Parvovirus enteritis in dogs

Characteristics of parvovirus

In a dog’s body, pathogenic bacteria trigger complex processes; in addition to pathological changes, pregnant bitches may develop intrauterine fetal death.

Over time, the parvovirus mutated and modern diagnostic studies have shown that about 80% of the lesions it causes are associated with CPV-2b, an adapted DNA helix.

Virus under a microscope

Common forms of parvovirus infection

Parvovirus infection in dogs is divided into several subgroups by experts.

Intestinal form

It is characterized by an acute and subacute course; the main symptoms of its development are the animal’s refusal to take food and water. The virus is localized on the intestinal mucous membranes; during deep penetration, the pet experiences bloody diarrhea. When trying to defecate, the dog experiences severe pain and vomits for several days.

A few days after infection, the dog often asks to go to the toilet or walks right on the spot. Loose, brownish stools include mucus and blood particles. The stool has a foul smell, the body gradually loses fluid and moves to the stage of dehydration.

Attention! Symptoms are accompanied by weakness and weight loss; in parallel, signs of cardiovascular or respiratory failure may be present.

The most difficult period is 2-3 days from the beginning. At this time, damage to the gastrointestinal tract occurs. It takes about 72 hours to restore normal digestive functionality. The body recovers on its own - if there are no secondary complications.

Heart shape

Often occurs in babies 1-2 months old; rapid development negatively affects the functioning of the heart.

Parvovirus in a puppy resembles the symptoms of the pathology in an adult. The young refuse to eat food or mother's milk. Increased heart rate, breathing problems and heart failure lead to death on the second day.

Mixed form

Includes clinical manifestations of the cardiac and intestinal types. The virus actively spreads throughout the digestive, cardiac and pulmonary sections. Problems arise after the immune system is weakened and when there is insufficient antibody production.

The pathology occurs in the first months after birth - the source of infection is the mother without vaccinations. Sometimes pathogenic bacteria penetrate during other diseases, when the body is not able to simultaneously resist several infections.

Important! With a mixed type of canine parvovirus, animals experience a high temperature - about 40 degrees. It does not decrease until 3 days, then it returns to the standard framework. If the form is severe, it can drop to 37 degrees after 48 hours.

During the development of infection, the dog appears sick

Symptoms of parvovirus enteritis in dogs

The disease progresses differently in each pet. For this reason, the disease is divided into several groups:

• intestinal;
• cardiac;
• mixed.

The course of the intestinal form of the disease is acute and subacute. In this case, the animal stops eating and drinking. The virus is located on the intestinal mucosa. The pathogen damages the intestinal walls, causing the dog to defecate blood, which is accompanied by severe pain. The dog has been vomiting continuously for several days.

After 24 or 48 hours, dogs begin to go to the toilet frequently, often even under themselves. The stool is liquid, brown in color, with blood and mucus. In this case, a fetid odor appears from the stool. As a result, dehydration occurs. The animal weakens and loses weight before our eyes. These symptoms are accompanied by pulmonary or cardiovascular failure.

The hardest time comes on day 5. It is at this time that problems with the gastrointestinal tract appear. Digestion is restored in about 3-4 days. If there are no complications, then the body slowly recovers.

The cardiac form occurs mainly in puppies aged 1 to 2 months. Serious heart problems appear. The symptoms are similar to those in adult dogs; a complete refusal to eat also occurs. There is a rapid heartbeat. Death occurs after a few painful days.

In the mixed form, problems with the heart and intestines are observed. Thus, the virus affects the digestive, cardiac and sometimes respiratory systems. Such problems appear only when there is a deficiency of antibodies in the body.

Mostly this happens to puppies in the first month of life if the producers are not vaccinated in a timely manner. Body temperature increases to +40 degrees, persists for up to 3 days, after which it returns to normal.

If you donate your dog's blood for testing, the results will show a dramatic decrease in leukocytes. If the immune system is strong, then after a few days the number of leukocytes will begin to increase.

How does parvovirus become infected?

Parvovirus enteritis in dogs most often occurs in young animals aged 1.5 to 6 months. Mature individuals have immunity against infection, developed in response to vaccination or a previous disease.

