is usually accompanied profuse vomiting and diarrhea (diarrhea) and fever. Victims of the virus most often are puppies under six months of age.

Pathogen and its features

The causative agent of canine parvovirus enteritis is one of the smallest DNA-containing viruses, with a fairly simple structure and is characterized by the absence of an envelope. It belongs to the Parvovirus family, to which it also belongs, causing panleukopenia in cats and enteritis in minks. There are two types of this virus: type 1 is not dangerous and is often detected clinically in feces healthy dogs, and type 2 has a high damaging activity and causes the manifestation of clinical signs of enteritis.

The virus is quite resistant to environmental factors, acidity and temperature changes. Survives in the external environment at 80 ° C - 15 minutes; at 60 C - 1 hour; at 56 °C - 24 hours; at 37 °C - 2 weeks; at 20 °C - 3 months; at 4 °C - more than six months. It can remain viable in dried feces for more than a year, and also survives at low temperatures. The virus is resistant to most disinfectants. However, it is destroyed by a 0.5% formaldehyde solution and a 4% chloramine solution.

Routes of infection

The feces of sick dogs are the main source of spread of the pathogen. The virus can also be in vomit with mucus. Because the virus can long time persist in the environment, it can pose a threat to unvaccinated animals. Dogs that have had parvovirus enteritis can be carriers of the infection for a long time. The pathogen is transmitted through contact of sick dogs with healthy ones, as well as through animal care items contaminated with the virus (scrapers, combs), feed, and soil contaminated with secretions of infected animals. People can also transmit the virus through clothing and shoes. The virus enters the body of a healthy animal either through the oral cavity or through the respiratory tract when sniffing the source.
Development of the disease (pathogenesis).

The virus enters the body most often through the digestive tract, nasal mucosa, and lymphoid cells of the pharynx. The pathogenesis of the disease largely depends on the age of the dog. The virus multiplies in actively dividing cardiac muscle cells and in the intestinal mucosa. In newborn puppies, heart cells multiply quite quickly during the first 2 to 4 weeks of life, while the formation of intestinal mucosal cells occurs later. After puppies stop suckling their mother's milk, intestinal cells divide more intensively, and myocardial cells multiply more slowly, so during this period, puppies that are not protected by maternal antibodies from colostrum are more often affected by the intestines rather than the heart muscle. The disease occurs in two forms - intestinal, which occurs much more often in puppies from 8 weeks of age and sometimes in adult dogs. And cardiac, which occurs in the offspring of an unvaccinated mother during the suckling period.

After entering the animal’s body, the pathogen naturally multiplies in the pharyngeal lymph nodes - white blood cells, then enters the blood and spreads throughout the body. Lymphoid tissue in dogs is characterized by a high rate of division, and therefore the virus usually affects lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues, and villi of the intestinal mucosa.

Clinical signs

Parvovirus enteritis has quite a variety of symptoms, which can appear in various combinations and make it difficult to determine the disease. It is characteristic that in adult dogs the disease occurs in a latent form without clear clinical manifestations, and in puppies in acute and lightning-fast forms and leads to quick death. There are a number of signs, the combination of which indicates the development of this disease.

The incubation period of the disease is 2-3 days, after which the following is observed:

• Lethargy- the dog becomes less active, tries to make fewer movements and hides. The dog may not react to the actions taking place around him and rarely gets up.
• Refusal to feed– the animal suddenly loses its appetite and stops drinking water.
• Increased body temperature– up to 39°C and above, fever develops, which indicates the infectious nature of the disease. However, sometimes with enteritis the temperature may rise just before the pet dies, so you should pay attention to other signs of the disease.
• Pain syndrome- the animal begins to arch its back when stroking, and when touching the stomach area it tries to move away, movements are constrained - this is the first manifestation of the disease.
• Vomit occurs within a day after the incubation period. Initially, vomit consists of the remains of undigested food, later it becomes grayish mucus.
• Diarrhea — feces liquid, initially yellowish or greenish in color, later red, may contain blood clots, and also have a fetid odor.
• Dehydration- the body loses fluid quite quickly, and as a result, the disease can lead to death in 2-3 days.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of parvovirus enteritis is made based on several factors (comprehensively):

• Clinical examination by a veterinarian to determine the symptoms of the disease. Based on this, the doctor can only assume that it is parvovirus enteritis.
• In order to exclude other diseases, they carry out laboratory analysis feces of a sick animal, which detects the presence of the virus in the feces.
• Blood serum is tested for the presence of antibodies to parvovirus in order to finally confirm the diagnosis. When all these studies have been carried out and the diagnosis has been established, specific treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis

It is quite difficult to treat parvovirus enteritis, first of all, because the disease develops very quickly, and if you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner, treatment may not be effective and the puppy will die.

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis should be comprehensive and include supportive and immunomodulatory medications. Also, a sick pet requires special diet. At the first stage of treatment, it is necessary to maintain a fasting diet for 2 - 3 days, drinking water in small quantities during this time. Then you can give soft food in small portions, carefully monitoring the animal’s condition.

It is important to eliminate dehydration resulting from diarrhea and vomiting. For this, intravenous infusions of saline and nutrient solutions, such as glucose, saline and others, are used. To eliminate symptoms (symptomatic therapy), antipyretics, analgesics, antispasmodics and, if necessary, antiemetics are used. With parvovirus enteritis, against the background of decreased immunity, pathogenic bacteria begin to actively multiply, which can complicate the course of the disease. To prevent this, cephalosporin or other antibiotics are prescribed, depending on the severity of the process. Drugs that support the cardiovascular system, such as sulfocamphocaine, are mandatory.

Concerning antiviral therapy, then here again a complex of specific and non-specific immune drugs is used, aimed at accelerating the patient’s immune response. Specific preparations include sera containing ready-made antibodies to parvovirus enteritis and immunoglobulins. Non-specific drugs include drugs consisting of ready-made interferons or interleukins and interferonogens. An example of an interferonogen is the drug Forvet.

Prevention of parvovirus enteritis

Since parvovirus is a difficult disease to treat and a dangerous disease for young animals, it is important to prevent your pet from becoming infected. To do this, it is necessary to follow a number of measures to prevent parvovirus enteritis:

1. Vaccination– this is the first thing an owner should take care of when buying a puppy. Vaccinations against parvovirus enteritis are given early in life after weaning at 6-8 weeks of age.
2. Disinfection– it is necessary to regularly treat the premises where the pet is kept with disinfectants, especially the thresholds of the premises.
3. Personal prevention measures– we must not forget to wash our hands after interacting with other dogs, especially strays and those with suspected diseases. Wash outdoor shoes thoroughly after walking.
4. Quarantine– do not allow unvaccinated animals to come into contact with strange dogs, as well as isolate the pet from places of possible infection (places of mass dog walking), exhibitions, etc. Walk the puppy no earlier than 2-3 weeks after re-vaccination (re-vaccination).
5. Measures to improve immunity– to reduce the risk of infection, before the first vaccination, in a veterinary clinic. You can use the drug Forvet, not long before visiting the veterinary clinic, as a prophylaxis, 2 injections with an interval of 24-48 hours in recommended doses.

In general, despite all the difficulties of parvovirus enteritis, the chances of a successful outcome are quite high if the owner is attentive to his pet and is responsible for his health.

In dogs, parvovirus enteritis (infectious enteritis, parvovirus infection, canine parvovirus) is highly contagious (highly contagious), acute, viral disease, which is characterized by high mortality among infected animals. After entering the body, the virus instantly attacks dividing cells, most often in the area of ​​the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Parvovirus also infects blood immune cells (neutrophils and lymphocytes), which, accordingly, causes a weakening of the immune system.

