KILLS Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

What is Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus is currently the most common infectious disorder of dogs in the United States. “Parvo” is a highly contagious disease caused by a pathogen called canine parvovirus, Type 2 (CPV-2).

The main source of the virus is feces of infected dogs. The stool of an infected dog can have a high concentration of viral particles. Susceptible animals become infected by ingesting the virus. Subsequently, the virus is carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation.

This form of the disease is known as enteritis. CPV-2 enteritis is characterized by vomiting (often severe), diarrhea, dehydration, dark or bloody feces and in severe cases, fever and lowered white blood counts.

Acute CPV-2 enteritis can be seen in dogs of any breed, sex or age. The disease will progress very rapidly and death can occur as early as two days after onset.