CHILLICOTHE, MO — Several outbreaks of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2, or “Parvo”) have been detected among some dogs here in the past couple of months. Although the virus is more prevalent during the summertime, a mild 2012 fall season seems to be a contributing factor in the increase in outbreaks. Lesley Patek of the Livingston County Humane Society points to the exchange of free puppies to unwitting recipients as also a problem. Many times people taking on puppies are told they have had vaccination shots when they haven’t. Parvo is a contagious virus which mainly affects canines. It is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces, infected soil, or fomites that carry the virus. It is usually most severe in puppies that are unprotected by maternal antibodies or vaccinations and comes in both cardiac and intestinal forms. It can cause respiratory or cardiac failure. Common signs of Parvo includes severe vomiting, lethargy, fever, and dysentery in pets. Puppies may also become anemic and emit a foul odor. Dehydration becomes prevalent very quickly. Treatment often involves veterinary hospitalization.
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