The disease, as a rule, affects puppies 1-2 months old and old animals, since these age groups have the weakest immune response to the introduction of the virus. In addition, in young dogs, the immune system is most often and severely affected, and the disease usually progresses to the cardiac form. Even after effective treatment Cardiac consequences of enteritis in animals may manifest throughout their lives, developing against the background of acute myocarditis.

Parvovirus infection in dogs has an increased mortality rate, and even timely and correct treatment in a veterinary clinic does not guarantee a successful outcome.

People are not carriers of the disease, since parvovirus enteritis in dogs is not transmitted to humans.

Causes and routes of infection

The excrement of infected animals is the main source of spread of the virus. Experts talk about ten days as the period when active release of virions occurs. Pathogens are also found in other secretions - vomiting with mucus.

How is enteritis transmitted in dogs? It easily tolerates most physicochemical factors (such as increased temperature) and can persist for several months. In rodents and foxes, the disease is asymptomatic for 2 to 3 weeks. Moreover, the virus is located directly on the pet’s fur and paws all this time, and therefore is easily transmitted to its healthy relatives who have not been vaccinated, transmitted through direct contact with the carrier.

There are many ways to transmit the virus. This:

• contact with sick dogs, rodents, insects;
• contaminated care items (bowls, bedding, etc.);
• human dog owners can also be mechanical carriers of infection;
• food - as a result, a real epidemic may occur (especially dangerous in nurseries and other places where large numbers of animals are kept);
• soil into which contaminated excretions have fallen.

So, can a dog get enteritis from other dogs? Easily. And from a person? Also, in this case, the owner will become a carrier of the infection, while the virus will not harm him - it is not dangerous for people.

Most often, infection is seasonal: animals get sick in spring and summer. Also, outbreaks of enteritis are recorded from October to March.

When asked what parvovirus is in dogs, we answered - this is a dangerous infection caused by an enterovirus, which is contained in the feces of infected individuals and is transmitted on their fur and paws.

They are excreted in feces and vomit, in which they can persist for more than one day even at zero temperature. Viruses are quite tenacious, they do not change their structure even at sixty degrees of heat, they die only when exposed to direct sunlight.

Transfer methods

The first involves direct contact with an infected animal or carrier. In the process of sniffing and licking them, you can become infected. But pathogens are also transmitted through food or water, care items, and bedding.

There are two types of disease – parvovirus and coronavirus.

The first type of virus, once in the body, affects parts of the intestines or heart tissue, but damage to both is often observed. The virus begins to multiply intensively in intestinal cells, which leads to their destruction. Getting into the blood supply system, it negatively affects the walls of blood vessels, changing their structure. The composition of the blood also undergoes significant changes, much earlier than the onset of primary signs diseases.

The mucous membranes of the digestive tract become red and then eroded. All these effects are irreversible and cause severe intoxication of the animal’s body and its exhaustion.

Parvovirus develops quickly in a growing body, since cell division has a positive effect on its growth. This is why the risk of death from parvovirus is high in puppies.

Coronavirus, unlike parvovirus enteritis, does not affect crypt cells, so its symptoms are milder and much less likely to end in the death of the animal. But even in this case, everything depends on timely medical care.

Coronavirus is only transmitted through feces, but the risk of infection is still high, since dogs can touch feces, as well as the place where they are located, and bring the virus into the house.

Vaccination and features of immune development

If your puppy recovers from parvovirus infection, it is guaranteed that there will be no recurrence for about a year. In addition, in very rare cases, lifelong immunity can develop. It should be noted that even after recovery the virus will remain for a long time excreted in feces.

Is there any specific prevention? Today, there are at least a couple of dozen live (that is, based on a weakened viral culture) vaccines, after the use of which stable immunity to CPV-2 is formed. Note that modern vaccinations protect against almost all strains of parvovirus, including recently discovered varieties.

Unfortunately, these rumors have some basis. Animals do not always develop normal immunity. Why does this happen? It turns out that this happens when antibodies obtained from the mother's colostrum come into conflict with the antigen (that is, directly with the vaccine). Simply put, you should not be in a particular hurry to immunize puppies, since it does not always give the expected result.

Thus, during maximum concentration If the puppy's blood contains antibodies received from its mother, it is useless to vaccinate it. Only when their level drops to an acceptable level will normal, intense immunity be formed during immunization. But here there is one important nuance. "Window of receptivity."

This is the name of the time when the titer of antibodies in the puppy’s blood is already too low to resist a real infection, but is still sufficient to negate the effect of the vaccine. During this period, the animal is especially prone to infection, and the risky time is right around 12 weeks of age.

That is why there are dozens of vaccination methods in veterinary practice in different countries, pharmacists are constantly creating new vaccines, and some breeders complain that immunization did not help their dogs.

With the help of high-quality vaccines and “aggressive” immunization, the window of susceptibility can be made as small as possible, reducing its duration as much as possible. It is generally recommended to vaccinate puppies starting at 6-8 weeks of age, repeating vaccinations every three weeks until the dog is 16-20 weeks old.

Characteristic signs and symptoms of enteritis in dogs

Owners often describe the behavior of a sick animal as follows: it lies sad, doesn’t want anything, lethargic, constantly in its corner, does not react to the food brought. A healthy dog ​​begins to eat as soon as a plate is placed in front of him, but this one turns away as soon as he sniffs its contents. Often in the very first days, intestinal damage may begin to appear - diarrhea with blood occurs, sometimes it is liquid, watery, sometimes it resembles mucus.

Symptoms of parvovirus (or enterovirus infection) in dogs and the onset of damage to internal organs is a signal for immediate treatment. Contact your veterinarian if:

• The animal is not as active as always, sleeps more or lies in the same position.
• Indifference to food has appeared, the dog even refuses his favorite treats.
• The dog is constantly drawn to sleep.
• Vomiting appears (most often it has a foamy consistency).
• The pet suffers from diarrhea - often mixed with blood and mucus.
• The feces give off a strong stench.
• The animal breathes quickly and sharply, refuses not only food, but also water.
• The pulse quickens.

• To water the dog and force feed it - the best thing in this case is to fast until examined by a doctor.
• Sample traditional methods treatment - all actions must be previously agreed with a veterinarian.
• Hoping that it will “pass”, rely on the experience of fellow dog lovers and not contact a specialist.

During the disease, both the stomach and intestines become inflamed. The virus affects not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the heart muscle - myocarditis develops. Puppies die from enteritis precisely because the body is still very weak and the heart cannot stand it. Death occurs from severe intoxication, dehydration, lack of nutrients, accumulation of toxins, neglected irreversible processes, leading to disruption of the functioning of the main systems of the body.

We warn you right away: an ideal cure for the infection has not yet been found. Your animal's chances of recovery are approximately 50% out of 100 if you start treatment for parvovirus on time - at the first sign of enteritis in your dog. It should be carried out symptomatically. Droppers and antibiotics are accompanied by support for the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Approximately ten hours after the virus enters the body, the dog begins to have diarrhea, four to five times a day.

Coronavirus and rotavirus enteritis

The animal drinks a lot of water, and in some cases there is frequent vomiting. And body temperature can rise to thirty-nine and a half degrees. By the second day, the skin becomes inelastic.

Parvovirus enteritis

In this case, the pet defecates very often at intervals of twenty or forty minutes. Fecal discharge occurs in a sharp stream, sometimes at a distance of up to a meter, has a pungent odor, is brown or green color and watery texture. There are pieces of skin and small tubes in the stool. Vomiting occurs every half hour.

The disease most affects the intestines, destruction of the mucous membrane occurs, its exfoliated particles can be released along with feces. Because of this, a larger volume of cells disintegrate and release toxins that damage the walls of blood vessels. Which in turn provokes the movement of fluid into the walls and cavity of the intestine, increasing its size.

After twelve hours, the intensity of the attacks decreases and they occur less frequently. The temperature drops from forty to thirty-seven and a half degrees. After five days, the body produces a considerable amount of antibodies in order to bind viruses. But by this time, most of the pathogens have already moved to the intestines and heart.

