First things first. I learned this morning that Riley is stable. She had no vomiting or diarrhea through the night and the doctor is going to try feeding soon. If she can keep her food down, then she gets to come home early. Right now I’m sitting in my pajamas with a raging headache and I’m exhausted. The past three days were exhausting and I want to share with you what I’ve learned about Parvo and the symptoms of Parvo in dogs.
Please don’t use this to diagnose your dog; but I do hope that I can help others catch this early, because that’s when you have the best chance of saving your puppy.
Thursday
Riley came home Saturday night and she was a healthy happy puppy until early Thursday morning. It started with diarrhea and vomiting. She was a little down, but it seemed like she’d ate something yucky. We took her to the vet Thursday afternoon where she got fluids and an anti-nausea shot (which burns a little and scared her). Riley’s diarrhea became watering – not runny, watery and white/yellow. I know now that these are classic symptoms of Parvo in dogs.
Friday
I slept with Riley Thursday night and she wasn’t doing great on Friday, but didn’t seem worse. We were prescribed Metronidazole to help with the diarrhea, it worked, but then Riley started vomiting again. She had nothing in her tummy, so it was mostly stomach bile and foam. I know her throat and mouth had to hurt and she kept rubbing at her mouth. By the way, the Metronidazole is very bitter and hard to give her since she woudn’t eat. I mixed baby food (approved by the vet) with a crushed pill and gave it to her that way. She hated it.
I called the vet and was told that she should be better Saturday afternoon; if she wasn’t, then go to the Everett Emergency Vet.
Saturday
I slept with Riley Friday night and told myself that I would take her to the vet if there was no improvement. We arrived at the emergency vet at 2:45 and she was admitted 15 minutes later after she had an accident on their table (thick,with blood and a very strong non-poop smell). The vet did a fecal test and it tested positive for Parvo. The people there were amazing and assured me that she would be fine, explained everything that they planned to do and the cost, and they sent me home with tons of information on Parvo.
Disinfecting the House
I started disinfecting the house when I got home and after I finish this post, I’ll be mopping the floors. We’re washing all the blankets and my clothing with bleach (which is the best way to kill the virus). I’ve learned that this virus loves to stick around and it can hang for a long time. Our house is now off limits for a month and we’ll have to stay vigilant on cleaning.
Disinfecting the Yard
How do you disinfect a yard from Parvo? Good question! We’re going to take a hose to the areas that Riley “went” and I’m going to the pet store to find a disinfectant that is safe for dogs that I can spray in these areas and in shaded areas. Since it was raining all week last week (hard too) then the virus has been disbursed pretty well, but I want to do all that I can to keep our property safe. We can’t invite any puppies onto our property for 7 months.
Where did she contract Parvo?
Parvo has an incubation period of about a week so she picked it up at the shelter. The other dogs picked up with her by our rescue group are going to be tested too. I’ve also notified anyone we were in contact with so that they are aware. Our dogs aren’t at risk and our cats are safe too. Our dogs were fully vaccinated and they’re fine. There is a Parvo for cats, but it’s a different strain. Cats can’t catch it from dogs and humans are safe too.
Even though a dog is vaccinated, they can still carry it on their coat if they’ve been in contact with another dog that has Parvo. So we’re avoiding the dog park for the rest of May until Riley is fully vaccinated and out of the woods. There are areas of the country where Parvo is more prevalent, talk to your vet to see if you live in one.
Chance of survival is 80% with proper care
Riley has an excellent chance of coming home and her doctor is very upbeat and positive. I’ve also scheduled a Reiki session for her this afternoon to give her a little more from her Angels. I know that not everyone believes in this, but I believe in doing everything I can physically and spiritually for our animals and I believe that Reiki Fur Babies can help.
I’ve read that the chance of survival is 80% with hospital care. 80% is great, but keep in mind that this stat takes in to account all cases of Parvo. It is much higher for cases that are caught early, like Riley. If you can’t afford hospital care, see if they take payment arrangements or have a credit line; chances of survival at home are lower, because it’s more difficult to hydrate the dog (among other things), but a vet will work with you.
I was lucky, because the rescue group we support are going to help with the bill for Riley. I cried when they told me. I was crying all afternoon, because Riley was going to get better. I cried because I was never alone in this; dog lovers surrounded me in life and online with such amazing and immediate support. I cried when my boyfriend was preparing to wright a check for half the care. I cried when my mom said “tell my grandbaby to grandmommy is praying for her.” And I laughed through my tears when the vet realized that it was relief that made me cry and not me giving up.
