Parvovirus enteritis in dogs. Infectious enterovirus in dogs First signs of enteritis in a puppy
Having adopted a dog into a home, a person must be aware of all the responsibility placed on him, because in order to raise a healthy and happy animal it will take a lot of effort. Four-legged friends, just like people, suffer from various diseases, including life-threatening ones for furry pets. One of these insidious diseases is enteritis - an inflammatory process of a viral nature, which can sometimes be quite problematic to cope with.
What is enteritis
Enteritis is understood as inflammation that develops in the digestive organs; in addition, as a result of the disease, the heart muscle - the myocardium - is often affected. Enteritis is a viral pathology that is quickly transmitted from one animal to another. An animal of any age can become infected with enteritis; puppies and dogs under 1 year of age are most often susceptible to the disease.
According to statistics, in a bitch that is not vaccinated against enteritis, the mortality rate of puppies from the disease reaches more than 80%.
Currently, virology scientists have not yet developed an effective antiviral medicine, but it will help protect the animal from death in a timely manner. This does not mean that a vaccinated dog is not capable of contracting enteritis, but in a vaccinated animal the disease progresses much more easily and death in this case is almost impossible.
Infection of dogs occurs through contact of a healthy animal with a sick one (through feces, saliva, discharge from the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose). Sharing pet care items also increases the risk of disease in previously healthy animals. There are frequent cases when a healthy dog became ill with enteritis, but did not have contact with infected relatives. Scientists have found that a dangerous virus is often brought into an apartment on the owner’s street shoes, and it is this factor that is the cause of “non-contact” infection.
Types of enteritis
Veterinary specialists know 2 types of viral enteritis: parvovirus and coronavirus.
Parvovirus enteritis
The causative agent of parvovirus, having penetrated the dog’s body, destroys the large and small sections of the intestine, and the tissue of the heart muscle is often affected. Parvovirus is able to change the structure of the walls of blood vessels and even affect the composition of the animal’s blood. As a result, the mucous membranes of the digestive organs become hyperemic, erosions almost always occur on them, and the digestive function is completely disrupted. The body of a sick dog suffers from very severe intoxication, which ends in dehydration of all organs and tissues, and then the death of the animal.
Parvovirus was described in more detail earlier:
Coronavirus enteritis
Coronavirus enteritis is not as destructive to dogs as parvovirus. During coronavirus infection, crypt cells cannot be destroyed, so the disease is much easier and with less likelihood of the dog’s death. However, coronavirus is dangerous for puppies, because their immune system does not yet have sufficient strength to overcome this disease.
Symptoms of enteritis in dogs
Depending on what type of enteritis the dog is infected with, one can judge the signs of the disease. Parvovirus enteritis has 3 forms:
- Cardiac;
- Intestinal;
- Mixed.
In the cardiac form of enteritis, the animal experiences general weakness of the body, loss of appetite, severe shortness of breath, cyanosis or pallor of the mucous membranes, bradycardia, and cold extremities. As a rule, the death of a sick dog occurs from acute heart failure.
With the intestinal form, the dog looks lethargic, drowsy, there is a loss of appetite, and an increase in body temperature. Then the animal begins to suffer from vomiting (the discharge is usually foamy and viscous). Through 2-3 days the pet develops, the smell of stool resembles rotting meat. Later 1-2 days the stool takes on a bloody consistency, the dog begins to experience severe pain in the abdominal cavity, and whines at the slightest touch to the stomach. The final stage of the intestinal form is dehydration of the animal’s body and, as a consequence, death.
Coronavirus enteritis is not accompanied by such clear symptoms as parvovirus. The animal may refuse food, but still drink water; diarrhea and vomiting are rarely recorded; abdominal pain is mild.
Coronavirus enteritis has 2 courses:
Acute – the animal quickly weakens, lethargy is noted. Often, with this course, a secondary infection develops, from which only puppies with low immunity die; adult dogs almost always recover.
Mild - appears mainly in adult animals and, as a rule, is asymptomatic. A sick dog loses its appetite, is weak and indifferent to everything. After a few days, the animal’s condition improves significantly.
If there is a suspicion that your pet has become infected with enteritis, you should under no circumstances hesitate. The owner must take his pet to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible, otherwise there is a high risk of the animal’s death.
Diagnosis of enteritis in dogs
Since enteritis in dogs has similar symptoms to other dangerous diseases (salmonellosis, infectious hepatitis), only a preliminary diagnosis is made based on general clinical signs. The veterinarian makes a final verdict only after additional laboratory tests:
- taking fecal samples from sick dogs to detect the causative agent of the disease. The most commonly used method is polymerase chain reaction (PCR);
- hemagglutination reaction (HRA) allows you to detect virus antigen in the blood of an animal;
general urine analysis; - ultrasound examination of the sternum and abdominal cavity;
- fluoroscopy;
- enzyme immunoassay (ELISA).
During post-mortem diagnosis of the animal, the specialist notes an acute catarrhal hemorrhagic process of an inflammatory nature in the small intestine. The mesenteric lymph nodes are always filled with blood, swollen and increased in volume. Also, for pathoanatomical diagnosis, a histology method is used, which allows identifying a decrease in lymphocytes in the lymphoid tissue of the small intestine and foci of necrosis on crypt epithelial cells.
Treatment of viral enteritis
When a dog is diagnosed with viral enteritis, treatment should begin immediately. Parvovirus is especially dangerous, because in the absence of veterinary care, the animal dies within a few days. Coronavirus often goes away on its own, but only in adult dogs with strong immunity. In puppies, coronavirus enteritis almost always ends in the death of the animal.
The following methods are used to treat enteritis:
- administration of hyperimmune serum and immunoglobulin to sick dogs;
- saline solutions (sodium chloride, Ringer-Locke) are administered using droppers;
- as nutrients - intravenous glucose solution and ascorbic acid;
- use of antimicrobial agents to suppress secondary infection;
- vitamin complexes;
- painkillers to relieve spasms;
- cardiac medications to improve myocardial function;
- antiemetics, which help prevent dehydration;
- adsorbents.
During the first stages of treatment, it is contraindicated to feed the animal; you can only give clean, fresh water (if the dog is very weak and does not drink on its own, it needs to drink water through a syringe without a needle). After a few days, the animal is given some soft food or liquid soup; rice water is also recommended. The animal should not be allowed dairy products into its diet for a week. The entire time the dog is receiving therapy, it needs complete rest and careful care.
Prevention of enteritis in dogs
It is much easier to prevent enteritis than to treat this disease later, therefore the most correct preventive measure is considered animal vaccination. Small puppies should not be walked outside until they have received their first vaccination against the virus.
It’s easy to prevent your dog from getting infected; you just need to follow certain recommendations:
- shake out and treat dog beds as often as possible;
- do not share toys, carriers, or equipment with other dogs;
- do not allow your pet to come into contact with homeless and sick relatives;
- feed your pet only high-quality and balanced food;
- deworm dogs in a timely manner;
- Take daily active walks with the animal.
At the first manifestations of enteritis, it is unacceptable to make a diagnosis and independently treat the animal. It is important to remember: with coronavirus (in puppies) and parvovirus enteritis, the animal can die within a few days. Animals that have recovered from the disease usually acquire lasting immunity for the rest of their lives.
Consequences of enteritis
Even those dogs that have had enteritis may experience lifelong complications in the form of lameness, infertility, dysfunction of the liver, gall bladder, and gastrointestinal tract. Often, dogs that have recovered from the disease subsequently suffer from heart failure. In small puppies who have suffered a dangerous disease, there is a delay in development, and in the case of the cardiac form of the disease, there is a disruption in the functioning of the heart muscle.
Viral enteritis is a dangerous disease for all dogs, regardless of the breed and age of the animal. Only timely immunization and vaccination, quality nutrition, as well as careful care of four-legged friends can prevent the development of a serious illness.
Enteritis (Parvoviral enteritis)- an acute, highly contagious disease accompanied by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and myocardial damage. Parvovirus enteritis, which is most common, is especially dangerous for puppies aged 2 to 8 months. In addition, there may be enteritis caused by coronaviruses. This disease is not as severe as the first one, but most often coronavirus enteritis is complicated by a secondary infection and in this case, in terms of the severity of the disease, it is practically indistinguishable from parvovirus enteritis. We need special serological studies, which are not yet carried out in ordinary veterinary laboratories, but only in research institutes.