Parvovirus enteritis in dogs - symptoms and treatment

Typically, parvovirus enteritis in dogs affects the small intestine, with associated signs and treatment. By and large, the term “enteritis” means “inflammation of the intestines,” in this case caused by parvovirus infection. But, as mentioned above, it is probably also a manifestation of the cardiac form of the disease, which is quite often observed during enteritis in puppies.

Intestinal form

This type of parvovirus is transmitted only through oral contact with virus-contaminated feces of a sick animal or surfaces that may have been contaminated with these feces.

During the intestinal form of the disease, such a sequential development of the disease is observed, during which the parvovirus:

Heart shape

This is a form of the disease during which the heart muscle becomes infected along with the intestines; it appears when puppies are infected with enteritis in the womb. It is much less likely that newborn puppies will become infected through feces or mother's milk.

Symptoms of enteritis usually develop within one week after infection, but this time can range from 3 to 20 days. Initially, clinical signs may be nonspecific, for example, lack of appetite, apathy, with progression of vomiting, fever, hemorrhagic diarrhea over the next 1-2 days.

results physical research may include:

• fever;
• dilated intestinal loops on x-ray or ultrasound that are filled with fluid;
• dehydration.

A dog's response to abdominal pain requires follow-up evaluation to guard against the potential complication of an intestinal obstruction.

In the most severe situations, nonspecific signs of parvovirus in dogs include:

• pallor of the mucous membranes;
• loss of consciousness;
• low body temperature;
• tachycardia;
• decreased quality of pulse.

The lack of proper treatment in dogs is due to symptoms of the disease in the area nervous activity, which occurs against the background of general sepsis, low blood sugar, impaired water-salt metabolism, as well as acid-base balance. It must be remembered that in dogs, parvovirus infection can occur in a subclinical and asymptomatic form.

The manifestation and progressive development of these symptoms is the reason for urgent contact with a veterinarian.

From the moment of infection until the first clinical symptoms of enteritis appear, the dog is in an incubation period, which can last up to ten days. Considering that enteritis in dogs, as a rule, occurs suddenly and resolves acutely, personal observations of the owner, noting various changes in the dog’s behavior, become important for timely diagnosis.

If you notice your dog is somewhat lethargic, take his temperature immediately. Normal temperature in dogs ranges from 37.5 to 39 degrees. Temperatures above 39 degrees should be regarded as the presence of a disease process. To measure a dog’s body temperature, you need to lubricate the end of the thermometer with petroleum jelly (or sunflower oil, baby cream) and carefully insert it into the dog’s anus with a rotating motion to a depth of 2-3 cm. Measurement time is 5 minutes.

It is advisable to carry out such measurements every 8 hours, making sure to record the data, so that the veterinarian can subsequently choose the correct treatment strategy.

It should be noted that an elevated body temperature in a dog with parvovirus enteritis is not always established; it often remains normal until the death of the animal.

Let us also pay attention to one more point that indicates the onset of the disease and usually goes unnoticed. Look at the dog: the appetite is normal, on the street it is quite mobile, but when stroking its back and sides, it tightens its stomach and slightly arches its back, and when pressed in the stomach area it reacts painfully.

Usually, one day after the appearance of these symptoms of enteritis, dogs begin vomiting, first with the remains of undigested food, then giving way to viscous, gray secretions. After some time, diarrhea appears. Watery at first yellowish color, covered with greenish veins of the intestinal mucosa, subsequently turns bloody, with a disgusting putrid smell. The dog refuses to eat and drink.

Due to severe pain in the stomach, animals cannot lie down and stand with their heads buried in a corner or some objects. From severe dehydration of the body, pain syndrome and heart failure, young dogs can die 1-3 days after the first signs of the disease appear.

Enteritis in dogs can occur in another form. The owner notes that the dog is lethargic and drowsy. Body temperature rises to 39.5 degrees and above. With this form, there is no pronounced pain in the stomach, but a strong rumbling can be heard in the stomach, especially in the first days of the disease. As a rule, the dog refuses food or eats it reluctantly, but drinks water.

Vomiting appears on days 2-3, after which the animal’s condition worsens. On days 4-5, the dog dies with signs of heart failure (barely noticeable or rapid breathing, pale mucous membranes, weak, elusive pulse, cold extremities, lack of response to names and commands).

At the first suspicious symptoms, the dog must be immediately shown to a veterinarian, who will make a diagnosis, prescribe a course of treatment and observe the sick animal for the next 5-7 days. In this regard, it is very important to describe to the doctor as accurately and completely as possible all changes in the behavior of the sick dog.

The characteristic features of its course will help to separate this disease from similar ones. The insidiousness of such a dog disease as parvovirus enteritis lies in a wide variety of symptoms that can masquerade as other, less dangerous ailments. At the same time, only an experienced veterinarian will be able to identify it and not waste precious time, because the virus develops rapidly and as it penetrates the tissues of the dog’s body, the chances of recovery decrease.

Parvovirus enteritis in dogs - signs

One dog becomes infected with enteritis from another - there is no other scenario for the development of the disease. Infection occurs through contact with feces, urine, saliva or other secretions of an infected individual. Symptoms of a canine disease called parvovirus enteritis are:

• lethargy and refusal of favorite foods;
• dehydration of the body;
• inflammation of the sclera of the eyes with swelling of blood vessels and lacrimal glands;
• the appearance of foamy or stringy vomiting;
• intestinal disorder;
• weak pulse, pale skin and other manifestations heart failure.

Diagnosis of canine parvovirus enteritis

Primary diagnosis can be carried out at home. Immediately after the animal appears lethargic, the owner should measure its temperature. A dog disease such as parvovirus enteritis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 39°C. After the measurement, the owner must urgently show the pet to a doctor. During the diagnostic process in a clinical setting, the following is discovered:

1. Abdominal pain on palpation. The dog behaves inappropriately and aggressively when palpating the abdomen.
2. Heart dysfunction. Dehydration and lack of oxygen due to parvovirus enteritis in dogs cause acute inflammation of the heart muscle.
3. Dry tongue. The mucous membranes of the mouth, gums, nose and eyes suffer from lack of moisture and microcracks in the skin.

Parvovirus enteritis in dogs - treatment

The animal needs to be provided with rest and isolation from healthy dogs. The dog should be kept in a warm, heated room without drafts or sudden changes in air temperature. He is temporarily deprived of walking to prevent the transmission of the disease. After eliminating the risk of the virus spreading to other pets, the following treatment regimen for parvovirus enteritis in dogs is used:

• serum injections against plague and enteritis;
• immune support with immunoglobulins - tactivin, thymalin or anandin;
• dietary feeding of beef or chicken broths with the addition of medicinal herbs;
• regular cleansing and nutritional enemas.

The clinical signs of this disease can be expressed to 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 the appearance bloody diarrhea) in thick and small intestine, causing severe pain. One of the main symptoms is uncontrollable vomiting for several days.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of enteritis includes a number of studies:

• clinical;
• morphological;
• microscopic;
• histological;
• serological.

To detect virus cells, it is enough to take a scraping from the nasal epithelium and examine the animal’s feces or vomit. Even on the third day after infection, pathogenic cells will be visible under a microscope. It is important that the doctor immediately excludes diseases such as plague, coccidosis and gastroenteritis. Since they have a similar clinical picture, the study should be differentiated.

So, speaking about the treatment of parvovirus enteritis in dogs, we emphasize that it should be complex and combined. Often, to get rid of the virus, serum from plague and hepatitis is used in a volume of 3-5 ml. It is worth highlighting: Thymogen, Timpatin, Anandin and other immunostimulants. Often the dog is quarantined where it is warm and dry to avoid infecting healthy animals.

