How to Treat Parvo in Puppies
Parvo in puppies is usually diagnosed based on clinical signs and blood work. Your vet may run a test known as Elisa to detect any virus antigens in your dog’s feces and will perform additional diagnostic testing as needed.
There is no permanent cure for parvo, so your vet will offer your puppy supportive care over the course of the illness, then treat symptoms like diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting. Your vet will also make sure you get adequate nutrition.
Parvo is a serious virus that can weaken a puppy’s immune system and reduce their white blood cell level and as a result, their ability to fight off secondary bacterial infections. The effect of this virus on a dog’s intestinal wall increases the risk of a secondary infection. In some cases, your vet may put your puppy on an antibiotic drug to fight these infections and will monitor your puppy carefully for other complications.
Studies show that the survival rate for dogs with parvovirus treated by a veterinarian is 68 to 92 percent, and most puppies that survive the first three-to-four days usually recover completely from the condition. Recovery period depends on the severity of the case, but studies show most cases take one week for puppies to recover.