During diagnostic studies of dogs suffering from viral enteritis, in 6% of dogs coronavirus was isolated as the causative agent of the disease, in 0.7% of cases there was a mixed infection of parvo- and coronavirus, in the rest - parvovirus enteritis, i.e. Most often, dog owners and veterinarians have to deal with parvovirus enteritis.
The causative agent of parvovirus enteritis - a virus - is structurally related to the viruses of feline panleukopenia and mink enteritis. Canine animals are susceptible to the virus, with young animals aged 2-12 months being the most sensitive. The main source of the virus is sick animals and virus carriers, from which it is excreted in large quantities in feces within 10 days after the onset of the disease. It is possible that urine and saliva also play a role in the spread of the virus. The virus is highly resistant to physical and chemical influences, it can withstand heating at 60°C for an hour, is not inactivated when treated with ether or chloroform, and is resistant to acidic environments; when frozen it is viable for up to a year, and at room temperature - up to 6 months.
The virus usually enters the body through the mouth and nose. Once in the body, it multiplies in the epithelial cells of the intestine and crypts, causing their destruction. Once in the circulatory system, the virus multiplies and causes changes in the walls of blood vessels. The morphological composition of the blood, as a response to the introduction and reproduction of the virus, changes before the first clinical signs of the disease appear. Already in the first 1-2 days after the introduction of the virus, sharp leukopenia is observed, i.e. decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood. Morphological changes in the blood indicate pathological and inflammatory processes in the hematopoietic organs. At this time, there is a slight increase in temperature.
Due to damage to blood vessels, hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membranes, especially the digestive tract, occur. Under the influence of the virus, the mucous membranes become necrotic, resulting in the formation of small erosions. In the further process of destruction of mucous membranes and in the formation of erosions and ulcers, various microflora of the digestive tract (bacteria, fungi) take part. These secondary processes on the mucous membranes lead to intoxication of the body and its exhaustion.
Clinical signs:
The disease manifests itself in 3 forms: intestinal, cardiac and mixed, which usually occur at lightning speed or acutely.
The most characteristic sign of the onset of enteritis is the appearance of white foamy vomit. This is not always preceded by food refusal. Sometimes the appetite becomes capricious, or food is eaten in much smaller quantities than usual. But there is always a change in the puppy’s behavior. Usually active and inquisitive, the puppy becomes lethargic, inactive, lies more, not showing any interest in current events. True, during a walk, interest in life may be renewed, the puppy will play and run with other dogs. But at home, instead of rushing to the food bowl after a walk to recuperate, the puppy indifferently walks past it and lies down in a secluded place. From this moment until the next walk, the time will pass for him in continuous sleep, interrupted occasionally by vomiting.
After the appearance of vomiting, the signs of the disease increase. Yellowish-gray or gray-green diarrhea appears. The color of the stool gradually changes to brown and dark brown with a terribly fetid odor. In general, feces can be of all shades from poisonous yellow to dark brown, which owners usually call “bloody diarrhea.” But this is an incorrect definition, because in these feces there is no blood in its pure form, that is, the blood that flows through the vessels. This color is given to feces by hemolyzed erythrocytes, blood cells that leave the bloodstream through the affected walls of blood vessels. Hence the creepy, frightening color of stool. But that's not the worst part. The surest sign of hopelessness that I have seen is the appearance of light-colored stool, the consistency and color of which resembles thick cream. Following this, the puppies always died. Such feces are typical for the fulminant form of the disease, which lasts 1.5-2 days after the first signs of the disease appear. This is despite the fact that qualified assistance was provided using the most effective means. Without treatment, the puppy dies within the first day.
In the usual acute form of enteritis, after the onset of diarrhea, the patient’s condition worsens. The puppy completely refuses food and water, lies down, rising only when vomiting or defecating. The condition may worsen to the point that the puppy will walk under itself, unable to crawl away from this place, lying in a puddle of feces. Breathing is rapid and intermittent. The pulse quickens to the point that it is almost impossible to count it.
On the third day of illness, less often on the second and very rarely on the first, the nature of the vomiting changes: from white foamy it takes on the appearance of a yellowish transparent viscous mass. Before death, the eyes usually become sunken, and the muzzle appears swollen, as if swollen, despite general dehydration. The puppy dies due to suppression of all functions in a deeply comatose state.
