How does parvovirus infection manifest in dogs, methods of combating it. Parvovirus enteritis in dogs: characteristics of the disease, diagnosis and treatment

The disease is usually accompanied by 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 this virus: Type 1 is not dangerous and is often found clinically in stool healthy dogs, and type 2 has a high damaging activity and causes the manifestation clinical signs enteritis.

The virus is quite resistant to environmental factors, acidity and temperature changes. Survives in 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 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 be stored in 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 Airways when sniffing the source.
Development of the disease (pathogenesis).

The virus enters the body most often through digestive tract, nasal mucosa, 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.

The pathogen after penetration into the animal's body 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 typical that in adult dogs the disease occurs in hidden form without bright ones clinical manifestations, and in puppies in acute and fulminant forms and leads to rapid 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 incubation period. Initially, vomit consists of the remains of undigested food, later it becomes grayish mucus.
• Diarrhea- liquid stool, initially yellowish or greenish in color, later red, may contain inclusions blood clots, also have foul 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 purpose, intravenous infusions of saline and nutrient solutions, such as glucose, are used. saline and others. To eliminate symptoms (symptomatic therapy), antipyretics, analgesics, antispasmodics and, if necessary, antiemetics. 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. IN mandatory drugs that support the cardiovascular system, such as sulfocamphocaine, are prescribed.

As for antiviral therapy, here again a complex of specific and non-specific immune drugs aimed at accelerating the patient’s immune response. TO specific drugs 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 in early age after weaning at 6-8 weeks of age.
2. Disinfection– it is necessary to regularly clean the premises where the pet is kept disinfectants, especially carefully 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– prevent contact of unvaccinated animals with foreign 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.

You have a puppy at home. Of course, this is a joyful event, but you must remember that it is also a huge responsibility. First of all, you are obliged to monitor the health of your pet and try to protect it from the most serious diseases, in particular from parvovirus enteritis. Today we will tell you in detail about this disease, which until recently meant almost a death sentence. Now the situation has changed modern vaccines represent a fairly reliable protection against this formidable disease, and veterinary drugs allow you to cure it at almost any stage.

The most important thing is to prevent the animal’s body from becoming severely dehydrated, otherwise the chances of recovery will drop sharply. So the sooner you get your pet to the clinic, the easier it will be to treat parvovirus enteritis.

What is it

Indeed, it is better to start from the very beginning. So let's start with the definition of parvovirus enteritis. It's spicy viral disease, which causes inflammation and necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, as well as damage to the heart muscle. Most often, young individuals aged from 2 months to two years are susceptible to this disease. In this case, a person cannot get sick. Outbreaks of this virus most often occur in spring and autumn.

Causes and development of the disease

Even without being a veterinarian, you can easily recognize the signs of parvovirus enteritis. In the vast majority of cases, the disease affects dogs under 6 months of age. The causative agent is a virus. When it enters the body, it begins to actively multiply in epithelial cells intestines. This leads to them mass death. The animal’s immunity is completely blocked, and necrosis products begin to be absorbed into the blood. In response to this, the body tries to defend itself and turns on the blood clotting mechanism. This leads to microthrombi and disrupts blood circulation in vital organs. These are the kidneys and liver, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. After the coagulation mechanisms are exhausted, bleeding of the intestinal mucosa is observed.

But all this is not the worst thing. Parvovirus enteritis in puppies occurs with complete refusal of water. Usually, already on days 2-3, signs of hypovolemic shock develop, and acute renal failure. In turn, damage to the heart muscle very quickly leads to pulmonary edema and heart failure. So, in a matter of days, the disease destroys all organs and systems and kills the animal.

Sources of the disease

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis will be effective only when we know exactly where trouble is coming from and how to avoid it as effectively as possible. So, sick dogs are the source of infection. These are virus carriers that release large quantities of the virus into the external environment. These are feces, urine and saliva. Rodents, insects, and even people who are not sick themselves are still carriers. Infection can occur through contaminated food and water, through contact with a sick animal (sniffing and licking itself or objects infected by it). Infection through bedding or care items is possible; it is especially important to take into account that the pathogen is very tenacious and persists in the external environment for a long time. It is resistant to heat and ether and chlorine, alcohol and soda. Therefore, taking puppies to a veterinary clinic for vaccination is not the best option. Usually they disinfect tables with alcohol, and this does not have any effect on the pathogen. As you can see, there are a lot of dangers around, and you need to learn to anticipate them all in order to prevent this terrible disease.

