Parvo virus is a disease that mainly affects young dogs (< 6 months old). Although it is more common in unvaccinated dogs - it can also occur in puppies that have already been vaccinated.
Parvo virus may initially cause a fever, lethargy and a lack of interest in food and then it rapidly progresses to abdominal pain, vomiting and marked diarrhoea (often with fresh blood in the diarrhoea). Because the diarrhoea and vomiting is so intense these puppies rapidly become dehydrated and the disease is life threatening.
If you have a young puppy that has diarrhoea or vomiting, especially if it is not eating, then immediate veterinary attention should be sought as a test can then be done for Parvo-virus if necessary and treatment for the dehydration can be started.
Parvo virus may initially cause a fever, lethargy and a lack of interest in food and then it rapidly progresses to abdominal pain, vomiting and marked diarrhoea (often with fresh blood in the diarrhoea). Because the diarrhoea and vomiting is so intense these puppies rapidly become dehydrated and the disease is life threatening.
If you have a young puppy that has diarrhoea or vomiting, especially if it is not eating, then immediate veterinary attention should be sought as a test can then be done for Parvo-virus if necessary and treatment for the dehydration can be started.
Advanced Vetcare is a 24hr emergency veterinary clinic. Map and Directions are available here.