Any veterinarian’s stomach can drop when the dreaded positive dot on a SNAP parvo test appears. The diagnosis of parvovirus is alarming because it is a preventable infection. We have an effective vaccine to protect dogs from infection. Many of our clients simply aren’t aware of the strict vaccination schedule or necessary precautions that are needed to avoid this highly contagious virus. This is where we, as veterinary nurses, come in. As advocates for our patients, it is our duty to remain knowledgeable and impart that knowledge to our clients. By promoting vaccination, we can shield more dogs from canine parvovirus. This article focuses on the disease’s prevention, which is made possible by vaccination.
A resilient and highly contagious virus known as canine parvovirus attacks dogs’ gastrointestinal systems. The virus is transmitted by consuming contaminated feces, either directly or indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces or fomites. Within two to fourteen days of infection, infected dogs manifest clinical symptoms of the illness. Clinical signs include inappetence, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Fluid therapy, intravenous antibiotics, antiemetics, careful nursing care, and any other necessary medical assistance are frequently used in treatment. 1 To prevent contaminating public spaces, all hospital staff who come into contact with patients must wear personal protective equipment. Patients being treated for parvovirus infection should be hospitalized in an isolation ward. Nearly 90% of patients who receive the proper care recover, but the survival rate is less than 10% in the absence of treatment. 2.
Canine parvovirus affects only canids. Some research suggests that certain dog breeds, such as German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, and American pit bull terriers, are more susceptible to canine parvovirus enteritis (hereinafter referred to as parvovirus infection). 3 Skunks, pumas, and raccoons may be affected by parvovirus strains that are genetically related to the canine parvovirus. 4 All unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs are at risk for infection, although younger dogs are more frequently affected.
Although the parvovirus vaccine is regarded as a core vaccine, it is not legally required (unlike the rabies virus vaccine). 5 Immunization is highly advised for all healthy dogs, regardless of location, way of life, or age. This advice is based on the virus’s high contagiousness and the poor prognosis of those who contract it. Due to the widespread discovery of canine parvovirus, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association has advised that all dogs be immunized against the disease. 6.
Dogs are typically given a combination vaccine, despite the fact that parvovirus-specific vaccines are available. Multivalent vaccines typically offer protection against both canine distemper virus and parvovirus. According to the manufacturer, this combination vaccine may also contain adenovirus and parainfluenza virus as additional ingredients. 5.
The vaccine contains modified-live (attenuated) virus, which means that the virus is still present but in a less potent form. Without actually causing the disease, the intention is to activate the immune system and elicit an immune response. To ensure vaccine effectiveness, proper handling and storage must be carried out. Verify that vaccines shipped are unpacked right away and kept in a refrigerator at the proper temperature (between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit or as stated on the label). Use only the designated diluent for reconstitution if the product has become desiccated. The entire dose of the vaccine should be administered; other products should not be combined with it. 5 A lot of vaccine products have to be used within an hour of reconstitution or they have to be discarded. Refer to the product label for specific directions.
Emphasis should be placed on the patient’s age at the conclusion of the initial vaccination series rather than the quantity of booster shots administered. Puppies as young as 6 weeks old can receive their first combination vaccine. As long as the dog is at least 16 weeks old, the American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Vaccination Guidelines advise revaccination every 2 to 4 weeks. An older puppy that was first immunized after the age of 16 weeks should get one or two booster shots, spaced two to four weeks apart. For dogs starting their initial vaccination series after the age of 16 weeks, the majority of practices recommend a total of 3 to 4 vaccinations given up until that point, or 2 vaccinations (administered at 2- to 4-week intervals) (TABLE 1). 5.
A final dose should be administered to any puppy subjected to high-risk circumstances between the ages of 18 and 20 weeks. Environments and areas at high risk are those where the prevalence of canine parvovirus is significant and include places where there is a high potential for contamination (e g. , animal shelters, dog parks, boarding facilities, and pet stores).
One year after the last dose of the initial vaccination series, dogs should get a parvovirus booster shot. Following that, booster shots should be given every three years for the remainder of the dog’s life. 5.
Canine parvovirus vaccine is administered subcutaneously. 5 A licensed veterinarian who may or may not be on the premises but who has provided written or oral instructions to administer the vaccine may do so with the direct supervision of a credentialed veterinary nurse. In some states, veterinary assistants may be permitted to administer vaccinations when a credentialed veterinary nurse or veterinarian is present and has given verbal or written instructions. The veterinarian or veterinary nurse must be on the premises. Keep in mind that these rules differ depending on the state of residence. 7.