• enemas based on chamomile or St. John's wort tinctures;
• introduction of droppers with antihistamines;
• taking antibiotics;
• carrying out dehydration;
• taking vitamin complexes;
• heart failure treatment, recovery water balance.

How dogs become infected with parvovirus infection

The greatest danger of infection is 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 resistant, does not collapse when frozen, and can withstand temperatures up to 100° C for quite a long time (up to 3 days).

In adult dogs 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 largest percentage lethal outcome of the disease.

Puppies aged from 6 weeks to 6 months that have not been vaccinated at all, or the vaccination process was carried out in violation of the regulations, are more susceptible to canine parvovirus infection. Vaccination of the mother at an early age is important for puppies.

When it comes to dog breeds, those most at risk of contracting parvovirus are:

• Rottweilers.
• Dobermans.
• American Pit Bull Terriers.
• English Springer Spaniels.
• German Shepherds.
• Labrador retrievers.
• American Staffordshire Terriers.

In addition, most members of the canine family - wolves, coyotes, foxes and other animals - are infected.

By receiving a sufficient amount of colostrum, puppies born from a timely vaccinated mother are sufficiently protected from infection during the first few weeks of life. However, susceptibility to infection gradually increases as the resistance of maternal antibodies obtained in milk weakens.

As a rule, in such puppies, enteritis is aggravated by simultaneous intestinal diseases or pathogenic infection. This list of diseases often includes clostridiosis, campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, giardiasis and coronavirus infection. All these diseases are characterized by a more severe clinical manifestation of parvovirus infection.

As for adult animals, among dogs older than 6- one month old, males who have never known females get sick more often. In dogs older than 7 years of age, parvovirus actively develops due to weakened immunity with age.

Parvovirus is released in high concentrations into the external environment with the feces of infected animals 4-5 days after infection, that is, before the first symptoms of enteritis appear in dogs. Virus shedding continues throughout the entire period of illness and for approximately another 10 days after clinical recovery.

Parvovirus infection enters healthy dogs through direct oral or nasal contact with contaminated feces. In addition, indirect infection is possible through contact through household items, the owner’s clothing and other objects that could be soiled with the feces of a sick animal.

Parvovirus in healthy dogs initially develops in lymphoid tissue oropharynx with subsequent transition to a system-wide form as a result of distribution throughout the body through the bloodstream. The viral infection primarily infects and destroys rapidly dividing cells of the mucosal epithelium of the small intestine, lymphopoietic tissues (producing lymphocytes) and Bone marrow. From this point on, symptoms begin to develop.

The destruction of intestinal crypts by the virus leads to epithelial necrosis of the mucous membrane (death), villous atrophy, and impaired absorption capacity of the intestine. As a result, these pathological processes lead to the destruction of the functionality of the intestinal protective barrier, which ends with the active penetration of bacteria located in the intestinal lumen into the blood and the development of a secondary infection.

This pattern of enteritis in puppies under 8 weeks of age, as well as in older dogs, can lead to the development of heart infections, inflammation of the heart muscle and myocardial necrosis. Subsequently, myocarditis may manifest clinically as acute cardiopulmonary failure with or without symptoms of parvovirus enteritis.

Enteritis is a contagious disease in which inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract develops and the middle layer of the heart muscle, the myocardium, is affected.

Most often, the disease is diagnosed in individuals aged from two months to a year. According to statistics, 12% of sick pets die from this disease; among puppies this figure increases to 30%. If the bitch that gave birth is not vaccinated, then only 20% of puppies have a chance of surviving enteritis. In case of infection, gender, belonging to a particular breed and other indicators do not matter.

In modern medicine, special vaccines against enteritis have been developed. A timely vaccinated animal rarely gets sick, but infection is still possible. In addition, a vaccinated dog tolerates the disease much easier and, in most cases, other than maintenance therapy, no other treatment will be required.

Infection occurs from infected animals, as well as their excrement, saliva and urine, in which pathogenic bacteria can remain for up to one and a half weeks. The virus is chemical resistant high temperatures(up to 60°C) and acidic environments. At room temperature it may not die for up to six months.

Transfer methods

The disease is spread through stool containing myriads of viral particles. The virus can spread in the external environment with objects of living and inanimate nature. It is known that the pathogen can persist on bowls, enclosure walls and clothing for up to two years. Insects and rodents play a huge role in the spread of infection, spreading the virus on their paws.

To prevent infection, you need to carefully treat floor coverings, bowls, kennels, enclosures and everything else that, even theoretically, could be contaminated with the feces of a sick animal. It should be remembered that initial clinical signs may appear within 7-15 days from the moment of infection, but the incubation period can be variable.

Today there is no specific treatment for parvovirus enteritis. The only option is to vaccinate puppies, but this approach does not always guarantee absolute safety for the animal.

Time is one of the most significant factors in treatment. The sooner the virus is detected and its treatment begins, the better the prognosis. Age also plays an important role in the effectiveness of treatment. Extremely old or young dogs cannot withstand the aggressive treatments that are aimed at eradicating parvovirus disease.

Since absorption processes in the small intestine are almost completely disrupted, treatment is based on an assessment of symptoms and most often using subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous injections. Using this complex combination of drugs and methods of their administration without certain skills of the owner at home is simply impossible.

In addition, as treatment progresses, the veterinarian evaluates changes in the dog’s condition and, taking this into account, adjusts the therapy for parvovirus enteritis. Also, a particular animal may have an unpredictable reaction to certain types medications.

Sometimes doctors may use a procedure called blood plasma transfusion. This treatment for enteritis involves obtaining blood plasma from an animal that has survived parvovirus infection and has developed antibodies to it. Looking at it objectively this method, then today there are no results of an in-depth study of this method, therefore it is difficult to determine its effectiveness relative to classical methods of treating the disease.

After initial treatment parvovirus, animals must be confined to additional intake fluids, but only if the water balance in their blood is restored. Life support is maintained with easily digestible food in liquid form. Most often, the use of antibiotics continues after the first symptoms of recovery begin to appear in animals whose blood tests show a low white blood cell count.

First aid for a sick dog in the treatment of enteritis, which the owner can provide, is as follows.

• First of all, it is necessary to provide the dog with complete rest, completely remove it from drinking and feeding; without a medical indication, an enema should not be used.
• We can recommend the use of petroleum jelly (worse than sunflower) oil, which, without being absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, envelops its walls and helps evacuate toxic contents.

In case of enteritis, the owner must have the following medications in his home veterinary medicine cabinet:

1. 3-4 syringes (from 5 to 20 ml), several replacement needles for them;
2. No-shpu, analgin for removal pain. Please note that all medications must be administered to animals by injection, since the tablets are not absorbed by the dog’s body during this period;
3. Saline solution, if observed severe dehydration body (vomiting, diarrhea);
4. Sulphocamphocaine, cordiamine to support cardiac activity.

We would like to draw the attention of dog lovers that these medications should be used in combination with the main treatment developed veterinarian individually for each animal.

Since the disease can manifest itself in various forms, treatment is selected individually in each case, in accordance with the recommended integrated 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 into the dehydrated body of a sick animal. saline solutions with the addition of vitamins, glucose, etc. 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 recommended parenteral administration(by injection).
• For the first 1-2 days after the vomiting stops, the sick animal needs a fasting diet.

To date specific treatment parvovirus enteritis does not exist. The only relatively effective way is to vaccinate puppies, however, this approach cannot always guarantee complete safety for the pet.

Time is one of the most significant factors in the treatment of enteritis in dogs, at the first symptoms of the disease. The sooner the virus is detected and treatment begins, the better the prognosis. Age also plays an important role in the effectiveness of parvovirus therapy. Extremely young or old dogs will not be able to withstand more aggressive methods treatments aimed at eradicating parvovirus infection.