Pathological changes:
The most characteristic changes are in the small intestine. The mucous membrane is purplish-red, hemorrhagically inflamed, thickened. In the section, each layer of the intestinal wall is clearly visible. In the small intestine there is viscous, transparent mucus of a dark yellow or reddish color. The gastric mucosa is folded, the fundic part is moderately inflamed, and contains a small amount of foamy liquid.
The liver is greatly enlarged in size, flabby, blood-filled with blunted edges; there are light foci of degenerated tissue on the liver. The gallbladder is enlarged and filled with dark brown or tarry bile.
The vessels of the mesentery are full of blood, the course of branching of the vessels is clearly visible. The spleen is slightly or almost not enlarged with slightly blunted edges. The lungs are blood-filled and congested. The heart is enlarged, filled with blood, the muscle wall is thinned, especially of the right ventricle.
In the differential diagnosis of parvovirus enteritis, there is a characteristic sign of this disease - the rapidity of manifestation of symptoms of the disease or, more simply, the speed of manifestation of signs of the disease. There are practically few diseases that progress at such a rate. This morning the puppy was cheerful, playful, and had eaten well. In the evening I also ran, but already refused to eat, and didn’t even touch the tempting pieces of meat. In the morning, lethargic, without joy, I went for a walk, then vomiting, diarrhea, increasing depression, shortness of breath. And at this stage of the disease, it is difficult to count on a favorable prognosis even with the best treatment.
Treatment:
Successful treatment of enteritis depends on many conditions. And the most important of them is the time to see a doctor. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chances of a favorable outcome of the disease. Over the years, the treatment of parvovirus enteritis has become increasingly complex. If previously injections of thylanum and camphor were sufficient for treatment, now they are completely ineffective. And even earlier, when enteritis first appeared, a few tablets of Intestopan were enough to treat it. Now we only have to remember this time, bringing the puppies out of a serious condition.
The first thing an owner needs to do if enteritis is suspected is to give up any attempts to feed the animal. A few days - a complete starvation diet. Just drink regular boiled water. You can dissolve rehydron, but many dogs are reluctant to drink it. And immediately consult a doctor. Treatment of enteritis is complex, which consists of the use of sulfonamides, antibiotics, novocaine blockade, heart medications, and prevention of dehydration.
For parvovirus enteritis, suprapleural blockade of the splanchnic nerves according to V.V. Mosin has a high therapeutic effect. This type of blockade consists of injecting a solution of novocaine into the suprapleural tissue surrounding the border sympathetic trunks and splanchnic nerves. Almost all sympathetic nerve pathways to the organs of the abdominal and pelvic cavities are blocked. In this case, pain relief occurs in the abdominal and pelvic cavities, and the body’s defenses are mobilized. The high therapeutic effectiveness of suprapleural novocaine blockade is due to favorable changes in the functional activity of organs and systems that increase the body's protective and adaptive mechanisms.
The technique for performing a blockade in dogs is as follows. At the base of the last rib, the surgical field is prepared on both sides: it is cut off and lubricated with iodine. Sterilize the syringe and two thin injection needles 6-8 cm long with the end sharpened at an angle of 45°. The injection point of the injection needle is located at the intersection of the posterior edge of the last rib with the dorsal group of vertebral muscles. To determine the needle insertion point, the index finger of the right hand should be moved along the posterior edge of the last rib until the finger rests on the dorsal group of vertebral muscles. Next, a needle is inserted into this point and moved from top to bottom and forward at an angle of 20-30 degrees to the horizontal plane of the animal’s body parallel to the rib until the end of the needle feels like it is resting on the vertebral body. Then the needle is fixed in this position with the left hand, and a syringe filled with novocaine solution is attached to it with the right hand. After this, the needle together with the syringe is deflected 10-20 degrees to the sagittal plane and, pressing evenly on the piston, smoothly moves forward until novocaine freely enters the epipleural tissue.