Prevention or risk zone

It is much easier to prevent any disease than to treat it, but this is especially true for such a terrible disease as parvovirus enteritis. Prevention is primarily aimed at increasing the resistance of the pet’s body itself, that is, resistance to bacteria and viruses. If this natural barrier is strong, then there is no need to be afraid. In order to increase resistance, you need to take good care of your pet. Good living conditions and quality feeding, timely prevention helminthic infestations, diseases gastrointestinal tract and avoiding stressful situations is half the battle in protecting your pet from enteritis. Why half, because the second falls on preventive vaccinations. In the modern world, it is unreasonable to reject the achievements of science in the form of reliable vaccines and hope for chance. Be sure to complete all routine vaccinations prescribed to you.

Signs you need to pay attention to right away

Today we are talking about parvovirus. Symptoms, treatment and prevention are the information that owners need in order to respond to alarming changes in a timely manner. First of all, remember that the disease develops rapidly. From the very first symptom to the death of the animal, only 3-4 days can pass. The maximum that an animal can survive without treatment is 7 days. Vomiting appears first. It is impossible to stop it; forcing your pet to drink or eat will only make it worse. It is necessary to relieve intoxication with intravenous infusion of special solutions.

Sometimes, already at the first stage, gray-yellow diarrhea appears. The puppy completely refuses water and food. In this case, the condition worsens very quickly. Even if the first symptoms appear in the evening, you should try to take the animal to the veterinarian. Until the morning, painful vomiting can lead to a critical condition. As a last resort, call the nearest veterinary station and tell them what is happening. Every doctor knows how serious illness is parvovirus enteritis in dogs. Symptoms, treatment today - by collecting all this information, the doctor will be able to guide you on how to help your four-legged friend.

The situation is getting worse

So, if treatment has not been started, or is unsuccessful, vomiting will continue. The stool becomes foul-smelling. Very often blood appears in the stool, and sometimes worms come out. Accumulates in the mouth thick saliva, the animal does not have the strength to swallow it. Eyeballs they sink, murmurs are heard in the heart, and wheezing in the lungs. In this case, pronounced tachycardia is very bad symptom, it means that the cardiovascular system affected too much, and the prognosis is disappointing. If the body temperature was initially elevated, it now drops to 35 degrees and below. The abdomen is usually tense and painful. Shortness of breath develops. The mucous membranes lose their shine and become gray or reddish. Even with correct, intensive, but late therapy, mortality is very high, so it is extremely important to organize treatment as quickly as possible.

Clinical signs

The worst thing is when parvovirus enteritis develops in puppies. How to treat a young and fragile body when the virus destroys the heart and liver, kidneys and immune system. It is enough to delay the onset by just a few hours, and even if it recovers, the dog will remain a regular client of the veterinarian for the rest of its life, since a huge number of chronic diseases. The incubation period is only 4-10 days, and the dog begins to release the virus into the external environment on the third day, when symptoms may be completely absent. This discharge goes away within 15-20 days, subject to survival. This disease manifests itself in three forms, each of which can be lightning fast or acute. If in the second case it is quite possible to save your pet, then in the first case you may not even have time to see a doctor.

Intestinal form of the disease

It is the manifestations of this form that parvovirus enteritis is most famous for. Prevention involves keeping your dog's intestines healthy. perfect condition, then the immune system will be strong, and it will be much more difficult for the virus to break through its defenses. First of all, it is quality, balanced diet and timely anthelmintic therapy. In this case, the acute form occurs with virtually no signs of enteritis, the puppy shows a loss of strength and dies within a few hours. Mortality is very high, it is about 60%.

In this case, anorexia is observed, a complete refusal to eat. Very strong, mucous vomiting develops. 6 hours after its onset, the dog develops diarrhea. In this case, the feces are first gray, and then acquire green or purple shades. Very often they contain streaks of blood, sometimes they are mucous or watery, and almost always have a foul odor. Body temperature at this stage is most often elevated. At the same time, vomiting and diarrhea very quickly deplete strength, after which it sets in state of shock. This is most often the case with parvovirus enteritis in dogs. Symptoms can be as little as a day ahead of death if you fail to stop fluid loss.