Important! Puppies fed on the milk of a vaccinated mother receive temporary protection. Antibodies work for 6 weeks, then the body opens up to pathogens, and they are at risk of becoming infected.

In certain breeds, factors that can trigger the disease mechanism are inherited. The list includes terriers, Rottweilers, Labrador retrievers, etc. These species have a high risk of getting sick even with timely vaccination.

How to treat parvovirus enteritis?

Therapy consists of comprehensive support of the body, elimination of the causative agent of infection and normalization of damaged organs. Then antiviral and restorative drugs are prescribed to relieve symptoms.

1. Antiviral treatment consists of medications to strengthen the immune system. Then the infection comes out in the urine. Immunoglobulins are often chosen. Use a single but strong dose of the drug.
2. Ediotropy consists of the artificial administration of interferons. This reduces the activity of the virus while antibodies are produced. A specialist can prescribe both stimulants.
3. Means for the growth of leukocytes in the blood also have a beneficial effect on the pet’s condition. The virus eliminates blood cells, and the drugs return the necessary amount to combat the pathology. Restorative treatment is required to restore lost elements in the pet's body.
4. Normalization of water balance also needs to be given attention. With enteritis, a large amount of fluid is lost. Water alone will not save the situation. Rehydration solutions should contain calcium, sodium and potassium. They need to be heated to at least 37 degrees.
5. Administration subcutaneously or intravenously. Abdominal administration is also possible. A small amount is required so as not to harm the dog. To eliminate pain, the abdominal cavity must be treated with novocaine. When the pet begins to recover and vomiting stops, it is allowed to instill the drug into the mouth. Then the specialist prescribes medications for the intestines.
6. To recover, it is necessary to cleanse the body of toxins. Hemodez in rehydrating solutions will help. It should occupy 25-30 percent of the volume. It is also worth using glutamic acid and cleansing enemas.
7. Corticosteroids will help restore water-salt metabolism and reduce hyperergic reactions. They are consumed once or within 2-4 days.

It is important to manage symptoms. Antiemetics or antihistamines are prescribed to combat vomiting. Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the fever. Medicines to normalize myocardial function are taken for disorders in the cardiovascular system.

Video: what is parvovirus enteritis in dogs, its symptoms and treatment?

Causes of parvovirus infection

The sources of development of parvovirosis include the following prerequisites:

• poor living conditions - constant dirt in housing, small, densely populated housing;
• the presence of helminthiasis and the lack of regular helminth prevention;
• direct contact with the carrier of the virus.

Important! Infection can occur in utero, from a sick mother to the fetus. In most cases, the problem ends in their death.

Causes of infection

The type of transmission can be direct or indirect

Experts divide canine parvovirus infection into two areas:

• With direct infection - the pathogen enters through the oral-fecal route, through saliva or feces of a sick animal. The pet can step into them and lick its paws.
• Indirectly, the problem is associated with the high resistance of pathogenic microflora. It can last for years on any surface, including dishes and toys. Any contact with the oral mucosa will lead to the development of pathology.

Important! Veterinarians recommend regularly washing your dog’s bowls and toys with special detergents. Immediately upon returning from a walk, thoroughly wash the paws and do not allow the animal to take anything into its mouth during walks.

Serum or vaccine against canine parvovirus enteritis

Experts remind that polyvalent serum against canine distemper, parvovirus enteritis and adenoviral infections of dogs represents passive immunity that can help a pet in case of infection. It contains antibodies that protect the dog for 10-14 days. Currently, there is no complete evidence base on the effectiveness of such serums. Their use during treatment is possible, but only in combination with other therapeutic measures. To prevent the disease, it is not the serum that should be used, but the vaccine.

The ideal method of preventing parvovirus enteritis in dogs is to strictly adhere to the vaccination schedule. In this case, the animal receives active immunity, providing reliable protection for the body.

The mortality rate for fulminant parvovirus enteritis is 70%. In puppies it reaches about 90%. In 30% of recovered animals, damage to the heart muscle is observed, leading to the development of heart failure.

Diarrhea is a striking symptom of parvovirus enteritis that can drive even a dog crazy!

