What is Parvo?
Canine Parvovirus (parvo) is a highly infectious disease that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated puppies are particularly prone to infection. The virus affects the intestinal tract by discontinuing the absorption of vital nutrients; it can be spread through direct contact with contaminated faecal matter, environments or people’s clothing and shoes etc.
What are the Symptoms?
- Watery diarrhoea often with blood
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
If you suspect your dog has parvo it is important to contact your vet immediately.
How is it Diagnosed?
In our laboratory we use a SNAP Canine Parvovirus Antigen Test Kit which detects the presence of parvo antigen and intact virus particles in faecal matter.
A swab is used to pick up faecal matter and it is mixed with the conjugate before being added to the sample well, the device is then activated by pushing down hard until it snaps.
After 8 minutes the result is displayed in the result window and this guide is used to interpret the result.
References:
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/parvovirus-in-dogs
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus
