Parvovirus



 the average size is 5 kbp. some are as small as 23 nm. the shape of the a parvovirus is like icosahedral.

​ parvovirus can affect people and animals.   Dogs with parvovirus need immediate veterinary care because they are usually very sick. They should not be treated at home if they are significantly ill. This care involves large amounts of intravenous fluids , added electrolytes, antibiotics, and special medications to minimize vomiting. It is common for them to be hospitalized for 5 days. We will monitor red blood cell counts and protein levels to identify those dogs that are not responding to routine treatment. If the protein level becomes low we institute therapy with additional fluids (called colloids) to combat the problem. Dogs that continue to decline in spite of therapy may also need a blood transfusion because they can become anemic and deplete their protein. We will also treat the internal parasites that can be an integral part of this disease. We do not feed them until they have gone 24 hours without vomiting. We will send your dog home if it is eating and not vomiting for 24 hours. We expect it to have a persistent soft stool or diarrhea for several days after returning home.