This viral disease, also known as canine distemper due to its high contagiousness, is an acute infectious disease that is widespread worldwide. Puppies between two and 16 weeks of age, unvaccinated dogs, and older dogs are particularly at risk. If left untreated, the disease is usually fatal. However, modern vaccines provide effective prevention.
The infection is caused by the canine parvovirus, of which there are now three different types (mutants). Canine parvovirus is harmless to humans. It is extremely resistant and can survive in infected feces at room temperature for up to twelve months. The virus can only be killed with special disinfectants. Infection occurs through smear infection with contaminated feces, for example by licking and sniffing other animals or objects. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated clothing or shoes of people who have come into contact with the animals. After the virus is ingested orally (via the mouth), it first attacks the lymph nodes in the throat and then spreads from there via the lymphatic tissue (defense tissue) to the cells of the intestinal wall. From the fourth day after infection, large quantities of the pathogen are excreted in the feces, which means that other animals can become infected before the infected animal shows any signs of disease. In the dog's organism, the virus requires cells with a high division rate to multiply and is therefore primarily found in the constantly regenerating cells of the intestinal wall, bone marrow, and immune system. The result is severe, bloody inflammation of the small intestine and associated symptoms such as fever and diarrhea. Only about 10% of dogs that come into contact with the virus become ill, while the rest develop immunity without showing any symptoms.
After initial contact with the virus, the first symptoms appear after seven to 14 days. Affected animals usually first show signs of fatigue and loss of appetite, followed by high fever. In the further, usually very acute course of the disease, the characteristic gastrointestinal symptoms appear very suddenly, such as persistent vomiting and watery, often bloody diarrhea and severe dehydration. Infection of the bone marrow leads to a sharp decrease in white blood cells and thus to a weakening of the immune system, resulting in increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial or viral infections.
The severity and course of the disease depend heavily on the amount of virus ingested and the age and immune status of the animal. Severe forms of the disease are usually fatal within 24 to 48 hours if blood poisoning occurs due to the destruction of intestinal wall cells and the release of toxins into the blood. In puppies, infection of the heart muscle can lead to acute cardiovascular failure and sudden death without prior signs of illness. The longer the time between infection and the first signs of illness, the higher the dog's chances of survival.
If your dog has bloody diarrhea and a fever, this is always an emergency and must be examined and treated by a veterinarian immediately. The typical clinical symptoms, combined with a low white blood cell count in the blood, give the veterinarian a clear indication of a parvovirus infection. However, only with the help of special rapid tests can viral material be detected in the stool and a definitive diagnosis be made, as many other bacterial, parasitic, or viral infectious diseases can cause similar symptoms.
The first and most important step in treating parvovirus is to separate sick animals from healthy ones and to observe strict hygiene measures to prevent the pathogen from spreading further.
Direct treatment of the virus is not possible, so the primary aim is to alleviate the symptoms. To ensure comprehensive monitoring of the patient, intensive medical care and hospitalization of infected animals is recommended. The most important measure in treating the sick animal is to stabilize its circulation and fluid and electrolyte balance. Depending on the severity of the infection, the veterinarian will administer various infusions and medications to combat diarrhea. After initially withholding all food, a diet that is easy on the stomach and intestines should be introduced as soon as possible, in several small portions spread throughout the day. If the patient is still unable to eat on its own, it may need to be fed through a tube at the vet's office or clinic.
The prognosis depends heavily on the severity of the disease, the presence of accompanying infections, the age and immune status of the animal, and the occurrence of complications. Even if the infection persists for a long time, the prognosis should always be considered cautious. However, thanks to modern medicine, the chances for sick animals have improved significantly in recent years.