Treatment of intestinal enteritis

First of all, it is necessary to provide the animal with complete rest, because strength will be required to overcome parvovirus enteritis. How to treat must be agreed with veterinarian. Eating and drinking are completely abolished until the doctor allows it; forceful infusion will only worsen the situation. It is highly recommended to use petroleum jelly, which envelops the walls of the stomach and intestines and interferes with the absorption of necrosis products.

In order to provide first aid, you should have "Levomycetin succinate" in your first aid kit. This is an antibiotic that is aimed at treating diarrhea. You will also need No-Spa and Analgin to remove pain symptoms. In addition, "No-shpa" relieves spasms, which means the urge to vomit decreases. "Analgin" together with "Diphenhydramine" (two ampoules are taken into one syringe and injected intramuscularly) perfectly reduces the temperature. In case of severe and protracted course of the disease, it is necessary to have saline and glucose at home, which can be administered at least subcutaneously, in order to avoid dehydration.

Cardiac form of enteritis

It occurs much less frequently, most often as a secondary complication. After suffering enteritis, acute myocardial damage is observed after some time. That is, we can diagnose heart failure with a weak pulse and Most often, animals die suddenly due to disturbances in the nerve patency of the heart muscle. The mortality rate is very high, reaching 80%. It is very important to include Sulfocamphocaine, Cordiamin, or other drugs to maintain cardiac activity in the treatment regimen. Finally, there is a mixed form, when various lesions of the cardiovascular and digestive systems are observed. respiratory systems s of the body. This is typical for weakened animals with weakened immune system. Wherein clinical picture may be blurred, and the symptoms are very diverse.

Treatment of dogs

The sooner you see a doctor, the greater your chances of defeating parvovirus enteritis. The symptoms will rapidly intensify, so put everything aside and see a specialist as soon as possible. It should be noted that the treatment of this disease is becoming increasingly difficult. The virus mutates and adapts, and doctors invent new schemes. Treatment is symptomatic, so the veterinarian will offer his own regimen for each patient. Most often it includes sulfonamides, antibiotics, heart medications, as well as saline and glucose. However, the fact that the number of drugs produced specifically for animals is growing, it is not becoming easier to defeat parvovirus enteritis in puppies. How to treat this or that animal, sometimes you have to decide along the way, observing the body’s reaction.

The classic treatment regimen necessarily includes a polyvalent serum, that is, globulins against enteritis. Essentially, the blood serum of an animal that was vaccinated with a special vaccine, in response to which the body produced antibodies. They are the ones who help a sick animal overcome its illness. In addition to globulins, saline solution and antibiotics (Ampicillin and Oxycillin) are required. It is equally important to block vomiting; Cerucal is used for this. Every doctor always prescribes Diphenhydramine antihistamine, which is an excellent antispasmodic and pain reliever. Additionally, "Sulfocamphocaine" is used to stimulate cardiac activity and vitamins.

Parvovirus enteritis in cats

The clinical symptoms are very similar to those we have already listed. These are vomiting and diarrhea, depression, fever and elevated temperature bodies. However, high mortality is only in the hyperacute course of the disease, which is not so common. The acute course of the disease is characterized by anorexia, damage to the intestinal mucosa and rapid growth of bacteria. Probability fatal outcome from 25 to 90%. Subacute and subclinical forms are much more common, but cats recover even without outside intervention. Specific treatment no, the doctor can only prescribe maintenance therapy.

From dog to human or vice versa

In fact, there is no need to be afraid of this disease. Parvovirus enteritis does not occur in humans, so take care of your sick pet with complete peace of mind. But you yourself can become a source of danger for your pet. The virus can come home along with your clothes and shoes, toys, and various things from the veterinary clinic. Please note that they bring a variety of animals there and, just by going for vitamins or anthelmintic drugs, you can bring a domra of dangerous pathogens. Their resilience is truly incredible. Neither cold nor boiling water affects them; chlorine and alcohol are powerless. It persists in soil and biological waste for several years.

