The English Bulldog Puppy Blog

Canine parvovirus (CPV) diseases is one of the most common infectious of dogs in the United States.

Parvovirus is best characterized by diarrhea that is often bloody. Prior to 1980, Type 2 (CPV-2) was known to cause the CPV disease. Following 1980, CPV-2 was replaced by CPV-2a that became more common. In 1986, CPV-2b surfaced as another variation.

A new strain called CPV-2c was detected a few years after 1986. CPV-2b has replaced the previous strains as the most common parvovirus causing disease in dogs. Some discussions suspects of other strains that are starting to emerge but have been yet to be formally identified. Vaccinations are known to help control the spread of this disease but have yet to prevent dogs from actually dying from this disease.

A widespread misinformation about canine parvovirus can be corrected by learning what this disease is all about, its spread, and vaccination. Pet owners equipped with the knowledge, rather than misconception, can make sound health decisions for their dogs including English bulldogs.

How is parvovirus spread?

CPV can be spread through contact with feces or stool containing the virus. The virus survives on inanimate objects namely clothing, food pans, and cage floor. It can survive roughly for 5 months or longer in the right conditions.

Rodents and insects can play as vectors to transmit the disease. It is especially important to removed any fecal material or vomit with a detergent before application of bleach solution. The bleach solution should be used on beddings, kennel floors and other water-resistant materials.

The normal incubation period of parvovirus is from 7 to 14 days which means the time from exposure to the virus to the time when signs of the disease ppers. It may last for one to two weeks after the onset of the disease.

Symptoms of parvovirus infection

A broad range of symptoms is shown by pet dogs that are infected with parvovirus. Most adult dogs afflicted with the said virus show very few symptoms. The majority of cases are seen among dogs, even bulldogs, less than 6 months of age with the most severe cases observed in puppies younger than 12 weeks of age.

Other symptoms may be present, the main symptoms of canine parvovirus are:

Lethargy, depression or loss of appetite
A dog or English bulldog puppy is afflicted with parvo will display signs of lethargy or depression mainly due to fluid loss. The parvo virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract that leads to a damage of the intestines and the inability of the puppy to absorb fluids. It is not a surprise for dogs to lack appetite when suffering from parvo virus. Your puppy or dog may also have a high fever.

Vomiting
Expect to see your dog to vomit given the damaged condition of its intestines. The vomiting of the dog will likely lead to further dehydration.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a clear sign that there’s something wrong with your pet. In the early stages of parvo, diarrhea is likely to be extremely smelly. As the pervo virus infection progresses, the diarrhea is likely to be mixed with blood. In this later stages, following a break down of the intestinal system, the main component of the diarrhea is blood.

How is parvovirus infection diagnosed?

Many sick puppies are misdiagnosed with parvo virus when they produce bloody stools with or without vomiting. The only way to know if a dog has parvovirus is through a positive diagnostic test. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen test (ELISA), commonly called the CITE test, is a better option as compare to the more time consuming and expensive traditional testing of the blood for titers. The only way to correctly diagnose and treat this disease is to test of all suspect cases of parvo. A complete physical exam and additional laboratory tests such as a CBC and chemistry panel help to determine the severity of the disease.

How is parvovirus disease treated?

The treatment of parvovirus is directed at supportive therapy. The highest priority is to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution is most recommended. In less severe cases, subcutaneous or oral fluids may be used. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary. Antibiotic therapy is usually given to help control secondary bacterial infections.

In those dogs that have severe symptoms, antiserum against endotoxins may be given. Corticosteroids may be given if the animal is in shock. In cases of severe vomiting, drugs to slow the vomiting may also be used. After the intestinal symptoms begin to subside, a broad spectrum de-worming agent is often used. Restricting the food during periods of vomiting is also necessary and parenteral nutrition (providing nutrients intravenously) may be necessary.

The chance of recovery in a severely stricken dog is very low when pet owners don’t seek professional veterinary care. The treatment of affected dogs and puppies should be undertaken with the correct amount of properly balanced intravenous fluids.

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Large breeds of dogs, including English bulldog, is commonly known to be affect with Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). Research has proven that CHD can affect dogs of any size, breed or age. It can sometimes be a contributing factor to conditions namely canine osteoarthritis. This condition makes CHD a very important subject to all dog owners. The important step is to understand how to be cautious and treat dogs, especially English bulldogs, suffering CHD.

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)?
The basic understanding of hip dysplasia lies on getting to know the part of the body affected. The hip joint forms the attachment of the hind leg to the body and is a ball and socket joint. The ball part is the head of the femur while the socket (acetabulum) is located on the pelvis. A healthy joint has the ball rotating freely within the socket. The shape of the bones is shaped to perfectly match each other with the socket surrounding the ball. The joint is further strengthened when two bones are held together by strong ligament. The ligament serves as an attachment of the femoral head directly to the acetabulum. The joint capsule, additionally, forms a very strong band of connective tissue, encircle the two bones adding more stability. The articular surface is the part where the bones actually touch each other. It is perfectly smooth and cushioned with a layer of spongy cartilage. The joint contains a highly viscous fluid to lubricate the articular surface.

What causes CHD?
Hip dysplasia is caused by a laxity of the muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments that would normally support the joint. As this happens, the articular surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. This separation of the two bones within the joint is called a subluxation. Subluxation causes a drastic change in the size and shape of the articular surfaces. Most dysplastic dogs are born with normal hips but due to their genetic make-up, and other factors, the soft tissues that surround the joint develop abnormally causing the subluxation. It is this subluxation and the restructured hip that leads to the symptoms we associate with this disease. Hip dysplasia may or may not be bilateral. It could affect both the right and/or left hip.

What are the symptoms of CHD?
All dogs, even English bulldogs, of all ages are subject to hip dysplasia, leading to osteoarthritis. In severe cases, puppies as young as five months will begin to show pain and discomfort prior and after exercise. The condition will worsen until even normal daily activities are painful. Without medical intervention, these dogs may eventually cease to walk. In most cases, however, the symptoms do not begin to appear until the middle or later years in the dog’s life.

The symptoms are similar to those seen with other causes of arthritis in the hip. Dogs often walk or run with an altered gait. They may resist movements that require full extension or flexion of the rear legs. They often run with a “bunny hopping” gait. They will show stiffness and pain in the rear legs after exercise or first thing in the morning.

In milder cases, movement and exercise will warm up the stiffness of the joints. Some dogs will limp and many will become less willing to perform in normal daily activities. Many owners attribute the changes to normal aging but are surprised to a see a normal and pain free movement of their dogs after treatment. As the condition progresses, most dogs will lose muscle tone and may even need assistance in getting up.

Genetics is the primary causative factor of Canine Hip Dysplasia. There is no disease without the genes needed to transmit this generative disease. Dog just don’t get hip dysplasia by chance rather it is either genetically dysplastic or not.

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