Questions about ParvoI would appreciate

[IluvLucy]

Questions about Parvo

I would appreciate input from anyone with some knowledge of the disease. I am trying to piece together what happened to Lucy in an effort to make some sense of it. I have been doing some research but have come across conflicting information.
1) In case anyone was wondering, Lucy WAS up to date on her vaccinations. But I have read that some dogs do not respond to the vaccination well. She was also treated for worms shortly before this which I understand would have made her more susceptible to the disease as it affects the lining of the intestines which is where parvo virus attacks.
2) It is my understanding the the ONLY way the virus is transmitted is by contact with the feces of an infected dog. I understand that the virus is very long lived. It is strange to me how she could have gotten it. I doubt she already had it when we got because the symptoms didn't show up untill much later. We have NEVER had a parvo dog here(Lucy was our first experience with it). I only made three stops on the way home from picking her up and only at one of these did I put her down to walk. That was at my mother's house and there has never been a parvo dog there either. The only other place she ever went was to the vet's to get her booster shots.
3) This leaves only two possible explanations that I can see. 1) Chelsea(one of our other dogs) brought it home with her when she came home from the vet, or 2) She got it when she went in to the vet for her boosters. Our yard is fenced in so no other dog could have gotten in.
4)When we picked her up after her treatment for parvo, the vet wasn't there. He has two assistants. One is either a vet herself or studying to be one(is there such a thing as an intern?)and the other takes care of appointments etc. Lucy was due for another booster and when I asked the "intern" about how long before she should have that, the other assistant said that the vet had already given it to her. Was this a wise thing to do given the condition she was in? I have not confirmed this with the vet and I don't want to start anything with him as he has been great with us .
Sorry this is so long but as you can see I have some questions I need to deal with.

 

[Jan]

I must say once again how sorry I am about Lucy. :(

Anyone could have brought Parvo to your house on their shoes. I don't think you will ever be able to figure it out where it came from.

Lucy definitely shouldn't have been vaccinated if she was sick. They don't tend to take if the dog is sick.

 

[Debbie Magon]

Correct me if I am wrong here but you say the vet gave a SICK dog a parvo booster?
If you research Parvo you will find that after a dog has had parvo they are very unlikely to ever contract the disease again in their lifetime and if they do they have plenty of coverage from when they contracted this disease.

I cannot for the life of me believe any vet would give any sick animal a shot!
If indeed this has happened this is extremely serious!
I think you better get your skates on and get some very
worrysome issues sorted out!
Good luck.

As for contamination many dogs are carriers of the parvo virus.
They may not be sick inthemselves but shed the virus in their droppings.
It is possible a dog she has had contact with is a carrier.
Also it takes just a microscopic amount to infect and entire house and yard.
Shoes and car tyres, kids bikes etc can all harbour the virus.
If left undisturbed or treated parvo can remain in soil for upwards of 5 years to suddenly spring to life usually in a mosit , warm time such as spring.

BUT before anyone rushes out to bleach their entire lives Parvo is not as prevalent as people may think, generally boosters are sufficient every few years.
Occasionally some dogs no matter how well cared for contract parvo.
Usually those that die are very young as parvo needs cell regeneration to thrive.
Like my vet tells me parvo is simialr to many illnesses that can be associated with low socio economic areas.
In other words stray dogs or uncared for dogs seem to be the carriers and spreaders of this disease.

 

[tlcboxers]

i'm so sorry about lucy. i too am having to deal with parvo. my hera is in the hospital on ivs fighting for her life. i can't wait till 8 so i can see her and make sure she is doing good. i also have a fenced in back yard and she has not left the house for 2 months so how did she get it?? someone walking in my house most likely. its not fair considering we both are good parents by not letting them run around and giving them vaccinations. i pray for you to remember the light in her eyes and to stop blaming yourself. soon after accepting and healing maybe you will open your heart to another. please contact me if you need someone to talk to.once again i'm sorry

 

[BeckyNC]

I'm so sorry abour your Lucy. What a difficult thing to go through with a pup.

I was curious about parvo and did a search online for my own benefit. Found an interesting website:

http://www.lbah.com/Canine/Parvo.html#intro

The website gives a quick explanation re cleaning the house.

 

[JulieM]

You'll probably never be able to say for sure where she contracted it - parvo is endemic in the US. Heck, if a bird walks on ground that's harboring the virus and then flies into your yard and lands, it could bring the virus to your yard. The most likely place of exposure was the vet's office - a hotbed of germs. Not only are sick dogs present there, but vaccinated dogs who are shedding the virus.

Of course, she could have gotten it from the shot itself.