It is worth emphasizing that treatment of enteritis in dogs at home in the vast majority of cases will not result in the animal’s recovery. The basis of therapy for parvovirus is laid in the form complex application symptomatic treatment and maintenance of the body:

• Intravenous drip administration of type IV crystalloid solutions or classical colloids.
• Use of injections of antiemetics.
• Intravenous administration of antibiotics.
• Usage additional funds, supporting the life support of the animal - vitamins, glucose, saline solutions, immunostimulating drugs and others.

Since absorption processes in the small intestine are almost completely impaired, treatment of enteritis in dogs is based on an assessment of symptoms and, as a rule, using intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous injections. The use of such a complex combination of drugs and methods of their administration at home is impossible without certain skills of the owner.

In some cases, doctors may use a somewhat unique procedure - blood plasma transfusion. This symptom-based treatment for enteritis in dogs involves obtaining blood plasma from an animal that has survived parvovirus infection and developed antibodies to it. If we consider this method objectively, then today there are no results of an in-depth study of this method, so determining its effectiveness is relatively traditional methods treating the disease is difficult.

After initial treatment for parvovirus, dogs will be restricted from taking additional fluids, but only if their blood is rehydrated. Life support will be maintained with easily digestible food in semi-liquid form. The use of antibiotics usually continues after the first signs of recovery begin to appear in dogs whose blood picture shows a low white blood cell count.

The question arises: “How to treat enteritis in a dog?” Enteritis is a dangerous and insidious disease, so any delay is certain death for your beloved pet. The sooner the owner applies for medical care and complex therapy begins, the higher the dog’s chance of recovery.

One of important rules is that if a dog shows signs of enteritis, you should under no circumstances feed it. Fasting in this case is a huge help in the fight of the affected body against the disease, since the assimilation of food requires certain strength and significant energy expenditure. But you need to give your dog as much water as possible. Boiled water cooled to room temperature is perfect for this.

As for medical therapy, it consists of a whole range of measures:

• taking antimicrobial sulfonamides;
• use of drugs to prevent heart failure;
• antibiotic therapy;
• novocaine blockade;
• administration of drip medications to prevent dehydration.

As soon as the pet’s condition has stabilized, you can begin to give a small amount of food, these can be the following foods:

• rice porridge cooked exclusively in water;
• pasta;
• boiled lean fish, boned;
• meat and fish broths;
• dairy products – cottage cheese, kefir, sour cream 10%, Varenets, fermented baked milk.

You can add chopped boiled eggs to your food.

During illness, it is prohibited to feed your dog fatty sour cream, raw meat, or fish. Whole milk should not be given as a drink. All these products can provoke recurrent viral processes in the body.

IN complex treatment Enteritis in dogs also includes the use of cleansing enemas and gastric lavages. Pet owners should know that at the first, even the most insignificant, signs of this disease, it is necessary to give the animal an enema. Even if fears turn out to be in vain, in the case of enteritis it is better to be safe. A solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) is suitable as an enema solution. The amount of liquid is calculated based on the weight of the dog.

Treatment of enteritis in dogs at home

• destroy the causative agent of the virus;
• restore the required amount of fluid;
• cleanse the body of toxins;
• restoration of immunity;
• resume proper functioning digestive system;
• maintaining heart function.

Stages of treatment

1. The first stage of treatment must be carried out by a veterinarian, because the infection can only be overcome by injecting special drugs into a vein. After all, due to a large loss of fluid, other injections will not be absorbed.
2. Used to fight infection serum or immunoglobulin containing antibodies. But they are not administered intravenously. They often resort to the use of catozal, erbisol and other agents that stimulate the immune system. Intravenous administration of a salt solution (disol, trisol, quartosol), as well as glucose. Which solution and its concentration is prescribed by the doctor, based on the dog’s condition. Glucose is used only in the form of a five percent solution.
3. Toxins are eliminated by hydrolysine and its analogues. In this case, it is necessary to use substances that support the functioning of the liver (glutargin), because it is the liver that is involved in the treatment of intoxication. There are also medications that provide complex treatment. For example, taking polyoxidonium or lycopidium guarantees the removal of toxins and increased immunity.
4. Metoproclamide helps stop vomiting. The main danger lies in the rapid development of microbes in the affected areas of the intestine. This problem can only be eliminated with antibiotics. In this case, it is necessary to include in the course of treatment the use of enterosgel, oak bark extract or flax seeds. They have an enveloping and bonding effect. But you can start intestinal rehabilitation only from the second day of infection.
5. Love and attention to him will help save the life of your pet after suffering from enteritis.. Protect the animal from any stress and increased physical activity. The pet will need to follow a strict diet and take vitamins.

Consequences of enteritis in dogs

Puppies Surviving Enteritis Show Developmental Consequences fibrous tissue in the myocardium, this is, by and large, an acquired heart defect, which affects the entire subsequent life of the animal.

It is necessary to understand that a dog that has suffered parvovirus enteritis in any form still spreads remnants of the virus in its feces for at least 2 weeks. In addition, a dog can be a carrier of parvovirus and periodically, during its life, release the infection into the environment, infecting other animals.

Dogs that have had parvovirus enteritis may experience disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract for a long time. Therefore, proper organization of animal feeding plays an important role. It is better to give food in small portions several times a day. Menu recovering dog includes pieces of lean boiled meat (beef, veal), boiled vegetables, well-cooked rice in a weak meat broth.

From fermented milk products It is advisable to abstain during the first week of recovery. Any sausages, spices, sweets, fatty meats and fish, and bones are excluded.

2-3 weeks after recovery (depending on the dog’s well-being), you can return to the old feeding diet.

Dogs that have recovered from parvovirus enteritis develop long-lasting, almost lifelong immunity. The main method of preventing this disease is vaccination against parvovirus enteritis. Vaccination of puppies begins at 7-8 weeks of life.

It is undesirable to vaccinate dogs at an earlier age due to the underdevelopment of the immune system. Immunity after vaccination is developed within 2-3 weeks and lasts for 6-12 months.

The course and outcome of the disease can be greatly influenced by the presence of worms in the dog. Therefore, the owner must periodically submit the animal's feces for analysis. Preventive measures to prevent helminthic infestation must be carried out before each vaccination.

Read more about such dangerous diseases as distemper in dogs, piroplasmosis in dogs, rabies in dogs.

If treatment for enteritis does not occur properly or is started at the wrong time, the consequences can be dire. Moreover, the consequences are observed even in recovered pets, which are expressed in disruption of the stomach. Recovery may take a long time, and the dog must be fed a special diet.

As a rule, experts recommend feeding dogs liquid or semi-liquid food. It should be low-fat food - broths, cottage cheese or porridge. You can use rice water with a small amount of meat (for flavor only). Also feed your pet for normal recovery You can also use veterinary dietary food, especially during the recovery period, following the example of the one in the photo. Food should not be hot and served in small portions 5-6 times a day.

It should be noted that complications and consequences may appear even with timely treatment. In some cases, lameness appears, which sometimes goes away on its own, and sometimes remains for life. Young individuals may lag behind in development, and if the form of the disease is cardiac, then the consequences may manifest themselves in the form of heart failure or myocardial damage.

Puppies that survive parvovirus enteritis show the consequences of the growth of fibrous tissue in the myocardium, which is essentially an acquired heart defect that affects the entire later life dogs.

It is important to understand that an animal that survives parvovirus enteritis in any form will still shed remnants of the virus in its feces for at least 10 days, up to an average of three weeks. Among other things, a dog can become a carrier of parvovirus and from time to time, in the course of its life, release it into the external environment and infect other animals.

Symptoms of parvovirus infection in dogs

Symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in dogs without treatment usually develop within 5-7 days after infection, but this period can range from 2 to 14 days. Initial clinical signs may be nonspecific, such as apathy, lack of appetite, fever, with progression to vomiting and hemorrhagic diarrhea over the next 24-48 hours.

