New Information on the Mutation of Parvo Virus in Dogs
This article is written to advise owners of dogs on the mutation of the Canine Parvo Virus. How it has changed and what this means for dog owners.

The new strain is called canine Parvo Virus Type 2C, the initial stain of parvo virus is entitled canine Parvo Virus Type 2. The new strain was first identified in Italy in 2000. It has since spread and was detected and confirmed in the United Sates in 2006 and 2007.

So what is the difference between Type 2 and Type 2C? The new Parvo Virus 2C has been infecting adult dogs with a previous history of vaccination that could be no more than a day or two late on their vaccines. The original Type 2 Parvo Virus typically only infected young puppies and dogs with no history of vaccination. The quick Snap Test used in most veterinary hospitals today to identify whether a pet has Parvo virus does not work effectively in identifying Parvo 2C infections. This means when a dog comes in with the clinical signs of parvo a quick confirmed diagnosis may not be readily available and the diagnosis is based on clinical signs by the veterinarian. Confirmation from the laboratory may take days and sometimes the Type 2C can only be found in the tissues of the tongue and samples of the intestines after death. The reason for this is the new strain is typically only shed 2 days before clinical signs begin and not shed in the feces while the dog is ill. Unlike the original strain which is shed in the feces during the course of the illness and can be detected in the feces with the in clinic Snap Test. This mutation not only makes the virus harder to confirm but also more easily shed to group dog areas, because dogs that appear normal are shedding the virus at dog parks and sidewalks days before they become ill. The new strain also moves faster to cause illness and death. Within 3 days of showing signs of the new strain a pet can die as apposed to within 7-8 days with the old strain.

What are the signs of parvo virus? Extreme depression, vomiting, extreme diarrhea with or without blood. Many times dogs get diarrhea and tummy upset and the difference is the extreme depression. Parvo dogs just look like they do not want to live and they feel horrible. They do not want to eat or drink at all and if they are coaxed to try it immediately comes up the front end or out the back end. Immediately seek veterinary care. This strain can be treated if caught early and treated aggressively.

Please check your pet's vaccine status, if they are behind on their parvo vaccine, get them boostered before the start of the doggy social season. If they have never been vaccinated and are pups they must have at least three parvo vaccines 3 weeks apart and wait at least 2 weeks after the last booster before taking them out onto the sidewalks and dog parks etc. Until then keep them in the bubble of your house and backyard only. The current vaccines are protective against this strain.

Here are the basics in a nutshell on Parvo virus 2C
1-kills faster
2-easier to contract
3-difficult to diagnosis with a Snap Test
4-affects adult dogs behind on their vaccines in addition to puppies
5-must be treated early in the disease and aggressively
6-current vaccines do protect against it