Proper replacement of fluid and electrolytes is life saving. Understanding a few simple principles of fluid and electrolyte balance may enable you to save your dogs with Parvovirus, and to care for them at home. Parvovirus Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection causing lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. It occurs more commonly in young dogs than in adults, but can be severe and fatal in dogs of all ages.
Infection occurs by ingestion of the virus.
Shortly after ingestion, the virus replicates in the lymphoid tissue of the mouth and then rapidly spreads throughout the body via the blood stream and can be found in tissues throughout the body especially the intestines, bone marrow, and in the young dog, heart. The virus thrives on rapidly dividing cells, and this is the reason it localizes in the intestines and bone marrow. In the young, growing puppy, the cells of the heart are also rapidly dividing and are also therefore targets for the virus. Infection of the bone marrow results in a drop in both white and red blood cell counts. About 4 days after exposure, the typical signs of lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea begin.