The fact that parvovirus enteritis in dogs is transmitted to humans is a fairy tale, but treatment must be taken extremely seriously. If your pet does not survive, do not rush to replace it with another. The pathogens of the virus can survive in the most secluded corners of the booth or bedding, on fences that young animals like to bite, and simply on the ground. Therefore, if you live in a private house, you won’t be able to disinfect everything. Therefore, you need to wait two to three years and then buy new dog, definitely from a vaccinated bitch.

Dogs, although they have more good health than people still get sick, including serious ones infectious diseases, for example, parvovirus enteritis. The virus that causes it develops at lightning speed and is very dangerous for four-legged friends. Therefore, the owner should know how parvovirus enteritis manifests itself in dogs and what to do to help the pet.

The causative agent of the infection is a virus from the Parvovirus family, there are 2 types:

• Type I – found in the feces of healthy animals and is not pathogenic.
• Type II – contains DNA, does not have a shell, is highly resistant to physical and chemical influences.

The main source of the infectious agent is the feces of infected dogs. It is believed that the virus is excreted in feces within a week and a half, and its maximum amount, the most dangerous for infection, reaches on the 5th day.

Also, the virus can be present in the vomit for 2-12 days. Due to the fact that the pathogen is resistant to various threatening factors and has the ability to persist in the external environment for a long time, it can be dangerous for several months.

In some cases, with a small dose of the virus entering the animal’s body, the disease proceeds without pronounced signs. When there is a large amount of it, symptoms characteristic of parvovirus enteritis occur.

Sick animals shed viruses for 14-21 days after infection, and even after recovery they for a long time are contagious. The pathogen can survive for a long time on the dog’s fur and paws, which is very dangerous for pets who have not been vaccinated.

The virus can be transmitted in the following ways:

• during contact of a sick animal with healthy brothers;
• through care items – bowl, toys, combs, etc.;
• through food;
• through soil containing contaminated feces;
• a dog can become infected from a person who is a carrier of the virus - owners often bring it on their shoes and outerwear.

Most often, the infectious agent enters the animal’s body through the nasal (intranasal) or oral (oral) cavity. Parvovirus infection peaks in late spring and summer and from October to March.

Specialists in the process clinical trials The relationship between susceptibility to the disease and the breed and sex of dogs has not been established, but only with age. Most often, puppies 2-12 months old become ill.

Symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in dogs

The disease is insidious, as it can be accompanied by a wide variety of symptoms, which complicates its diagnosis. And sometimes the signs of infection are very mild, and the owner does not even suspect that his dog is seriously ill. In the case of this pathology, from its early detection and timely treatment Not only the health, but also the life of the dog depends.

To notice the primary manifestations of the disease, the owner should be more attentive to the pet, noticing even a slight change in behavior. If there are any signs, you should not hesitate; you should immediately take the dog to a veterinary clinic.

Symptoms of parvovirus may include the following:

1. Lethargy. The dog becomes less active, and even walks and favorite games do not bring the same joy. The dog may not react to the actions taking place around him and rarely gets up.
2. Increased body temperature. A reading above 39°C signals the development of an infectious disease. But there is one caveat - sometimes with enteritis the temperature can rise just before the pet dies, so you should pay attention to other signs of the disease.
3. Pain symptoms. The incubation period for parvovirus is 5-10 days. And if the animal begins to arch its back when stroking, and when touching the stomach area tries to move away, it means that the pet is experiencing pain - this is the first manifestation of the disease.
4. Gagging. This symptom occurs within a day after the incubation period. Initially, vomit consists of the remains of undigested food, later it becomes grayish mucus.
5. Diarrhea. Feces liquid, first yellowish or greenish in color, later red.

A sick pet refuses to eat, does not drink, and the body quickly loses moisture, which threatens rapid dehydration. Due to excruciating pain and developed heart failure, the disease can lead to death within 2-3 days.

Diagnosis of enteritis

When a four-legged patient with signs of parvovirus enteritis enters the veterinary clinic, the doctor immediately tries to establish a preliminary diagnosis. Sudden development pathological condition, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration are the main symptoms of parvovirus.

