What pet owners should know about parvovirus

Recent reports of a dog dying from parvovirus in Montreal have renewed concerns about the deadly disease, prompting veterinarians to remind pet owners of the importance of vaccination.

The Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (AMVQ) called the case unsurprising given the fact that the virus is extremely common, highly contagious, often deadly in unvaccinated dogs left untreated, and found “everywhere.”

“Sadly, deaths from parvovirus still do happen today,” AMVQ president Valérie Bissonnette said in an interview.

But the vaccine against it is extremely effective, she said.

“Within about three days, the animal starts developing antibodies. So even if you think your pet may have had contact with a potentially infected animal, it’s still worth getting them vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

A recent outbreak in Estrie led to a vaccination blitz in the area in an attempt to stem the spread, Bissonnette said. The AMVQ hasn’t heard of any others areas reporting higher-than-usual numbers of cases lately, though Bissonnette admitted there’s no provincewide data collection for infectious diseases among pets the way there is for humans.

That’s something the organization hopes to change, “so when there’s an outbreak of an infectious disease somewhere, we can respond quickly and hopefully contain it as fast as possible,” Bissonnette said.

She called the project a major undertaking but said all key players in the field agree it’s needed.

Despite the lack of clear data, when it comes to parvovirus, “there are definitely cases across the province — it’s everywhere — and there can absolutely be deaths,” Bissonnette said.

Gabrielle Carrière, head veterinarian at the Montreal SPCA, said parvovirus is something the shelter has always dealt with.

“This is why we vaccinate so much against this disease,” she said. “Vaccinate your pets, keep the schedule up to date.”

The virus causes hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and affects the immune system, posing a significant risk to unvaccinated dogs, including puppies who haven’t yet received all doses. 

Carrière said it’s not necessary to panic following the recent cases and death.

“If you have an adult dog that gets regular vaccines, it’s likely that your dog is protected unless he’s immunocompromised … or very young.”

She also pointed out that a feline version of the disease affects cats, who also need to be vaccinated.

Symptoms include lethargy and repeated vomiting and diarrhea.

“It can be extremely hemorrhagic, meaning there can be a very large amount of blood, which can be quite shocking to see,” Bissonnette said.

Treatments against the virus are mainly supportive care while the virus runs its course, Bissonnette said.

“The range of treatment can vary quite a bit: If we catch it early and prevent the animal from becoming severely debilitated, sometimes basic treatments and home care can be enough,” she said.

“But generally speaking, hospitalization is often required, and in some cases treatment can escalate all the way to intensive care. That can include blood transfusions, IV fluids, medications to support blood pressure … So it really varies. But the important thing is that the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances.”

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