At this point, you need to make sure that the end of the needle is positioned correctly. To do this, the syringe should be disconnected from the needle. If the end of the needle is in the epiplural tissue infiltrated with novocaine, in its lumen there is an anesthetic solution, which sometimes fluctuates synchronously with the pulse wave of the aorta and the act of breathing. If the end of the needle is in a blood vessel, blood will flow out of the needle, and if it is in the pleural cavity, then there will be no solution in the needle, and air will be sucked in through the needle. In these cases, it is necessary to remove the needle somewhat and insert it again according to the method described above.
After making sure that the end of the needle is in the correct position, the appropriate dose of novocaine solution is administered, namely 2 ml of a 0.5% solution per 1 kg of animal weight. The full dose of the solution should be administered in equal portions on each side of the spine. With the correct technique for performing epipleural novocaine blockade of the splanchnic nerves and borderline sympathetic trunks, no complications are observed in animals.
Against the background of suprapleural novocaine blockade, the effectiveness of the use of medications increases: first of all, this is the intravenous administration of large quantities of solutions such as a 5% glucose solution in saline solution, polyglucin, rheopolyglucin, gelatinol, etc. It is necessary to inject into the vein with them not less than 5 ml, and preferably 10 ml of a 5% solution of ascorbic acid. The doses of these solutions range from 100 ml to 250 ml; I administered up to 0.5 liters of a 5% glucose solution to large dogs. These solutions support and regulate osmotic processes and fluid content in the body, i.e. they are used as plasma replacement and nutrient solutions. Ascorbic acid is especially necessary for infectious diseases, since in them its amount in the body decreases by 10-85%. It has been established that the more pronounced its deficiency, the more severe the infectious process in the animal, ascorbic acid significantly affects the production of antibodies in the body. In addition, it affects metabolism, the state of sympathetic innervation, and increases the resistance of animals to toxic metabolic products during infection.
If, due to the small size of the puppy, it is impossible to get into the vein, then these solutions are injected subcutaneously into the neck area, but less ascorbic acid is taken, because it has an irritating effect, 2-3 ml is enough. Among other vitamins for enteritis, injections of thiamine bromide (B1) are indicated, in a dose of 0.5 ml for small puppies, 1 ml intramuscularly for large puppies. In the liver, cocarboxylase is formed from thiamine, which is necessary for the functioning of the heart. Vitamin B1 influences the therapeutic effect of antibiotics. In addition to the above, it has a diverse effect on the body and metabolism in it.
Diphenhydramine- the next drug that I definitely use for enteritis. This is an active antihistamine. Very quickly relieves spasms of smooth muscles, restores the functional state of capillaries, reduces pain, and has a beneficial effect on many inflammatory processes. Its doses are 1 ml 2 times a day intramuscularly, regardless of the size of the puppy, since in relation to it there is such a dependence: the smaller the animal, the greater the dose. True, this dependence exists not only in relation to diphenhydramine.
To reduce spasms of smooth muscles, an intramuscular injection of a 2% solution of no-shpa should be given in a dose of 1 to 2 ml, depending on the type of dog (small ones - a smaller dose). If this drug is not available, it can be replaced with papaverine or cerucal.
With enteritis in puppies, the cardiovascular system and especially the heart are severely affected, so the use of cardiac medications is necessary and strictly mandatory. Most often, a 20% oil solution of camphor is used, which stimulates the respiratory and vasomotor centers, and also has a direct effect on the heart, normalizing metabolic processes in the myocardium.
A good effect can be obtained if 1 ml of corglycon or 0.5 ml of strophanthin is administered intravenously along with a nutrient solution. But in parallel, it is necessary to inject camphor subcutaneously in a dose of 1 to 2 ml, depending on the size of the puppy. All of the above medications will not have the desired effect if, in parallel with them, chemotherapeutic agents are not introduced into the body of the sick animal: antibiotics, sulfonamides. Everything, of course, is injectable.
Previously, as I already noted, thylan (tylosin, farmazin) was very effective. Now its effect has faded away. Since the spring of 1990, I have been using a combination of antibiotics and sulfonamides. Most often, potent antibiotics with a wide spectrum of action are used: ceporin, ceporex, kefzol, claforan, rifavit, rifocin, rifampicin. Of the sulfonamides, soluble forms are used that can be administered parenterally: vetrim, cosulfazine, biseptol.