In addition, infection almost always causes an increase in mesenteric lymph nodes, which can be detected by palpation. For more accurate diagnosis The veterinarian prescribes a number of laboratory tests:

• PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) is an effective way to detect pathogens in the feces of a sick animal;
• HRA (hemagglutination reaction) - detects the antigen of a pathogenic agent;
• RGTA - analysis that identifies the pathogen;
• electron microscopy - studying the feces of a sick animal;
• histology - used posthumously, detects tissue necrosis, a critical decrease in lymphocytes in the small intestine.

In modern veterinary medicine, ELISA analysis, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is often used, considering it a more informative and reliable method for diagnosing parvovirus in dogs.

Differential techniques are important for an accurate diagnosis. A specialist must distinguish parvovirus from other types of enteritis - nutritional, caused by pathogenic bacteria and toxins.

Treatment of infection

First of all, the dog needs emergency medical care, but if at the same moment it is not possible to call a doctor or take the dog to the clinic, then the following is required from the owner:

• it is important to provide the dog with complete rest, not to give him water or food;
• You cannot give your dog enemas yourself unless recommended by a veterinarian;
• You can give your dog a little Vaseline or any vegetable oil (the first is more effective), it is not absorbed into the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, but envelops them and helps eliminate toxic substances.

• several syringes of different volumes (5-20 ml) and replacement needles for them;
• analgesics and antispasmodics – No-shpa (Drotaverine), Analgin; it is best for these to be injection ampoules, since parvovirus is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and the tablets will not be absorbed by the body of a sick animal;
• Sulfocamphocaine, Cordiamine are drugs that support heart function.

Such events are only suitable for short-term assistance and will not allow the animal to be completely cured of parvovirus enteritis. Veterinarians in this case use an integrated approach.

Intensive infusion procedures

First of all, the animal loses a lot of moisture; it needs to replenish the deficit and compensate for its subsequent loss. For this purpose, droppers with balanced crystalloid solutions are prescribed.

The doctor approximately determines the volume of lost fluid and prescribes double the amount. This allows you to normalize the balance and avoid serious complications. Experts often prescribe Normosol, to which a solution is added potassium salt of hydrochloric acid.

It is important to monitor the amount of glucose in the blood and, when necessary, add this component to the infusion fluid. To correct persistent hypokalemia (low concentration of potassium ions), a certain amount of magnesium salt of hydrochloric acid is added to the infusion solution.

Use of antibacterial agents

Experts recommend a parenteral (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract) method of administering these drugs, since antibiotics are prescribed for parvovirus wide range actions that can destroy the protective lining of the intestinal mucosa, which increases the risk of sepsis.

Often, veterinarians prescribe injections of Gentamicin and Ampicillin, with an 8-hour interval, but take into account that aminoglycosides have renal toxicity.

Some doctors, if the dog is not neutropenic or febrile, recommend medications from a number of first-generation cephalosporins, and the previous combination is used if signs of sepsis occur.

Drugs that can neutralize endotoxic substances

They are given to the dog during antibiotic therapy to speed up the process of eliminating endotoxins and prevent deterioration of the patient’s condition. In addition, drugs in this group reduce the likelihood of septic shock.

Medicines are diluted with saline and administered through a dropper for half an hour to an hour.

Antiemetic agents

Metoclopramide is prescribed, but caution is required, since adequate rehydration is first required to eliminate the risk of severe hypotension.

Such drugs are necessary when, due to prolonged profuse vomiting, it is impossible to maintain water and electrolyte balance.

Nutrition correction

No less important aspect, which affects the results of therapy. First of all, at the first signs of parvovirus infection, the owner should stop feeding and watering the pet. The dog should be on a fasting diet for at least 2-3 days.

The dog can be given a little water only a day after the vomiting stops. Afterwards, the pet begins to be fed food that has been ground into a paste. Meals should be fractional - initially food is given in small portions, every 2-2.5 hours.

Suitable as a first course for a sick dog congee, chicken breast broth, flaxseed decoction. If the dog does not approach the bowl or does not have the strength to eat on its own, then you can carefully introduce liquid food into its mouth using a syringe.

Gradually, other products are introduced into the diet - one per day. You can give your pet a crushed egg, noodles, diluted with chicken broth.