Physical examination findings may include:

• loss of motor activity;
• fever;
• dehydration;
• dilated intestinal loops on ultrasound or x-ray, filled with fluid.

The animal's response to abdominal pain requires further evaluation to rule out the potential complication of intestinal obstruction.

In the most severe cases nonspecific symptoms Parvovirus in dogs may include:

• short-term loss of consciousness;
• pallor of the mucous membranes;
• low pulse quality;
• tachycardia;
• reduced body temperature.

The lack of treatment is due to symptoms of enteritis in dogs in the area of ​​nervous activity, occurring against the background of low blood sugar, general sepsis, disturbances of acid-base balance and water-salt metabolism. It must be remembered that parvovirus infection in dogs can be asymptomatic or subclinical.

At the same time, with parvovirus enteritis, in the predominant number of cases of the intestinal form, the following symptoms are observed:

• Lethargy, loss of playfulness.
• Decreased appetite, up to complete refusal to eat food.
• Uncontrollable vomiting.
• Increase in body temperature by 1-3 degrees. In later stages, the temperature may drop.
• Watery stool with mucus early stages diseases. In the future - diarrhea with blood.
• Severe depression and exhaustion of the animal, often with signs of cardiac, respiratory failure and general bacteremia.

The appearance and progressive development of these symptoms is the reason for an urgent visit to the veterinary clinic. These symptoms do not always appear due to parvovirus enteritis in dogs, however, untimely treatment can lead to an unfavorable prognosis.

How to protect your pet - prevention of enteritis in dogs

The only veterinarian-approved way to prevent infection is vaccinations. The dog owner should be familiar with what the vaccination process is:

1. It is recommended for puppies that are 2-3 months old. At this age, the puppy exhausts the immunity passed on to it through its mother’s milk.
2. It is recommended to carry out deworming 2 weeks before visiting the doctor.
3. The vaccine against parvovirus enteritis in dogs requires quarantine after administration. For 2-3 weeks, the pet should not be overcooled, fed with new food or bathed.
4. Another vaccine (for example, against distemper or rabies) can be given no earlier than 21 days after the injection.

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 viral origin, especially in nurseries, it is necessary to provide dogs with a normal balanced diet, timely deworming, quarantine for new animals, maintaining cleanliness in the premises for keeping dogs (including periodic disinfection, extermination of insects and rats).

Today, there are a number of vaccines (Doramun, Vanguard, Nobivac, and so on) that, if used correctly, will reliably protect the animal from this disease. Vaccination should be carried out every year. More complete information can be read here - Disease Prevention.

As for basic preventive measures, in order to reduce the likelihood of your pet becoming infected with this dangerous disease, follow the rules.

Vaccination, before which the animal is subject to mandatory deworming, is carried out at 6, 8 and 12 weeks of life. Not yet will be complete vaccination, the puppy must be isolated from other animals.

The following drugs are used for vaccination:

• Asterion DHPPiL;
• Biovac;
• Vladivak;
• Hexadog;
• Hexakanivac;
• Multikan-2;
• Multikan-4;
• Multikan-6;
• Multkan-7;
• Multikan-8;
• Nobivak for adults and puppies.

Since the causative agent of parvovirus infection in dogs is very stable in the external environment, and the disease is characterized by a high rate of development of life-threatening symptoms, it is extremely important for the owner to know the basic points that will help prevent infectious enteritis in his dog.

Vaccination of puppies

This method is considered the most effective in preventing the disease. The domestic industry produces several versions of vaccines, which must be used in accordance with their instructions. From budget, but no less effective vaccines, most often used:

• Culture-inactivated vaccine against parvovirus enteritis in dogs.
• Multikan-4, which includes the prevention of not only parvovirus infection in dogs, but also distemper, adenovirus infection, and coronavirus enteritis.
• Multikan-6 - in addition to the above diseases, includes the prevention of leptospirosis.

Thorough treatment of the area where the sick animal is kept

Infected dogs can spread great amount parvovirus, which makes it very difficult to treat areas where it is kept. The tiny parvovirus is extremely resilient. It is capable of surviving for months outside the animal's body, even surviving winter. In addition, the pathogen is not susceptible to most household chemicals, which are often used for disinfection.

If the territory of an apartment or yard is contaminated by an infected dog, regardless of whether it died or recovered, disinfection of the places where it is kept must be carried out in any case. Especially if you need to start little puppy. Despite its relative resistance to chemicals, canine parvovirus is actively killed by exposure to conventional chlorine-containing bleaches.

Cleaning the living area with a solution of one part bleach mixed with approximately 30 parts water is an acceptable method for treating any surfaces that the sick dog has come into contact with. Moreover, this approach is safe for the people around you and the future little puppy.

Visiting a veterinary clinic

The high probability of survival of a dog with parvovirus enteritis depends on the quality of symptoms and timely individual treatment. Such a complex of therapeutic measures can only be provided in a clinical setting, by a qualified doctor who has had repeated experience in treating parvovirus in dogs.

Attempting to help an animal at home using unconventional methods reduces the likelihood of a successful outcome from 70% to 3%. Therefore, when appearing suspiciously quickly developing symptoms enteritis of dogs - diarrhea and vomiting, treatment in professional conditions must be provided as soon as possible.

Vaccination

The most effective method of prevention is vaccination, in which the dog is given mono-vaccines (Biovac, Nobivak or Parvodog). As an alternative, associated vaccines are used, such as Vanguard, Vaccidog and Multikan.

Speaking about other methods of prevention, there are:

• constant cleaning and use of antiseptics in areas where dogs live;
• carrying out preventive examinations;
• minimal contact with wild animals and stray dogs;
• developing proper nutrition and taking vitamin complexes.

Parvovirus (hemorrhagic) enteritis of dogs, Parvovirus enteritis canine, is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of dogs caused by a pathogen of the parvovirus genus, accompanied by vomiting, hemorrhagic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, myocarditis, leukopenia, dehydration and death of puppies under 5 months of age.

The disease was first identified in the USA (Appel et al., 1978). Currently, it is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs. The concept has been put forward that parvovirus enteritis becomes widespread when the dog population density is 12 or more per 1 km². When the density decreases to 6 or less individuals, the infection practically stops.

Pathogen— Canine parvovirus is a DNA virus of the Parvoviridae family, antigenically related to the feline panleukopenia and mink enteritis viruses. Canine animals are susceptible to the virus, with young animals aged 2-12 months being the most sensitive. Diseases have been observed in the maned wolf, raccoon, raccoon dog, corsac dog, and coyote.

Epizootological data. The source of infection are sick dogs, dogs - virus carriers, which release the virus in large quantities into the external environment with feces within 10 days after the onset of the disease (perhaps urine and saliva also play a role in the spread of the virus), as well as rodents, insects and humans. IN natural conditions the disease is observed in dogs of all ages, but more often in puppies under 6 months of age; parvovirus enteritis has been detected in martens and raccoon dogs. Infection of healthy dogs occurs mainly through contaminated food and water, as well as through contact - as a result of sniffing and licking directly sick animals or environmental objects infected by them. Additionally, dogs can become infected through virus-infected grooming items and bedding. In the occurrence of parvovirus enteritis in dogs, a decrease in the resistance of the dog’s body caused by: poor care, violations of living conditions and feeding, helminthic infestation, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is of great importance. stressful situations(change of owner, operation). In 2-15 week old martens and raccoon dogs, the disease appears more often and the mortality rate reaches 30%. The virus is highly resistant to heat (stable when heated at 60°C for an hour), pH 3, disinfectants, and environmental factors. The virus is resistant to ether, chloform, alcohol and sensitive to sodium hypochlorite and soda.