This is the main treatment method for parvovirus enteritis. In addition, drugs such as calcium borogluconate and levomisol can be used as additional anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to anti-inflammatory, calcium borogluconate has a pronounced positive effect on the walls of blood vessels. It must be administered subcutaneously in a dose of 3 to 5 ml daily.
Levomisol used to restore the body's protective ability in the form of a 7.5% solution subcutaneously, 0.5-1 ml. The entire course of treatment for moderate conditions lasts 4-5 days. An intensive course with the introduction of large quantities of nutrient solutions usually lasts 2 days, rarely 3. If there is no improvement on the third day after the start of treatment, then the intensive course continues. If the puppy begins to drink and the vomiting stops, then the course of treatment continues in the form of injections of sulfonamides with antibiotics and camphor. It is not necessary to do everything else, because on the first day a suprapleural novocaine blockade was performed, and its therapeutic effect lasts for several days.
Sometimes, if rare vomiting and slight diarrhea, as well as depression, are still observed, the blockade can be repeated on the 4th day. The disease lasts 5-7 days, rarely 8. And only in the first 3 days does it make sense to start treatment. For some dog breeds, this time frame is shorter, which I will discuss in more detail in the next chapter.
There are a lot of excellent medications in the form of tablets, infusions, and decoctions, but giving them to a dog by mouth with this disease is difficult, most often impossible due to severe vomiting, so for treatment it is better to rely on injectable medications.
The starvation diet lasts 2-3 days, sometimes more, depending on the condition of the puppy. When the condition of the sick puppy improves, you need to give it in small portions every 2-3 hours. You can give boiled rice, mixing it with jam or a boiled egg, pasta, noodles, i.e. carbohydrate foods should predominate. Boiled fish, preferably sea fish, cheese, fresh cottage cheese, beef broth, it is advisable to give it skimmed, i.e., cool and remove all the fat from there, will not hurt. Kefir, low-fat sour cream, fermented baked milk can diversify the diet at this time. Under no circumstances should you give whole milk, cream, full-fat sour cream, or raw meat. The disease may recur with renewed vigor.
Among non-specialists, and sometimes even specialists, a very popular remedy for treating a dog with parvovirus enteritis is vodka with honey. This is a ridiculous prejudice. And in support, supposedly reliable stories are told about how they managed to cure a dog in this way.
The complex of measures for the treatment of enteritis includes an enema and gastric lavage. An enema can be started at the first suspicion of enteritis. There will be no harm in any case. To do this, you need to prepare a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate (in common parlance - potassium permanganate) in boiled and cooled water. The amount of solution infused depends on the size and age of the puppy. For babies, this procedure can be done using a small syringe, or better yet, a large 20-gram syringe, after lubricating the cannula of the syringe with Vaseline or any greasy cream. 100 ml of solution is injected, then it flows out, mixed with fetid stool, and the procedure is repeated until clean water flows from the anus. Enemas are given to large puppies in the same way, only for this it is better to use an Esmarch mug.
For medium-sized puppies, large syringes or the same Esmarch mug can be used for enema, but the volume of injected liquid should not exceed 0.5-1 liters. An enema is necessary to regularly flush out accumulated toxic metabolic products from the intestines. Otherwise, they are reabsorbed, and the animal’s condition worsens.
Nowadays, with viral enteritis, symptoms such as diarrhea are mostly absent. And this is an important diagnostic sign. And if your puppy is depressed, does not eat, does not drink, lies on his bedding and slightly burps up white foam, by giving him an enema, you will be convinced of your suspicions, or, on the contrary, will dispel them. A very foul-smelling grayish-yellow mass that comes out of the puppy's anus convinces you that the puppy is suffering from enteritis and treatment must be started immediately.
As for gastric lavage, the principle is the same: pour a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate into the stomach until the puppy begins to regurgitate it unchanged, without any admixture of vomit. This procedure is associated with certain difficulties and not all owners of sick puppies will be able to do it. Even in a very serious condition, the puppy actively resists putting anything into its mouth, using its sharp growing teeth. The owner, bitten repeatedly, with his best intentions, retreats and stops this method of treatment, preferring an enema. Thank God the dog has no teeth in the back. And this method is also very effective. By starting to do an enema before the doctor arrives, many owners notice an improvement in the puppy’s condition. In the first days, an enema is done every 2-3 hours, even at night; with some improvement in the condition, you can do an enema every 4 hours with a break at night. When the puppy starts drinking, it is enough to do an enema 3 times a day: in the morning, at lunch and at night.