A recovering animal needs carbohydrate food to replenish the body's energy resources. It is also recommended to give the dog 2-3 times a week lean fish boiled, separated from the bones, preferably sea.

For normalization intestinal microflora Fermented milk products are useful - kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk, yogurt, but they should not contain sugar or artificial additives.

At the beginning of recovery, you should not give your pet meat, especially raw meat. Also not the best products are milk, fatty, pickled, salty foods, spices and seasonings.

To protect your pet from such a dangerous disease, you should take care of regular vaccination. In addition, it is important to ensure good conditions content and good nutrition dog.

Parvovirus infection can kill an animal in a couple of days, especially puppies, so it requires preventive measures, and, if infection does occur, timely professional assistance from a veterinarian. This is the only way to help your four-legged friend.

Pathogen. A DNA virus belonging to the family Parvoviridae, genus Parvovirus. There are two types of canine parvovirus (PVV): PVS-1 and PVS-2. The most dangerous is pathogenic PVA-2, which causes acute parvovirus enteritis in dogs. In terms of immunogenic properties, PVA-2 is close to pathogens of cats and enteritis of minks. The pathogen PVA-2 is very stable in the environment and at room temperature can persist in infected objects for 6 months (P.F. Suter, 1994, 1998; P.M. Gaskell, M. Bennett, 1996, 1999).

Resistance to disinfectants. The virus belongs to the 2nd group of resistance of pathogens of infectious diseases (see Table 1).

Epizootological data. As an independent disease, canine parvovirus enteritis was first registered in 1976 in Belgium, in 1978 in the USA, and then in 1978-1981. - in Australia, Canada, England, Italy, France, etc. In Russia, the disease was first registered around 1983. Currently, canine parvovirus enteritis is one of the 5 most common infectious diseases of dogs in Russia.

Source of pathogen. It is important to note that viral enteritis (gastroenteritis) in dogs can be caused not only by the pathogen PVA-2, but also by other viruses: rotavirus, virus, mixed infections, etc. For example, in Australia, during the postmortem examination of dogs suffering from enteritis, there were found: in 30% of cases - canine parvovirus, in 2.6% - canine distemper virus and in 2% - (P.F. Suter, 1994, 1998).

Infection. Occurs mainly through the fecal-oral route through food and water infected with PVA, as well as through contact - when sniffing and licking directly sick animals or environmental objects infected by them.

The incubation period for parvovirus enteritis is usually from 4 to 10 days, and in 1-2 month old puppies it is 1-3 days.

Pathogenesis. Dogs of any age are susceptible to the disease, but puppies between 2 and 16 weeks of age are most susceptible to the disease. This is explained by the fact that the pathogen PVA-2 multiplies especially quickly in cells with high level mitosis (the main form of cell division), and in puppies up to 4 weeks of age, myocardial cells actively divide, and later - cells of lymphoid tissue, bone marrow and the epithelium of intestinal crypts (R. Janson et al., 1983). The disease is most often observed in puppies obtained from unvaccinated bitches.

Symptoms Depending on the severity of clinical signs, three main forms of the disease are conventionally divided: cardiac, intestinal and mixed.

Heart shape(myocarditis) is characterized primarily acute lesion myocardium (viral myocarditis) and is usually observed in puppies aged 2 to 8 weeks. The disease comes suddenly and progresses with lightning speed. Puppies refuse food and water and cannot suckle from their mother on their own. Sick animals experience severe weakness, shortness of breath, cardiovascular failure; pulse is arrhythmic, weak filling. Puppies die within 24-48 hours in the state.

Intestinal form(intestinal) - the most typical form of parvovirus enteritis. It usually occurs in acute, sometimes in subacute forms. The main signs of the disease are prolonged and uncontrollable vomiting, repeated many times over several days, complete refusal of food (anorexia) and water. It must be emphasized that, unlike other intestinal viral diseases (, etc.), with parvovirus enteritis, dogs do not drink water, milk and other liquids for 1-3 days. This is due to extensive catarrhal or hemorrhagic lesions of the small and large intestines, which cause severe pain.

Diarrhea (diarrhea) appears in animals 1-3 days after the onset of vomiting and lasts from 2 to 10 days.