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Signs of parvovirus in a dog

The incubation period is 2-14 days; if the immune system is weakened, the period is significantly reduced. Upon penetration into the oral cavity, the pathogen infects the lymph nodes, after reproduction it penetrates the circulatory system and spreads through the tissues with accelerated cell division:

• into the heart muscle;
• Bone marrow;
• inner layer of the intestinal epithelium.

The main symptom of the disease is diarrhea with blood. Damage to the intestinal mucous membranes leads to general infection of the circulatory system, the development of sepsis and disruption of the functionality of all important organs.

Secondary symptoms of the disease are presented:

• vomiting;
• feverish condition;
• fatigue and apathy;
• refusal to eat;
• high temperature.

Important! General septic damage to the body provokes the failure of vital organs and the death of the pet.

Main symptoms

Acute hemorrhagic enteritis of dogs caused by parvovirus infection.

Canine parvovirus infection is perhaps the most common cause of infectious enteritis, which is characterized by acute hemorrhagic enteritis.

The virus itself multiplies in the feces of infected dogs and is transmitted through the oral-fecal route. A completely domestic dog that has never gone outside can also become infected. The infection can be brought by both people using their clothes and shoes, and rodents, insects and animals leaving the apartment. This virus persists in the environment for years and is resistant to many disinfectants and does not require direct contact between dogs.

Mostly young animals with a lack of protective antibody titers are at risk. Animals in nurseries, pet stores, and shelters are predisposed to developing parvovirus infection. Even vaccinated adult animals can get sick, puppies are especially susceptible in the period between the first and second vaccines. Some vaccines can cause illness in dogs that are malnourished or stressed.

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease. The disease can occur in both mild and severe stages, and can develop into a hyperacute condition requiring urgent hospital treatment. The first symptoms of parvovirus infection are similar to many diseases, and in the early stages it is difficult to make a diagnosis. These symptoms include fever and drowsiness.

When an infection enters the body, its incubation period ranges from 4 days to 2 weeks. From day 4, the virus spreads in the intestines and can be detected in stool. By destroying the cells of the small intestine, the infection leads to impaired absorption of water, electrolytes and nutrients, and the animal begins to develop diarrhea and vomiting and anorexia. Vomiting is often profuse and prolonged, and diarrhea is characterized by watery, large stools containing mucus and blood. Intensive proliferation of bacteria in the blood-enriched intestinal contents leads to intoxication of the body.

Unfortunately, if you do not contact the clinic in a timely manner, parvovirus enteritis can lead to the death of your animal, even with fairly good supportive treatment.

To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a number of tests, such as a complete clinical blood test (CBC), a biochemical blood test (BCT), a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for parvovirus enteritis. PCR and ELISA tests can show a false negative result, but only repeated tests can completely deny it.

The necessary diagnostics and treatment are prescribed by the attending veterinarian when visiting a veterinary clinic.

Diagnosis of parvovirus in a dog

At the first visit to the clinic, the veterinarian collects an anamnesis, on the basis of which he makes a preliminary diagnosis. Its confirmation is carried out by laboratory diagnostic testing, taking stool and blood tests. Testing is done on the basis of ELISA.

Important ! It is important for pet owners to know what Canine Parvovirus is in dogs - this is how the pathogen is determined by PCR analysis. Diagnostics are expensive and are used when there are obvious signs of pathology, but there are no positive results with standard testing.

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis in dogs and puppies

How to treat parvovirus enteritis in dogs? Each veterinarian seeks the answer to this question independently. No specific treatment has been developed, so experts prescribe medications that help cope with the symptoms of the pathological process.

The treatment regimen for parvovirus enteritis includes the following medications:

• Infusion therapy medications that help replenish fluid and electrolyte levels in the body.
• Antibiotics that eliminate secondary bacterial infections.
• Medicines that suppress the urge to vomit.
• Enveloping and astringent drugs that alleviate the pet’s condition.
• Enteroabsorbents that help remove toxins and waste products of viruses from the dog’s body.
• Therapeutic diet in the form of specialized industrial feed.

How to treat parvovirus enteritis at home? It is necessary to strictly follow the specialist’s recommendations, as well as adhere to a gentle diet to restore the dog’s strength.