Although Parvo is horrible, having a diagnosis and a treatment plan was such a relief.
Important Update about Parvo: this is important! Parvo isn’t overcome in 48 hours. I’m sure there are miracle cases out there, but I about fell apart when I realized that she wasn’t coming home after 48 hours. I’ve done more researched and learned that a hospital stay is about 4-5 days (there were cases of longer stays). Many people say that after 5 days, there dog was nearly back to normal, tired, but on the mend.
What is Parvo?
I don’t actually know and my brain has melted down from information overload. But I do know that it’s a virus and there’s no drug to counter act it; just a vaccination to prevent it. Riley had her first booster, but not her second. From what I read, and I’m not sure if this is true, but I learned that once a dog survives from Parvo, they’re protected. Sounds like Chicken Pox.
Riley is receiving fluids through an IV and she’s on antibiotics to fight the secondary infections Parvo creates. What the doctors are trying to do is keep Riley healthy and hydrated while her body creates the antibodies to defeat the Parvo. She’ll come home with antibiotics.
I’ve been told that she’ll be better, but not back to 100% and that we need to restrict activity. No problem, she’ll spend the first night in my lap being hugged and kissed.
Riley had classic symptoms of Parvo in dogs; diarrhea, vomiting, and listlessness. Other symptoms are fever (but not necessarily, Riley never had a fever) and blood in the stool (Riley only developed this one when we arrived at the emergency clinic). The stool has a very different smell too. You won’t forget it.
Important Update: Parvo is a virus so there is no shot to make it go away. Think of the colds we get; we just have to wait it out and all the medicines out there are just to make us more comfortable. We have good days and bad days, but after about a week, we’re starting to feel like ourselves and we’re starving. That’s what I’m expecting with Riley.
Rodrigo and Sydney
As I stated, their fine, but I wanted to share that Sydney would sleep by Riley’s kennel to watch her and they both were worried about her. They looked around for her a lot yesterday.
I know, I can’t wait for her to come home too.
If you suspect your puppy or dog has Parvo – go to the vet now. Don’t self diagnose online. In fact, stay away from the dog forums, because they’ll scare the hell out of you. Talk to your vet today!
May 6, 2012 at 8:31 pm
It sounds like she is headed back to health! Hope she comes home soon
What a great recollection of her journey, and yours. I’m glad I read it, because I just realized I don’t have Parvo on my website under common health conditions!! Going to do that now! When you’ve regained some of your strength back (I know the worry and emotional toll it takes on a person, too), visit my site and have a look at it.
To Riley: You have come this far, and I know you’re fighting hard. Stay strong little girl, and come home soon! I sent “Mom” some stuff last week that will also help your body in your recovery. She says your brothers and sisters can’t wait for your return!
May 7, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Thank you so much, Nicole! I appreciate your support and help this week.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
May 7, 2012 at 7:46 am
Glad Riley is improving! My very first dog got sick with parvo a few days after we adopted her and fortunately she came through fine. I’ve been lucky to not have experienced it again in my own pets, but have helped care for many that came into the emergency vet clinic I worked it. It was hard seeing them so sick, but wonderful seeing them recover. Good luck Riley!
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dawn recently published..Why an Introvert wants to win a trip to a Blogging Conference
May 7, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Thank you, Dawn
Riley had a set back and she’s starting to come back through again. The vet is positive, we’re positive, and I can’t wait to have her home again. I got to see her today and it was wonderful.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
May 8, 2012 at 5:11 am
Just love your new puppy and love the name as well as I had a Riley myself. Just recently lost him to a terrible illness so I am so glad that your Riley is going to make it. Can’t wait to see more pics of Riley as it looks like my Riley and your Riley may have come from the same breed!
May 8, 2012 at 6:33 am
Thanks, Sally
Do you know what breed your dog was? We’re really curious about Riley and will check into it when she comes home. I’m thinking German Shepherd and Beagle.
Twitter: thefurmom
May 8, 2012 at 6:45 am
German Shepherd for sure. From just that picture, I don’t see any Beagle but time will tell. Because of Riley, I have fallen in love with the german shepherd breed!