It is prudent to note the injection location and the manufacturer’s lot number, which is important information in the event of a reaction, even though there are no specific recommendations for where on the dog to administer parvovirus vaccines (in contrast to vaccination site mapping for cats).
Any injection could result in negative side effects or adverse reactions. Reactions to vaccines are categorized as localized or systemic.
Patients should note on their medical records if they have ever had a confirmed or suspected systemic reaction. Diphenhydramine can be used as a preventative measure for those who have had mild reactions. 5 Close monitoring for several hours after vaccination is recommended. Reporting all adverse vaccine reactions to the manufacturer is encouraged in best practices.
The advantages of protecting dogs against parvovirus outweigh the possibility of minor adverse effects. However, a vet might decide against giving dogs who have had severe reactions the parvovirus booster shot. Antibody titer testing is a helpful method for weighing the benefits and risks of revaccinating patients who may have adverse vaccine reactions.
Antibody titers are a useful diagnostic test for identifying a patient’s level of immunity to a specific virus. Tests for parvovirus show whether a dog’s immune system has produced enough antibodies (from earlier vaccinations) to fend off infection if exposed to the virus in the future. Titer testing can be used to determine whether routine triannual revaccinations are required, whether the puppy series should be continued after the initial vaccination series is finished, or whether booster shots are required for a dog that has previously had an adverse reaction to the vaccine. It can also be used to determine whether a dog with no known vaccination history is immune to the virus. 8.
You can send a blood serum sample to the reference lab for analysis (collected in a tube devoid of additives or in a serum-separating tube). Rapid in-hospital parvovirus antibody testing kits are also available; depending on the manufacturer, whole blood, plasma, or serum are needed.
Antibody titers are quantitative and reported as a dilution value. For effective protection against canine parvovirus, a concentration of no less than 1:8 is necessary. A titer of greater than 1:8 is regarded as positive, indicating that the patient has sufficient levels of protective antibodies and, consequently, immunity. A negative titer of less than 1:8 indicates that the antibody levels have not reached the reference threshold. A negative titer does not necessarily rule out the possibility of infection, though. A previously immunized adult dog may have antibody levels below 1:8 due to decreased detectable levels, but the patient still has immune memory, meaning that the body can mount a defense if exposed to the parvovirus. 8 You must wait at least 2 weeks after the initial vaccination series is finished before measuring titer in a puppy; if the result is negative, another vaccination is advised to ensure full immunity. 5.
Testing for fecal viral antigens and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are two methods used to determine whether a dog has parvovirus infection. Fecal antigen testing is a useful diagnostic procedure that is typically carried out in clinics. The Canine Parvovirus Antigen Test (SNAP Parvo Test; IDEXX, idexx. com) only needs a small amount of feces, and the results are ready in 8 minutes (idexx). com/files/snap-parvo-pkg-insert-en. pdf).
The patient has parvovirus infection if the positive sample dot is visible. 1 Keep in mind, though, that fecal antigen tests can yield inaccurate results.
The risk of canine parvovirus infection has been impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that is affecting humans. Numerous people have looked for connections with new canine companions as a result of stay-at-home orders and social isolation. The best way to empty animal shelters is through higher adoption rates, but it is no secret that veterinary hospitals have been overrun with patients. Due to pandemic-related schedule changes or new protocols, some dog owners have postponed vaccination appointments, while others, particularly novice dog owners, are unaware of the significance of vaccination and limiting exposure until the dog is fully vaccinated. Additionally, many owners have taken their dogs outside a lot more, increasing the dogs’ exposure to the parvovirus in the environment.
Across the nation, reports of recent pandemic-related spikes in parvovirus infection cases have been made. BluePearl reported a 70% increase in cases in July 2020 when compared to the previous five years. 9 One Ohio shelter even revealed a startling 450% rise in parvovirus cases. This alarming increase demonstrates the importance of informing clients about this potentially fatal virus.
In order to protect canine patients from parvovirus infection, client education is essential. The best time to start this education is before the person brings a puppy home. If not, however, it should start at the initial veterinary visit. Veterinary nurses should emphasize the following key points.
Information is power. You can give your clients peace of mind by keeping them informed about the risks associated with parvovirus infection.
Are there different strains of canine parvovirus?
There are two canine parvovirus strains known as CPV-2a and CPV-2b that are slightly different from one another. They both spread the same illness, and vaccinations protect against both. CPV-2b is associated with the most severe disease. In addition to healthy dogs, puppies with diarrhea have been found to carry a specific parvovirus (CPV-1). It is not thought that CPV-1 is a significant contributor to disease.