Feces are initially mucous, then become watery, bloody with a characteristic fetid odor. Uncontrollable vomiting and prolonged diarrhea cause severe dehydration of the body and, accordingly, deep violations homeostasis (relative dynamic constancy internal environment and stability of the basic physiological functions of the body). In sick animals, severe weakness, significant exhaustion, cardiovascular and pulmonary failure, etc. are noted.

Mixed (combined) form The disease is characterized by various lesions of the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems of the body. It is observed in animals with a weakened immune system, in puppies obtained from unvaccinated bitches, as well as in the presence of associated infections (adeno-, corona-, rotavirus, etc.). The clinical signs of the disease are very diverse. In addition to the symptoms described above, catarrhal inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract is additionally noted.

Body temperature at acute form diseases in initial stage often rises to 40-41.5°C, remains at this level for 2-3 days, then either gradually normalizes (favorable prognosis) or quickly decreases below 37°C (lethal or unfavorable prognosis).

Hematological parameters in the first 2-5 days are characterized by severe leukopenia (2-4 thousand in 1 mm3 of blood), as well as a decrease in monocytes. Subsequently, with a favorable prognosis, a shift is observed leukocyte formula to the left, significant leukocytosis (over 20 thousand in 1 mm3) and monocytosis.

Diagnosis. Established on the basis of epidemiological data, clinical signs of the disease, pathological changes and results laboratory research. The latter have exclusively important V differential diagnosis various viral, bacterial and other intestinal infections. For laboratory diagnostics For parvovirus enteritis in dogs, the methods of ELISA, DGA, X-ray, electron microscopy (feces from sick animals), etc. are used.

In the differential diagnosis, corona and rotavirus enteritis should be excluded, intestinal form plague, infectious hepatitis, campylobacteriosis, giardiasis, non-contagious acute gastroenteritis.

Forecast. In case of irreversible disturbances of homeostasis, animals die 2-4 days after the onset of the disease. With a longer course of the disease (subacute form) and proper treatment, the likelihood of recovery increases.

In the hyperacute form of the disease, mortality among puppies in group housing can reach 80-95%, in individual (room) housing - 50-60%, and in the acute form, 30-50% and 20-30%, respectively.

Treatment. Due to the variety of manifestations of clinical signs of the disease, it is necessary to carry out individual complex treatment animals.

Based on the analysis and synthesis of published data from various domestic and foreign authors, as well as our own long-term research, we have developed complex system treatment of small domestic animals suffering from intestinal viral enteritis (gastroenteritis). This complex treatment system, successfully tested on a large number of dogs and cats, includes etiotropic, pathogenetic, symptomatic and replacement therapy (see "" treatment in more detail).

For etiotropic therapy of sick animals, depending on the accuracy of the diagnosis, the following means are used:

For a preliminary diagnosis (symptomatic, clinical), when there is no confidence in the differential diagnosis of the disease, it is recommended to use polyvalent hyperimmune serums - against parvovirus enteritis and canine distemper; against plague, parvovirus infections and viral hepatitis of carnivores, as well as polyvalent immunoglobulins;

For a final (accurate) diagnosis established on the basis of clinical, laboratory and other studies, it is necessary to use primarily monovalent immunoglobulin and (or) monovalent hyperimmune serum against canine parvovirus enteritis.

The specified specific products of domestic production (ZAO Vetzverotsentr, NPO Narvak, etc.) are recommended to be used in the initial stage of the disease 1-2 times a day (depending on the severity of the disease) for 1-3 days in accordance with the instructions for their application. In the presence of mixed infections, injections of systemic antibiotics are required for 3-7 days.

Pathogenetic therapy includes the following basic methods and means:

Paraimmunization is the use of nonspecific antigens or inducers of paraimmunity to stimulate nonspecific immunity. For this purpose, new generation immunomodulators are used: lykopid, polyoxidonium, vegetarian, (vitan), galavit, ribotan and others (see “”, treatment in more detail). It should be noted that the immunomodulators lycopid, polyoxidonium and some others are also good detoxifiers, which is very important for viral intestinal infections;