Parvovirus Treatment Methods

Treatment of parvovirus enteritis in dogs involves aggressive methods of suppressing infection activity and concomitant supportive therapy. The pet is prescribed complete isolation and regular treatment of surfaces with which it comes into contact.

Important! For treatment, you need to use compounds containing bleach - the virus is immune to the rest.

Medication requires the following procedures:

• drips based on saline and glucose - help restore balance after prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, performed until the animal’s appetite returns;
• blood transfusions - recommended for puppies with severe blood loss;
• antibiotic therapy - drugs can destroy bacteria that have spread throughout the intestinal mucosa.

Immunostimulants and antidiarrheals are prescribed according to indications. In the first case, they are recommended for pets at risk and are given according to a certain scheme.

Important! The serious condition of the dog allows parenteral or intravenous nutrition. It is used until the intestines are completely restored, then the animal is transferred to normal food.

IV treatment

Incubation period of parvovirus enteritis

In the vast majority of cases, it ranges from 3 to 7 days, depending on the individual characteristics of the pet’s body and the presence of predisposing factors. The causative agent of canine parvovirus enteritis is a DNA virus of the Parvoviridae family. The causative agent of parvovirus enteritis is defined as canine parvovirus type 2 (caninae parvovirus Type 2-CPV-2). It is highly contagious and extremely resistant to environmental influences. Indoors it remains active for six months. Parvovirus enteritis in York dogs and puppies occurs with myocardial damage. In puppies over 8 weeks of age, the virus is localized in the cells of the intestinal mucosa, lymphoid tissue and blood.

Infection occurs through the nutritional route. The virus enters the body when a susceptible animal comes into contact with material contaminated by the patient's feces. Laboratory studies of parvovirus enteritis in dogs have shown that transplacental infection is possible. Careful handling of dishes, as well as the use of individual toys, can reduce the risk of infection.

Nutrition during infection

The return to the standard method of feeding usually takes place on the 3rd day - with the correct assistance. The dog may whine and try to beg for food, but this should not be done until the doctor’s permission - damage to the intestinal mucosa may worsen.

The daily diet is a balanced dietary food that is sold at any pet store. Natural food is prohibited - it will do more harm than good. The affected mucosal surface is a wound surface and rough food can become a source of massive bleeding or intestinal perforation. The main rule is the dog’s voluntary desire to eat - attempts to force feed will lead to serious consequences.

The strict diet continues until complete healing - up to one calendar month. There are cases where a pet was switched to diet food for the rest of its life. The daily menu is based on the following rules:

• food is served crushed and pureed;
• Canned rather than dry diets are more suitable for feeding.

Important! Owners who constantly feed their animals with natural products and who do not have the opportunity to buy expensive food must adhere to the same rules.

Life prognosis for parvovirus in dogs

The final scenario of events is impossible to predict. The results depend on the age of the dog, the level of its immunity and the form of pathology:

• with a mild course, spontaneous recovery occurs within 24-72 hours;
• on average - after 3-5 days, with intensive therapy;
• in severe cases (with prolonged vomiting and bloody diarrhea) it is fatal; active treatment rarely gives positive results.

Important! Young animals under 6 weeks of age die within 24 hours due to the development of myocarditis (inflammatory damage to the heart muscle). Such cases are rare, but may occur due to the mother's lack of vaccinations.

Prognosis depends on diagnosis

How to treat parvovirus in dogs

If it is not possible to immediately get to a veterinarian, then you can provide first aid yourself. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Complete rest is ensured; the dog should not be given water or food.
2. It is forbidden to do enemas without a doctor's recommendation.
3. To remove toxic substances, the pet is given Vaseline or vegetable oil. The second option is preferable, since vegetable oil is not absorbed into the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is important to have a first aid kit for your dog at home, which includes:

1. Syringes of different volumes and replacement needles for them.
2. Analgesics, antispasmodics. It is better to have injectable ampoules than tablets. Since the disease is accompanied by constant vomiting, the absorption of the tablets will not occur.
3. Drugs to support heart function.

Such measures provide only a short-term effect; they cannot be used to treat. A veterinarian should prescribe comprehensive treatment.

