Parvovirus is difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone, as symptoms may be varied and identical to those seen with other causes of acute gastroenteritis. Clinical signs include diarrhea (which can be scant or profuse and watery or bloody), vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, depression, inappetence and fever.
Rapid, in-clinic tests are crucial for a definitive diagnosis and timely and appropriate therapy.
Early testing is prudent as the amount of virus being shed in the feces may begin to decline six to ten days post-infection.
Treatment is primarily supportive and aimed at correcting dehydration, correcting electrolyte abnormalities and preventing fatal infection.
Severely affected animals, typically puppies, usually require hospitalization with intravenous fluid therapy and other supportive care.