Although the parvovirus vaccine is regarded as a core vaccine, it is not legally required (unlike the rabies virus vaccine). 5 Immunization is highly advised for all healthy dogs, regardless of location, way of life, or age. This advice is based on the virus’s high contagiousness and the poor prognosis of those who contract it. Due to the widespread discovery of canine parvovirus, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association has advised that all dogs be immunized against the disease. 6.
Patients should note on their medical records if they have ever had a confirmed or suspected systemic reaction. Diphenhydramine can be used as a preventative measure for those who have had mild reactions. 5 Close monitoring for several hours after vaccination is recommended. Reporting all adverse vaccine reactions to the manufacturer is encouraged in best practices.
A resilient and highly contagious virus known as canine parvovirus attacks dogs’ gastrointestinal systems. The virus is transmitted by consuming contaminated feces, either directly or indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces or fomites. Within two to fourteen days of infection, infected dogs manifest clinical symptoms of the illness. Clinical signs include inappetence, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Fluid therapy, intravenous antibiotics, antiemetics, careful nursing care, and any other necessary medical assistance are frequently used in treatment. 1 To prevent contaminating public spaces, all hospital staff who come into contact with patients must wear personal protective equipment. Patients being treated for parvovirus infection should be hospitalized in an isolation ward. Nearly 90% of patients who receive the proper care recover, but the survival rate is less than 10% in the absence of treatment. 2.
One year after the last dose of the initial vaccination series, dogs should get a parvovirus booster shot. Following that, booster shots should be given every three years for the remainder of the dog’s life. 5.
Any veterinarian’s stomach can drop when the dreaded positive dot on a SNAP parvo test appears. The diagnosis of parvovirus is alarming because it is a preventable infection. We have an effective vaccine to protect dogs from infection. Many of our clients simply aren’t aware of the strict vaccination schedule or necessary precautions that are needed to avoid this highly contagious virus. This is where we, as veterinary nurses, come in. As advocates for our patients, it is our duty to remain knowledgeable and impart that knowledge to our clients. By promoting vaccination, we can shield more dogs from canine parvovirus. This article focuses on the disease’s prevention, which is made possible by vaccination.
How will my vet diagnose CPV?
The fecal ELISA test is by far the most popular and practical way to check for the presence of CPV. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA, is a technology that is similar to that used in home pregnancy tests. Parvovirus antibodies are immobilized on a testing chamber’s surface during an ELISA test. When a fecal sample is added to the chamber, antibodies bind to potential parvovirus proteins in the stool. When a chemical with a color-changing property is added to the chamber, it will change color and indicate a “positive” result if parvoviruses have attached to the antibodies. Your veterinarian can typically complete CPV fecal ELISA tests in under 15 minutes. Even though the ELISA test has a good degree of accuracy, it can occasionally yield false positive or false negative results, necessitating additional testing to be sure of a diagnosis.
In order to diagnose CPV from fecal samples, veterinarians may also rely on a test that employs a method called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The CPV fecal PCR test finds minute fragments of CPV-specific viral DNA in the stool of an infected dog. This test is very accurate (more accurate than CPV fecal ELISA), but it generally takes longer than CPV fecal ELISA because a fecal sample must be sent to a lab that specializes in performing PCR-based testing.
White blood cell count tests are frequently the deciding factor in CPV diagnoses. A low white blood cell count may be indicative of CPV infection because the bone marrow is one of the first tissues the parvovirus infects. A fairly certain diagnosis of CPV may be made in dogs who have both a positive ELISA reading and a low white blood cell count.
FAQ
What are the first signs of parvo?
Lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating, fever or low body temperature (hypothermia), vomiting, and severe, frequently bloody diarrhea are some of the symptoms of parvovirus. Intestinal and immune system damage can result in septic shock, and persistent vomiting and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a person.
How long does it take for a parvo test to come back?
These tests, which use a fecal swab to find CPV antigen, give quick results (typically within 10-15 minutes), and staff can carry them out with ease. Infection can be reliably detected by positive tests when they are accompanied by persistent clinical symptoms.
How is a dog diagnosed with parvo?
In order to diagnose CPV from fecal samples, veterinarians may also rely on a test that employs a method called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The CPV fecal PCR test finds minute fragments of CPV-specific viral DNA in the stool of an infected dog.
How much does it cost to get a dog tested for parvo?
The price of parvo testing for your dog will depend on your veterinarian’s fees, but typically runs between $40 and $100 for an antigen test plus the price of an office visit. You will pay more for any abdominal scans or blood tests; typically, a blood test will cost between $40 and $100 and an abdominal scan between $150 and $300.