Vaseline oil

When the first signs of the disease appear, it is recommended to immediately contact a veterinarian, since only he can prescribe effective treatment. Often, the doctor prescribes petroleum jelly for use. It usually helps animals with constipation. However, it can be used to gently lubricate the intestinal walls of your pet, which will significantly alleviate the general condition during diarrhea, which occurs every 2 hours during the course of the disease.

Saline solutions

Saline solutions are prescribed for dehydration. Such solutions are poured into the dog’s mouth, thanks to which it is possible to maintain the necessary salt balance, which is disrupted with regular vomiting. This decision will allow the dog to hold out until examined by a veterinarian. Although saline solution helps restore balance in the body, it is important not to overdo it. A large dosage can damage the heart, leading to inevitable death.

Important! Saline solutions are often given in small volumes.

Other drugs

Medicines are prescribed only for severe pain that torments a pet. In this case, the veterinarian prescribes antispasmodics, which helps relieve spasms, if any.

Contraindications for the use of drugs

Before starting treatment at home, it is worth considering that some medications are contraindicated for use:

1. During the period of vomiting attacks, it is prohibited to use drugs that must be administered through the mouth. This applies exclusively to medicines. In severe cases of the disease, veterinarians prescribe IV drips, but the pet must drink water. If water is refused, it is administered using rehydrants.
2. In case of inflammatory processes occurring inside the body, it is prohibited to give drugs that reduce the animal’s immunity.
3. For hemorrhage, tetracycline is prohibited.

Parvovirus enteritis is extremely difficult, which affects the condition of the animal. It is for this reason that treatment must be comprehensive and effective. If the disease is diagnosed in a timely manner in the initial stages, then the dog will recover in the near future. Otherwise, death cannot be avoided.

Preventing parvovirus in dogs

A successfully transmitted disease develops temporary protection for the body - the pet does not become infected again for 1.5-2 years. Lifelong immunity occurs in exception cases. Vaccination is considered the best measure to prevent the disease.

To prevent the development of the disease, the owner must provide basic hygienic conditions for the pet:

• personal household items - bowls, toys, bedding, etc.;
• reduce the frequency of contacts with other animals - the rule applies not only to stray dogs, but also to domestic dogs living in the mud;
• regularly disinfect the dog’s personal belongings: wash dishes and toys with detergent, regularly wash the dog’s bed;
• do not ignore the vaccination schedule.

Important! A single attack of diarrhea with vomiting is a reason for an unscheduled visit to the veterinarian. Ignoring signs of increasing pathology can cost your pet’s life.

Prevention methods

Symptoms of parvovirus enteritis

Animals in the age group from 2 months to 1.5-2 years are most susceptible to the disease. Experts include the following typical symptoms:

• Profuse vomiting. In rare cases, blood clots are present.
• Diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus. The intervals between bowel movements become increasingly shorter and the feces become waterier.
• Temperature increase.
• Lack of appetite.
• Weakness.

Timely diagnosis increases your pet's chances of recovery. In the absence of proper treatment, death occurs a day later from dehydration or exhaustion. Veterinarians include no less common complications:

• Sepsis.
• Coagulopathy.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Pancreatitis.
• Violation of peristalsis, etc.

A feature of the course of the disease in puppies is often the fulminant form of the pathological process. The death of a pet occurs 5-15 hours after infection and often without a characteristic clinical picture.

Is the disease dangerous for other animals?

The problem with viral infection is its prolonged activity on any surface. It only threatens canines; for other animals, the pathology is not dangerous or contagious.

If there are other dogs in the house, the patient is quarantined and any contact is interrupted. Timely treatment of all accessible surfaces with chlorine will reduce the risk of disease in other dogs.

Veterinarians remind that after the death of the previous pet from the virus, the next one can be acquired no earlier than in a year. Before purchasing, you need to pre-treat the entire living space; there should not be a single thing in the house from the deceased dog. This approach will help avoid infection of the puppy.

Parvoviruses in canines are not transmitted to humans or other pets. The outcome of the disease depends on many indicators, and weakened and sick animals have practically no chance of survival. The best way to avoid the problem is timely vaccinations and compliance with hygiene rules, refusal to use old dog beds, toys, water and food bowls.