May 11, 2012 at 2:14 pm
I had never heard of this virus until I found your site a few moments ago. Is there any way to prevent it other than through the puppy booster shots? It makes me sick knowing a sweet dog had to go through something like this
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Susan recently published..Raw Diet for Pets
May 11, 2012 at 4:23 pm
If I can save one person from the heartache we feel then I’m happy. Riley was so very sweet; I miss her every minute every day.
Twitter: thefurmom
May 18, 2012 at 6:03 am
My puppy is dying of parvo as I write this. I have no money or credit cards. This was a healthy lil guy yesterday, now he is vomiting foam and shitting blood. He is the second to come down with this in 2 days.
Honestly, vets should be made to at least euthenize a pet if there is no hope for recovery. I know the cost, it is minimal, but grows once it is administered. Freaking shameful.
My boy is dying and no one but me gives a damn.
May 18, 2012 at 7:19 am
Jo-Ann
I’m sorry to hear about your dogs. We were lucky, because we have savings set aside for our dogs that I’m building with a side business. I’m well aware of how expensive pet ownership can be and this is one of those sad facts that hits some of us and it breaks my heart.
Have you contacted all of the vets in your area and explained your situation? What about he humane society?
Are your puppies not vaccinated? I’ve read that if they have protection, it’s just a matter of keeping them hydrated while the virus runs it’s course. Is this something that you can do?
I’m really sorry that you’re going through this; my heart goes out to you and you and your puppies are in my prayers.
Twitter: thefurmom
May 19, 2012 at 6:27 am
Sorry to say but the vets here are money grubbing heartless bastards. NO ONE CARED !!!
The pups are dead and the 8 month old is dying.
I am so mad at this. Sorry. Will respond in future. too sad
May 19, 2012 at 6:28 am
The pups were too young for vaccination and the 8 month old had hers.
September 29, 2012 at 12:27 am
From what I know of Parvovirus it started out a feline disease in the late 70′s it crossed the species barrier and went to dogs. Back then vets didn’t no what it was and many many puppies as well as dogs died. There was no vaccine then and the death rate was much worse then today. Puppies start their shots at 6 weeks old.
Owners can bring it home on their shoes from a sidewalk and not know it. Flies in the yard can bring it from miles away from a yard with a parvovirus puppy or dog. Once you smell it you won’t forget it. I think it smells like a copper penny.
Jo-Ann have you taken your puppy to the dog pound to see of they will euthanize so your puppy doesn’t suffer?
Twitter: Jba_groomr
September 30, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Isn’t it shocking how it can be transferred around. When we were researching the virus I met someone who’s puppy contracted parvovirus after a friend who worked at a pet store stopped by for a visit. The pet store had a veternarian on duty and a puppy with parvo had been in; no one mopped the floors and the employees tracked the virus home (and to friends). It really opened my eyes how vulnerable our dogs are to the virus.
I didn’t even think about the fly, but so true.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
March 4, 2013 at 6:11 pm
Parvo is a tough one to overcome but can be prevented in certain cases. The problem is that many times people think they are getting rid of it but they aren’t. I talked to a shelter the other day and found out what they were using to clean/disinfect actually technically doesn’t kill Parvo but they thought it did.
There are a few things out there that can kill it in the yard or wherever. Bleach is often the go to product but there are many negatives and it won’t do your yard any good. There are other cleaners but often get expensive.
Wysiwash is a product that kills the parvo on contact but doesn’t have the negatives of bleach and is less than a penny a gal.
It’s used by many shelters and kennels to prevent the spread of Parvo which can be tracked on shoes right into the house and lasts for a very long time.
Hope this helps.
March 4, 2013 at 8:18 pm
It’s too bad that we learned so much about the Parvo virus after we lost our puppy. The amount of mixed information out there is disappointing. One person told me that we couldn’t have another dog; I spoke with a veterinarian who deals with parvo regularly and she disagreed. We did clean our yard simply by disbursing the virus in the areas where our puppy played and went to the bathroom. It wasn’t a cure all, but it was better than nothing. Bleach simply wasn’t an option so it’s nice that someone has created an option. I wonder how many people clean their house with PineSol (not effective) and skip the yard all together then bring a new puppy home in 30 days? That would have been us were it not for the research I did for the blog.
Thanks for sharing about your product.
Twitter: thefurmom