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An
Introduction to the Minute Virus of Canines
This tiny
virus, also known as canine parvovirus type-1, is now believed to cause
spontaneous abortion of fetuses and death of newborn pups. For 20 years
after its initial discovery, this “orphan virus” was believed
to be non-pathogenic and relatively harmless. Not until experimental
studies revealed its potential for harming fetuses and newborn pups
did the scientific community recognize its harmful effects.
Why and how might my dog become infected?
Puppies
contract the disease either as fetuses through their mother’s
placenta or immediately after birth. It is assumed that transmission
in birthed pups is oral-nasal.
Transplacental infections occur when pregnant mothers become infected
with the virus between 20 and 35 days of gestation. In this case, reabsorption
or abortion of the puppies often occurs.
Pups that
contract the disease after birth die suddenly between 1 and 3 weeks
of age. Their only outward symptoms are generally limited to respiratory
distress and/or diarrhea, which may or may not be severe. Death is usually
attributed to viral myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart.
Littermates
that survive the illness have vague, nonspecific signs of illness, including
loss of appetite, mild respiratory illness, and mild diarrhea. Recovery
of these animals occurs within a few days.
How will my vet reach a diagnosis of MVC?
Diagnosis
of MVC is difficult, but if a laboratory has access to the necessary
antigens, it is possible to isolate the virus using immunofluorescence
techniques. Further, examination of tissues from dead pups may reveal
evidence of the virus in the small intestine or bronchial tubes.
These
diagnostics are often done post-mortem in an effort to determine the
cause of sudden death in an extremely young puppy.
What are the treatment options for dogs with MVC?
MVC is
usually diagnosed after death. Pups fall victim either in the womb or
at a very early age. Treatment is not usually possible – pups
die so suddenly that there is no time to implement a treatment plan.
How do I vaccinate my pet against MVC?
There
is currently no vaccine available for MVC. Given that the disease strikes
puppies before birth or immediately after, it is unlikely that a vaccine
will be available in the near future. Further, the disease is extremely
rare and not likely to affect your pet.
How else can I help prevent the disease?
Little
is known about why certain animals become infected and others do not.
In general, if a pup has made it to an age where he may safely be removed
from his mother, he has passed the point at which a danger from MVC
might be present.
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Additional
resources on the web: