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Unfortunately this time of year with all the new puppies, those of us who work at Veterinary Clinics start seeing puppies arrive to the clinics with the Parvo Virus. I know you've heard the name but do you know what it really is? Many people know it's bad but that's about all. Most pet owners aren't aware of the real possibility of their pet's contracting this virus if they do not finish out their puppy vaccine series. This is frustrating to me. We educate clients when they come in and inform them of the dangers that their puppy faces if they do not complete the series of vaccine boosters. Some people think that the first vaccine is all their pet needs and we don't see them back......until that pet becomes sick. Of course, we also have very responsible pet owners as well and kudos to all of you who do complete your puppy's vaccine series and then continue with your pet's yearly vaccines! Not to pick on the clients who don't, it all really comes down to educating them. Of course there is always going to be some who just think they can slide by without and get lucky. Some might, but many won't. So.......what is Parvo Virus? Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease most commonly seen in puppies under the age of one. Most commonly seen in puppies between the ages of 6-16 weeks and typically before they can complete their puppy vaccination series. The virus is spread through the feces of an infected dog. The housefly is also a common carrier. The fly lands in the yard of a dog that already has Parvo lands on the feces and carries the virus on its body in to your yard. It can be that easy. If the fly lands on your pets paws or nose or anywhere else on his body or his belonging, i.e., food and water bowls, blankets, etc. It can contract the disease within seconds. The virus can be carried in on clothes, shoes and even your hair once youve come in contact with it. There are three common manifestations that we see. 1. Asymptomatic, meaning we do not see any signs. This usually occurs in vaccinated dogs or dogs over a year old. 2. Intestinal. Known as Enteritis. This virus causes extreme damage to the intestinal tract. It can cause sloughing of the cells that line the intestinal tract leaving your pet wide open to a secondary bacterial infection. Characterized by lethargy, diarrhea, (often dark and bloody), vomiting, (often severe), fever, low white blood cell count and lack of appetite. Onset of the virus can be quick. Your puppy can be playing happy one day and severely sick the next day. Often the onset is 12 hours or less. Incubation time from exposure to clinical signs is typically 3-10 days. This means that if your puppy was exposed to Parvo 3 days ago, you may not know that he is sick until up to a week. Many people purchase puppies that appear healthy and happy and then are completely devastated 7-10 days later to see that healthy puppy become severely sick so suddenly. Parvo Virus is diagnosed by your Veterinarians physical exam, signalment (age, breed and vaccine status) and a Parvo Test that can be run in your Veterinarians office.