Enteritis in dogs

What is enteritis? Hearing the word “enteritis”, many owners panic: “my dog ​​is vaccinated!” They mean infectious parvovirus enteritis. And they are often wrong. Enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine. There can be many reasons for its occurrence and types of enteritis.

Types of enteritis

Main types: catarrhal, hemorrhagic. It can be infectious or non-infectious in nature. Viral enteritis poses the greatest danger to a pet’s life.

Causes of enteritis

Infectious nature:

• Parvovirus enteritis. Once parvovirus enters the body, it begins to multiply very quickly. The disease manifests itself in three forms - intestinal, cardiac and mixed, which usually occur with lightning speed, acutely, and less often chronically. With the lightning-fast course of the intestinal form of the disease, puppies aged six to ten weeks experience a loss of strength, then death occurs after a few hours. The incubation period of the acute intestinal form of the disease is five to six days. The first signs are anorexia, then mucous vomiting appears and 6 to 24 hours after the onset of vomiting - diarrhea. The stool is yellowish-gray or gray-green, green, purple, mixed with blood and mucus, watery, with a strong fetid odor. The body temperature of sick animals rises to 39.5-41°. Animals quickly lose weight, the skin becomes dry, the coat becomes dull, visible mucous membranes lose their shine, and look reddened or anemic. In the acute form of the disease, death can occur in one or two days. The cardiac form of the disease occurs more often in puppies aged one to two months. Heart failure with rapid and weak pulse and pulmonary edema are noted. The disease progresses with lightning speed, with a fatal outcome of up to 80%. With the intestinal form of the disease, death in puppies is up to 50%, in adult dogs - up to 10%.

• Coronavirus enteritis. Coronavirus has a weaker effect and does not affect the heart muscle. However, even in this case, without timely and proper treatment, the animal will die. It is characterized by hemorrhagic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, dehydration and general exhaustion of the body. Feces are foul-smelling, yellowish-orange in color, watery in consistency, and may contain mucus and blood.

• Hemorrhagic enteritis. The exact causes of this syndrome have not been determined; according to one theory, the disease is an intestinal hypersensitivity reaction of the 1st type to bacterial toxins or the bacteria themselves; according to another theory, damage to the gastrointestinal tract develops in response to the production of toxins by E. coli or Clostridium bacteria spp. Regardless of the cause, with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs, there is a significant increase in the permeability of blood vessels and the mucous membrane, which leads to rapid loss of blood, protein and fluid into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. The development of the disease is characterized by a hyperacute or acute onset; the animal usually arrives at the appointment in a state of severe depression and even shock. The main initial complaint when visiting a veterinary clinic is usually hemorrhagic diarrhea; the disease in most cases is accompanied by vomiting.

• Canine distemper virus. Depending on the severity of clinical signs, pulmonary, intestinal, nervous, skin, mixed and abortive forms of the disease are distinguished. The disease is accompanied by fever, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory organs and gastrointestinal tract, degenerative changes in the liver, kidneys, brain and spinal cord. A form similar to enteritis - intestinal (gastrointestinal) - is manifested by serious damage to the digestive system, including acute gastroenteritis, and is accompanied by refusal of food, vomiting, as well as constipation and diarrhea, which leads to dehydration and rapid exhaustion of animals. Feces contain mucus, often mixed with blood.

• Rotavirus. Most often, rotavirus infection is a form of intestinal infection. For this reason, in veterinary practice, an infectious disease caused by viruses of the rotavirus family is also called “intestinal” or “stomach flu”. At the initial stage there is a sharp increase in temperature, fever, chills, and mild symptoms of gastroenteritis. The pet refuses food and favorite treats. Throughout the day, diarrhea, frequently recurring bouts of vomiting, and nausea are noted. The stool acquires a foul odor and a green-yellow color. There is a lot of mucus in the feces, and blood clots are possible. Vomiting and diarrhea lead to weakening and severe dehydration (dehydration) of the body. Dehydration can cause severe shock in a dog and cause death. The death of small puppies during acute rotavirus infection occurs on the second or third day from the moment of infection.

Non-infectious nature:

• Parasitic, caused by helminths or protozoa.
• IBD. Complex of inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Diseases of internal organs, for example, pancreatitis.
• Poisoning.
• Foreign body.
• Poor quality feed and unhealthy diet (for example, leftovers).
• Tumors in the gastrointestinal tract.