Vaccination is the only effective measure to protect your dog from infection with parvovirus. The Standing Vaccination Commission for Veterinary Medicine (StiKo Vet), a committee of veterinary experts, describes the parvovirus vaccination for dogs as a "core component" in its guidelines, meaning that every dog should be protected against infection by vaccination at all times. Puppies can be vaccinated from eight weeks of age. Three consecutive vaccinations at eight, twelve, and 16 weeks of age and another at 15 months of age are recommended as a complete basic immunization. Booster vaccinations are then necessary every three years. Combination vaccines are usually used, which protect against distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and rabies in addition to parvovirus. Your veterinarian can send you a personalized vaccination schedule for your dog via petsXL, and you will automatically receive a reminder for booster vaccinations
Vaccination schedule for your dog and you will automatically receive
Notifications when it is time to make another appointment.
What a wonderful feeling. Finally, your own horse! Everything went smoothly, from the trial ride to the pre-purchase examination to the purchase transaction. Your horse can move into its new stall. For new horse owners, this is a very exciting time, which is sure to raise a few questions about keeping conditions, health care, training, and much more. First and foremost, you should purchase basic equipment for your new horse that can be used for working and riding. You will quickly discover that you need a lot more than just a saddle and bridle.
The adrenal gland disorder known as Cushing's disease was first described in humans in 1910 by Harvey Williams Cushing, after whom it was named. It involves increased stimulation of the adrenal cortex, resulting in excessive cortisol production (hyperadrenocorticism). The resulting symptoms are referred to as Cushing's syndrome. Unlike Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), Cushing's disease is not life-threatening. It mostly affects older, small dogs and breeds such as boxers, poodles, and dachshunds.
When a dog's kidneys can only perform their vital functions to a limited extent, this is referred to as kidney failure. The disease is often not recognized immediately, as it initially manifests itself with very unspecific symptoms. Dogs over the age of five are particularly affected, with certain breeds having a genetic predisposition to kidney disease.
Rotaviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in foals. They are widespread among horses and highly contagious. However, they only cause symptoms in young foals.
You are called to the stable because your horse can hardly move. It is standing in its stall or in the pasture and trying to relieve pressure on its front hooves by placing all its weight on its hindquarters and bringing its front legs forward. This characteristic stance is familiar to many horse owners, and there is little doubt about the diagnosis. Your horse is suffering from acute laminitis. This is one of the most painful conditions a horse can suffer from and, along with colic, is the leading cause of death in horses. Laminitis is always considered an emergency and treatment by a veterinarian is essential.
EOTRH, or more precisely Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis, is currently considered an incurable inflammatory condition affecting the incisors and canines of horses. The disease has only been known for about 10 years, but is now affecting more and more older horses. In many cases, the disease is not detected until late stages, as it is not visible below the gums at the onset.
Are you one of those people who dream of teaching Beo to talk? Training and taming birds requires patience and empathy for your feathered friend. Nothing is impossible, but some species are more talented at speech than others, while others prefer to live their own lives in small flocks and are not particularly interested in "conversing" with humans.
In veterinary medicine, retained placenta refers to the placenta and egg membranes remaining in the uterus after the birth of the foal. This is not a separate disease, but rather a symptom of various functional disorders. It is one of the most common problems during the birth process in mares and occurs in 2 to 10% of all foal births.
Cats are very resilient and do not show symptoms of illness until late stages. When is it an emergency? And what is the right thing to do? Here you will find useful information to help you assess your cat's condition. The most important thing is to stay calm and keep a clear head.
A female dog's heat cycle is a natural process that is necessary for reproduction. Dogs quickly realize when this time has come. During the "heat days," you should therefore be particularly careful if you do not want your female dog to have offspring from a male dog that has wandered into your yard. Conversely, if you want to breed, you need to observe your dog's cycle and take her to the chosen male dog at the right time.
Many things are easier when done as a team – this applies to both humans and animals. There are dogs that help people live with disabilities. These dogs are not only special animals, they are also specially trained.
Many dog owners will be familiar with this condition, which is colloquially referred to as foreskin inflammation. Recurring, yellowish-green, dripping discharge is very common, especially in young, unneutered male dogs.