Pathogenesis. The virus usually enters the dog's body through the mouth and nose. Once in the body, the virus multiplies in the intestinal epithelial cells of the crypts, causing their lysis. Pathogenesis manifests itself based on the physiological state of the dog. As a rule, in puppies it occurs at 4 weeks of age, when intensive division of myocardial cells is observed, and the division of cells in the intestinal tract is slow during this period. After puppies are weaned, the division of intestinal epithelial cells increases rapidly, while the division of heart muscle cells slows down. Therefore, at this age, the intestines are more often affected in puppies than the myocardium. Characteristic of parvovirus enteritis is leukopenia, which begins to be observed in the first 4-5 days after the onset of the disease. The number of leukocytes decreases significantly and reaches 300-2500 per 1mm³. In this case, leukopenia is often accompanied by a rise in body temperature. On the 4-5th day of illness, antibodies appear and the concentration of the virus in the feces decreases. Antibody formation has a significant effect on viremia. Histological examination shows desquamation of epithelial cells of the jejunum and ileum, villous atrophy and expansion of the crypts. In the hyperplastic epithelium of the crypts, a high mycotic index is noted. Destroyed lymphoid cells are found in the lymph nodes, thymus and spleen.

Clinical signs. The incubation period for canine parvovirus enteritis is usually 4 to 10 days. A sick dog begins to release the virus into the external environment already 3-5 days after infection; the release of the virus from the body of a sick dog occurs in approximately 12 days, rarely - 25 days. Parvovirus enteritis in dogs manifests itself in 3 forms: intestinal, cardiac and mixed, which usually occur at lightning speed or acutely.

With the fulminant course of the intestinal form The death of puppies at the age of 6-10 weeks occurs a few hours after loss of strength, usually without signs of enteritis. Mortality in this form is very high and without treatment reaches 40-60% in affected puppies. The acute intestinal form develops within 5-6 days, the incubation period lasts up to 6 days.

Often the first sign of the disease is anorexia, followed by mucous vomiting and diarrhea appears 6-24 hours after the start of vomiting. The feces are gray or yellowish-gray at first, then turn green or bright purple, often contain streaks of blood, and are sometimes hemorrhagic with mucus or watery with a strong foul odor. Body temperature rises to 39.5°C, sometimes to 40-41°C. Vomiting () and diarrhea () quickly lead to dehydration of the dog’s body, then a state of shock sets in. Animals, especially young ones, may die 24-96 hours after the appearance of clinical signs of the disease. Leukopenia is not a constant sign; it is observed only in 20-30% of sick animals.

Cardiac form The disease occurs less frequently in dogs, more often in puppies from 1 to 2 (sometimes 7) months, more often after severe enteritis and is characterized by acute myocardial damage (). In sick animals, we observe heart failure with a rapid and weak pulse and pulmonary edema. Animals suddenly die due to disruption of nerve conduction in the heart muscle. The mortality rate for this form of the disease in dogs reaches 70-80%, with the intestinal form in puppies - up to 50%, in adult dogs - up to 5-10%.

Mixed (combined) form The disease is characterized by various lesions of the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems of the body. This form is observed in dogs with a weakened immune system, in puppies obtained from unvaccinated bitches, as well as in the presence of associated infections (adeno-, corona-, rotavirus, etc.) in a sick dog. However, the clinical signs of the disease can be very diverse.

When a dog’s immunity and natural resistance of the body decrease, parvovirus enteritis is complicated by secondary bacterial diseases and helminthic infestations in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pathological and morphological changes in the intestinal form, they are characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the small and large intestines. The mucous membrane is hemorrhagically inflamed. Sometimes erosions are observed on the mucous membrane. The internal organs are hemorrhagic; in some cases, vascular inflammation is noted. The spleen is enlarged and has light areas. Mesenteric lymph nodes are swollen and enlarged. The thymus may be swollen. In some animals, the proximal part is mainly affected colon, pulmonary edema and myocarditis are observed.

In microscopic (histological) studies, lesions in the intestine are characterized by necrosis of the crypt epithelium and lymphoid tissue in Peyer's patches, lymph nodes, and thymus. Sometimes intranuclear inclusions are found in epithelial cells. In the cardiac form, dilatation of the valves, pulmonary edema, signs of acute hepatitis and oscitis are observed.

Diagnosis. A presumptive diagnosis of parvovirus enteritis is made based on an analysis of epizootic, clinical data, pathomorphological changes and the results of laboratory (serological and histological) studies. Histological studies reveal characteristic atrophy of the intestinal epithelial villi. To detect the virus in dog feces, RGA is used, followed by its identification in RTGA or passage in a kitten kidney cell culture. Serological diagnosis is based on the study of paired dog blood sera in the RTGA.

Immunity and remedies specific prevention . Dogs that have naturally recovered from the disease develop a strong immunity that lasts at least 3 years. There are some reports that it is a life sentence. After artificial immunization of dogs inactivated vaccines The duration of immunity does not exceed 6 months, and after vaccination with live virus vaccines - a year. For specific prevention, inactivated and live culture vaccines are used against panleukopenia in cats and parvovirus enteritis in dogs (pentodog, hexodog and others). Vaccination of dogs against parvovirus enteritis is carried out at the age of 2 months to a year twice with an interval of 2-3 weeks, after a year once.

Before vaccinating their dog, animal owners must undergo mandatory deworming. This is due to the fact that any helminthic infestation reduces immune status animal, as a result of which there is a risk of such a phenomenon as “vaccine breakthrough”, when, despite the vaccination, the dog may become ill with parvovirus enteritis. The most popular anthelmintics are: Cestal, SEVA Sante Animal; Drontal and Drontal Junior, Bayer and others.

Treatment.

Veterinary specialists at clinics when treating parvovirus enteritis in dogs usually adhere to a specific treatment regimen, which includes:

• destruction or neutralization of enteric viruses;
• removing a dog from a state of dehydration;
• cessation of vomiting and diarrhea;
• conducting detoxification therapy;
• stimulation of immunity;
• restoration of normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• restoration of normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The main goal of treatment for a disease 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 that the dog’s disease develops very rapidly from the treatment, literally within a day from the start of treatment, the animal will either feel better (there is hope for recovery), or the sick dog will die (when the treatment was not effective). But it always makes sense for its owner to fight for the life of a pet!

Etiotropic therapy (antiviral).

For antiviral therapy, veterinary specialists use serums, immunoglobulins, interferons and interferogens.

• 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).
• 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 halved 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 (course of treatment up to 5 injections, done 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. In acute cases of the disease, it is better to do it with globulins, serums and interferons.

Pathogenetic treatment (on the mechanism of disease development).

Pathogenetic treatment of a dog includes a whole range of additional therapies:

• rehydrating,
• detoxification,
• symptomatic.

Rehydration therapy

This therapy is aimed at removing a sick dog 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 per 1 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(a veterinary drug with a pronounced hepatoprotective and detoxifying 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

It is aimed at the general maintenance of the body, as well as the elimination of common 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. 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 - a synthetic analogue of vitamin K). Dose: 1-2 mg/kg body weight once a day for 3-5 days with general therapeutic therapy. Intramuscularly.
  • Etamzilat(veterinary hemostatic agent of capillary direction). Dose: 10-12 mg/kg. Intramuscularly.
• Cardiovascular support:
  • Sulfocamphocaine ( a cardiac drug that stimulates 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 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 per 10 kg of weight of a large dog, ½ tablet for puppies. It is crushed, mixed with water and given half an hour before feeding twice a day.

Some veterinarians use the following treatment regimen when treating parvovirus enteritis in dogs:

At severe course in a dog with parvovirus enteritis, accompanied by severe dehydration of the body, one has to resort to intravenous and subcutaneous administration of electrolyte solutions. For this purpose, saline solutions are used subcutaneously by jet, and intravenously by drip using droppers.

In the treatment of gastroenteritis, veterinary specialists most often use the following solutions: 0.9% sodium chloride solution, Ringer or Ringer-Locke solutions with the addition or separately 5-40% glucose solutions. Ascorbic acid or vikasol can be added to this solution.

