Protecting four-legged family members Published Feb. 7, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Capling 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Purchasing or adopting a puppy is an experience comparable to having a child with all the feeding, bathing and exercising it takes. Like any member of the family, canines need protection against other animals, people, cars and disease. Canine parvovirus-2, or CPV-2, is a serious, often fatal disease dogs face throughout this country, but is generally preventable with proper measures. "CPV-2 is a highly-contagious disease that destroys the crypt cells of the intestinal tract of dogs," said Army Capt. Sharon Daye, Tyndall Air Force Base's veterinary treatment facility's officer in charge. "It causes sloughing of the tissues that line the intestines." Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most susceptible to CPV-2. Doberman pinschers, rottweilers, pitt bulls and Labradors appear to be more susceptible than other breeds, the captain said. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association's Web site, dogs usually become infected when they ingest the feces of an infected dog. CPV-2 is resistant to changes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes or other objects. "Common symptoms of CPV-2 are lethargy, vomiting, anorexia and bloody diarrhea," said Captain Daye. Most dogs succumb to the disease within 42 to 78 hours following the onset of symptoms, according to the AMVA Web site. To prevent this disease, Captain Daye recommends vaccinating all puppies beginning at six to eight weeks of age with boosters every three to four weeks until the dog is 16 weeks old. The immunization is also recommended for previously unvaccinated adult dogs. "It is important to realize that a puppy's immune system may not fully protect him or her from parvo until the full set of vaccinations has been given," Captain Daye said. "Therefore, I advise new puppy owners to keep their puppies from coming into contact with other dogs, and also to avoid taking their puppies to places where other dogs congregate, such as dog parks or pet stores." Human family members can also unknowingly transmit parvovirus to their dog. "If you suspect that you have walked through an infected area, wipe off your shoes with one-part household bleach to 30 parts of water solution," Captain Daye said. "Use the bleach and water solution as part of a general cleaning process of areas frequented by other dogs." She added that bringing a puppy to a household that may have previously housed an infected dog can be a little risky, but that risk can be decreased by cleaning any suspected areas with the same cleaning solution. While there are no drugs to cure the disease, treatment consists of controlling dehydration and other symptoms to prevent secondary infections, according to the AMVA Web site. In addition to the CPV-2 immunization, Captain Daye also strongly stresses the importance of immunizing dogs against rabies, canine distemper and adenovirus. All of these vaccinations are available at the Tyndall AFB veterinary treatment facility. For more information or to schedule your dog for an appointment call the veterinary treatment facility at 283-4038.