Rehydration - administration of physiological water-salt solutions; solutions enriched with glucose, vitamins and other substances that compensate for dehydration of the body. For this purpose, the parenteral method of administration is mainly used. For intravenous administration We recommend using the following water-salt balanced solutions produced in Russia by the medical industry: acesol, disol, trisol, lactasol, quartasol, etc. For subcutaneous administration We recommend using the following solution, which can be prepared immediately at the time of need: in a hermetically sealed bottle isotonic solution sodium chloride (0.9%) with a volume of 200 ml (industrial sterile closure!) introduce 20 ml of 40% glucose and 4 ml of 5% ascorbic acid solution. Administer subcutaneously at the rate of 30-100 ml of solution per 1 kg of animal weight per day;

Detoxification - application special means to neutralize toxic substances in the body and eliminate them. For this purpose, hemodez, quartasol, reopolyglucin, etc. are used;

Desensitization is the use of special means to reduce the body's sensitivity to certain antigens, for example, to foreign proteins of hyperimmune serums, etc. For this purpose, nonspecific desensitizing agents (antihistamines, etc.) are usually used;

General stimulating and multivitamin preparations used to increase the overall resistance of the body, restore normal metabolism, etc.

Symptomatic therapy involves the dosed use of antiemetic and antidiarrheal drugs, as well as painkillers (analgesics), anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, cardiac and other drugs that are advisable to be administered parenterally (not orally!). Doses, methods of administration and course of treatment with these drugs are given above.

Replacement therapy for parvovirus enteritis, as for other intestinal infections, is aimed primarily at replacing and gradually restoring the impaired physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract - the processes of digestion and absorption, as well as the functions of the small and large intestines. For this purpose, in the first 2 days after the cessation of vomiting, sick animals should not be given any food (starvation diet). However, at the same time, intensive rehydration of sick animals is carried out using various water-salt solutions enriched with glucose, ascorbic acid, and etc.

Feeding. On the 3rd day after the cessation of vomiting, sick animals are prescribed veterinary diet therapy.

Veterinary diet therapy, or therapeutic feeding, is a method of treating animals that involves the use of specially formulated diets and feeding regimens. Veterinary diet therapy includes replacement, desensitizing and other types.

Diet replacement therapy aimed at replenishing nutritional and biological deficiencies in the body active substances, plays an extremely important role in the treatment and complete recovery of animals with diseases digestive system, especially with viral intestinal infections.

Diet replacement therapy involves balanced feeding of animals, the most gentle regimen for the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, the inclusion of natural dietary easily digestible foods in the diet, as well as 4-5 meals of food in small portions. Currently in Russia there is a wide range of ready-made canned and dry food for therapeutic feeding of animals (over 20 names of domestic and foreign companies).

Immunity. In adult convalescent dogs, mainly intense long-term immunity is formed. However, in puppies under the age of 3 months who have recovered from the disease, due to insufficient immunological maturity of the body, they may experience immunodeficiency states. In this regard, annual vaccination of animals is necessary.

Pathological and anatomical changes. With parvovirus enteritis, severe exhaustion of animals and extensive catarrhal and hemorrhagic inflammation of the small and large intestines (especially the jejunum, ileum and colon), as well as myocarditis and pulmonary edema.

Prevention. For active immunoprophylaxis of parvovirus enteritis, domestic and foreign mono-vaccines Biovac-R, Parvovaccarnivorum (Russia), Nobivak-R, Parvodog, Primadog (France), etc. are widely used; associated vaccines: , Biovac-RA, Multikan-2, 4, 6, Pentakanivak (Russia); Vaccidog, Hexadog (France); Vanguard-5,7 and many others.

For passive immunization of puppies obtained from unvaccinated bitches, and (or) in unfavorable epizootic conditions, especially in kennels and kennel clubs, we recommend using monospecific immunoglobulins or monovalent hyperimmune sera against canine parvovirus enteritis, as well as other polyvalent sera (see etiotropic therapy).

General prevention viral intestinal infections, especially with the group method of keeping animals, is to comply with a set of veterinary-sanitary, zootechnical and organizational-economic measures. The main ones:

Protective and restrictive measures for keeping, transporting animals and their participation in public events (exhibitions, etc.);

Mandatory preventive quarantine of newly arriving animals for 30 days;

Balanced feeding, proper maintenance (taking into account age groups) and rational use of animals;

Planned preventive actions for disinfection, disinfestation, deratization of premises and others.

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