When administered intravenously, along with isotonic solutions, veterinary specialists use hypertonic solutions (5-10%) of sodium and calcium chloride, calcium gluconate. In this case, the doses of isotonic solutions, depending on the degree of dehydration of the dog, are 5-100 ml/kg body weight and subcutaneous solutions - 10-100 ml/kg body weight.

Subcutaneous injections of large volumes of medicinal substances are most conveniently done in the area of ​​the shoulder blade or withers, preferably at several points. A sick dog is usually given 10 to 500 ml of liquid. Injections are repeated 2-4 times a day, if necessary for several days in a row. For parenteral nutrition of sick dogs, veterinary specialists use plasma substitutes, which are administered intravenously. Hemodez and hemodez “N” are administered by drip at 5-10 ml/kg, polyglucin and reopolyglucin by drip up to 100-400 ml per day. good medicinal properties for gastroenteritis, the following medications are effective: hydrolysine, which is administered intravenously (daily dose up to 200 ml); polyamine intravenous drip (daily dose up to 500 ml); casein hydrolyzate; Polyfer intravenous drip, etc. for gastroenteritis, effective prescriptions are Festal (Digestal), LIF - 52 (Hepaliv), Panzinorm Forte, Essentiale Forte, which are prescribed according to the annotation.

For pain in the stomach and intestines, the dog is prescribed painkillers and sedatives - belladonna (belladonna) preparations: belladonna tincture (1-5 drops per dose), dry belladonna extract 0.015 - 0.02 g per dose; complex tablets containing belladonna extract, papaverine hydrochloride, as well as tablets of becarbonate, bellagin, belastesin (1 tablet 2-3 times a day), besalol, etc. For this purpose, dogs with gastroenteritis are given almagel or almagel A 1 by mouth -2 teaspoons 4 times a day, gastrofarm ½ - 1 tablet 3 times a day, gastrocepin, calmagin, anastezin, no-shpu or 0.5% novocaine solution (1-2 tablespoons 4-6 times a day) and others. Alcohol has good sedative and analgesic properties.

After the gastrointestinal tract has been cleared of toxic contents, spasms and pain in the intestines have been relieved, veterinary specialists prescribe various adsorbents into the treatment regimen - activated carbon, white clay, enterosorbent, polyphepane, aluminum hydroxide, talc. These drugs are used according to instructions; astringents - preparations of tannin, bismuth, salvin, oak bark, St. John's wort, alder fruits, chamomile flowers, string, bird cherry and blueberry fruits, etc., as well as enveloping - decoctions of flax seeds, chicken eggs, phospholugel and other gel-containing preparations. All of the above drugs are used according to the instructions.

To suppress pathogenic microflora in the cavity of the stomach and intestines, various antimicrobial drugs are used, such as: imodium 1-2 capsules 1-2 times a day; chloramphenicol ½ -1 tablet 3-4 times a day for a week; Baytril 1-2 times a day at the rate of 5 mg per 1 kg of live weight; Tsifran 2 times a day at the rate of 250-500 mg per dog, as well as other antibiotics from the groups of penicillin, cephalosporins, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides, which are given orally or injected strictly according to the instructions. Instead of antibiotics, a sick dog can be prescribed sulfonamide drugs - biseptol, norsulfazole, sulgin, sulfadimezin, sulfadimethoxine, sulfalene, sulfatone, phthalozol, etazol, etc. The course of treatment with these antimicrobial drugs usually 5-7 days. Use these drugs according to the attached instructions. In some cases, instead of antibiotics and sulfa drugs, veterinary specialists prescribe nitrofuran derivatives to sick dogs - furagin, furadonin, furazolidone or furatsilin. These nitrofuran preparations are given to sick dogs 3-4 times a day at the rate of 0.1-0.2 g for 5-10 days. Veterinary specialists in the treatment of gastroenteritis note good healing effect from the use of trichopolum. Trichopolum is used ½ -1 tablet. 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 10 days.

Along with antimicrobial drugs, sick dogs are prescribed vitamin preparations in the form of powders, tablets, capsules, dragees and solutions ().

For parvovirus gastroenteritis, immunomodulatory drugs are used: gamma and immunoglobulins, thymalin and thymogen, interferon and cycloferon, comedon and decaris, anandin and dibazol, lactoglobulin, etc. according to the annotation.

For warning and removal allergic reaction on medicinal substances antihistamines are prescribed: 10% solution of gluconate, calcium chloride 1-5 ml per injection, diphenhydramine orally or parenterally 2-3 times a day, tavegil orally or intramuscularly, suprastin, pipolfen, diazolin, fenkarol, trexil, kistin, etc. according to the instructions.

When vomiting, sick dogs are treated with antiemetic drugs - atropine, aloperidol. The sick dog is prescribed dietary feeding.

Prevention and control measures. General prevention of parvovirus enteritis, as well as other infectious diseases, is to not bring dogs into safe settlements from areas unfavorable for parvovirus enteritis. The importation of dogs must be carried out according to veterinary advice - accompanying documents form No. 1-vet, and 4-vet.

All imported dogs are required to be quarantined for 30 days.

When organizing exhibitions, competitions and other events, dogs are allowed only with veterinary accompanying documents (form No. 1 - vet, 4-vet), which must indicate that the dog is clinically healthy and vaccinated against parvovirus enteritis.

Dog owners must strictly follow the rules of feeding and keeping animals. Regularly carry out preventive disinfection of premises, care items and equipment. For disinfection, 2-3% solutions of sodium hydroxide or formaldehyde are used. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to promptly vaccinate dogs against parvovirus enteritis. Today, this is the most effective way to prevent serious illness.

The domestic industry produces vaccines that should be used in strict accordance with the instructions. The most common: “Multican-4” - includes preventive properties not only against parvovirus infection, but also against plague, coronavirus enteritis, and adenovirus infection. "Multican-6" - in addition to the listed diseases, this composition includes the prevention of leptospirosis.

If you had a dog in your house that had a viral infection, then before purchasing a puppy, thoroughly disinfect the entire apartment, quartz each room for an hour and do not bring the puppy into the house for a month. To prolong immunity and protect the puppy from possible infection with a viral infection, at one and a half months he will need serum against parvovirus enteritis. A serum should be administered that will extend the puppy’s immunity to three types of infections for two weeks: plague, hepatitis and enteritis. This polyvalent serum is obtained from the blood of horses that have been hyperimmunized with strains of canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, and canine adenovirus serotype 2. It is a clear light yellow liquid. Sometimes it has a reddish tint. The product is recommended for subcutaneous injections.

When a disease is detected, restrictions are imposed on the affected farm. According to the conditions of the restrictions, sick dogs are isolated and the places where they are kept are disinfected with a 1% solution of formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide or chloramine. Organize complete feeding with sufficient vitamin content in the diet.

Restrictions from a dysfunctional nursery service dog breeding removed 40 days after the last case of recovery and death of the sick dog and the final disinfection.

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

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

How does infection occur?

The greatest danger of infection is 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 resistant, does not collapse when frozen, and can withstand temperatures up to +100° C for quite a long time (up to 3 days).

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

The clinical signs of this disease can be expressed to 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 large and small intestines, 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. There is severe weakness, irregular weak pulse, shortness of breath, and 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 a weak immune system, in puppies born from unvaccinated bitches, or in the presence of complex infection various types infections. Symptoms can be different; in addition to the previously described manifestations, damage to the respiratory tract (upper and lower) is also added.

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%, when acute form mortality rates are 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 of these drugs, parenteral administration (by injection) is recommended.
• 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 regimen for the damaged mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract; for this purpose, only easily digestible natural products are included in the diet, 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, it ensures the restoration of impaired functions of the body’s digestive system.

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