Various symptoms may appear: diarrhea, including with mucus and blood, vomiting, depression, weakness, poor appetite or refusal to eat, severe thirst, rumbling in the stomach, flatulence.

Transfer methods

Non-infectious enteritis is dangerous only for a sick dog; for others it is not contagious.
The situation is different with infectious types of enteritis. The main route of infection is fecal-oral. That is, the virus enters the environment with feces, and then into the gastrointestinal tract of another dog with food, water, or through licking. Puppies are most susceptible to the disease, but adult, unvaccinated dogs can also become seriously ill, including death.

Symptoms

It is difficult, and often impossible, to distinguish by symptoms which type of enteritis is encountered. The flow can be very similar. The main signs of enteritis and accompanying symptoms may be:

• Diarrhea. Moreover, it can be very different: with impurities, blood, mucus, a pungent odor, of various shades.
• Vomit.
• Increased temperature in case of infection.
• Decreased appetite or complete refusal to feed.
• Lethargy.
• Rapid dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, you should immediately contact your veterinarian!

Diagnostics

In case of enteritis, one diagnostic method is not sufficient. The approach will be comprehensive. We do not recommend trying to self-medicate at home. At most, you can wait in the hope that it will “go away on its own” if the dog has had loose stools without blood 1-2 times and the condition is rated above satisfactory. Otherwise, a doctor's examination is necessary. Tell the doctor all the details of the dog’s life, the onset of symptoms, whether you tried to treat it yourself, whether the dog has recently picked up suspicious objects on the street, what it eats and what kind of lifestyle it leads. The doctor will offer a plan of diagnostic measures that will help in making a diagnosis and finding out the cause:

• Express test for parvovirus enteritis.
• PCR diagnostics to exclude coronovirus, parvovirus and plague.
• Clinical blood test.
• Biochemical blood test to exclude pathologies of internal organs.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. With proper preparation, you can clearly visualize the walls and lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Before the ultrasound, a twelve-hour fasting diet and medication that reduce gas formation are required.
• X-ray. Sometimes it is necessary as a method of additional diagnostics.
• Stool analysis to detect protozoa and helminths.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment.
Also, if the cause of enteritis cannot be determined, therapy is prescribed aimed at eliminating the symptoms present in the animal. Restoring water and electrolyte balance by installing a venous catheter and droppers. Prescribing antiemetic drugs by injection. Antibiotics are used to suppress secondary microflora. Drugs are prescribed to reduce the intensity of symptomatic manifestations. These drugs include sedatives, painkillers, and antispasmodics. For helminthiasis and protozoosis, tablets are used, the action of which destroys parasites. If treatment for parvovirus enteritis in dogs is successful, your pet should develop an interest in life and an appetite. Water can be given to the animal. This will remove all toxic substances from the body. You can feed the animal only 12 hours after the appearance of appetite. It is better to use easily digestible food, diets for gastrointestinal diseases - initially in a soft form.

Complications caused by enteritis

The causative agent of parvovirus enteritis can lead to the death of a dog, especially young unvaccinated puppies that have recently been weaned from their mother. The mortality rate can reach 90%. Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, can also be a complication; sudden death of puppies often also occurs. Due to damage to the intestinal walls for a long time, food may be less absorbed and overall immunity decreases.

Forecast

The prognosis for infectious enteritis ranges from cautious to unfavorable. In case of non-infectious disease, depending on the cause, with timely contact to a veterinary clinic, a favorable outcome of the disease.

Prevention

Prevention of gastroenteritis is achieved by keeping animals in good conditions, adequate exercise, and balanced feeding.
Vaccination is required from 8 weeks of age; in case of a high risk of infection, puppies are vaccinated from 4 weeks of age. An adult dog must be vaccinated annually. Parvovirus persists in the environment for about a year, so during this time, if you have lost a puppy or had an infected dog, it is not recommended to have dogs for a year. A vaccinated dog will have a much lower risk of becoming infected and will tolerate the disease more easily, but we do not recommend taking risks. Either get rid of household items or sanitize them.