Every owner loves their dog, worries and cares about its health. Unfortunately, our smaller friends are exposed to various diseases quite often. To protect them from diseases and their consequences, you need to know the main signs and methods of their treatment. Consider enteritis in dogs . The knowledge gained will protect you from many troubles.
Characteristic features of enteritis
Viral enteritis belongs to the group of infectious diseases that cause, which is included in the list of the five most common in dogs.
It is relatively new, but has a very high mortality rate , the death statistics are almost equal to. In our regions, this disease was first noticed in the eightieth year of the last century.
During the first outbreak, natural immunity had not yet been developed, which caused massive deaths of animals. For relatively young dogs, on average from two to nine years old, the infection is deadly. The most severe complications are observed in puppies.
Puppies are most susceptible to severe complications.
Enteritis primarily provokes disruption of the heart, kidneys, and other internal organs.
Genetic predisposition
Certain breeds do not have a genetic predisposition to it, but Doberman Pinschers, Whippets and East European Shepherds are less susceptible to the disease than others.
Doberman dogs have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
This problem is dangerous for dogs of any age and breed. But it practically does not affect other animals, and does not pose any threat to people.
Characteristic signs and symptoms of enteritis in dogs
Approximately ten hours after the virus enters the body, four to five times a day.
A dog's diarrhea begins approximately 10 hours after exposure to the virus.
Coronavirus and rotavirus enteritis
With enteritis, the dog begins to drink a lot of water.
Parvovirus enteritis provokes a decrease in the dog’s temperature to 37.5 degrees.
In this case, the pet defecates very often with at intervals of twenty or forty minutes. Stool discharge occurs in a sharp stream, sometimes at a distance of up to a meter, has a pungent odor, brown or green color and watery structure. There are pieces of skin and small tubes in the stool. Vomiting occurs every half hour.
The disease most affects the intestines, destruction of the mucous membrane occurs, its exfoliated particles can be released along with feces. Because of this, a larger volume of cells disintegrate and release toxins that damage the walls of blood vessels. Which in turn provokes the movement of fluid into the walls and cavity of the intestine, increasing its size. On damaged intestinal surfaces, active proliferation of microbes occurs, which provoke intoxication of the entire body. Through the blood, the virus can travel to all internal organs, including the heart, destroying it.
After twelve hours, the intensity of the attacks decreases and they occur less frequently. The temperature drops from forty to thirty-seven and a half degrees. After five days, the body produces a considerable amount of antibodies in order to bind viruses. But by this time, most of the pathogens have already moved to the intestines and heart. Therefore, antibodies often do not have time to get to their localization sites, because the body’s protective function is significantly inferior to infection in the rate of development.
Risk of death
The most life-threatening periods are from the second to the fifth day, from the seventh to the twelfth.
Days 2-5 have a high risk of death.
It is at this time that the risk of death is high. Even with high-quality and timely medical care, there is a high percentage of animal deaths: rotavirus enteritis is less than five percent, coronavirus enteritis is up to ten. The most dangerous is the parovirus type of the disease. The mortality rate for its victims is more than eighty percent.
Causes and routes of infection
The causative agents of the enteritis virus are transmitted through sick individuals; the main source in large cities is stray dogs that do not have proper care and living conditions.
Stray dogs are carriers of the enteritis virus.
They are excreted in feces and vomit, in which they can persist for more than one day even at zero temperature. Viruses are quite tenacious, they do not change their structure even at sixty degrees of heat, they die only when exposed to direct sunlight.
Transfer methods
Dogs that have been stressed are especially vulnerable to the disease.
There are two ways of transmitting viral enteritis: contact and non-contact.
The first involves direct contact with an infected animal or carrier. In the process of sniffing and licking them, you can become infected. But pathogens are also transmitted through food or water, care items, and bedding.
Treatment of enteritis includes restoring the dog's immunity.
All types of enteritis have significant differences from each other. But the process of combating them has a number of general directions:
- destroy the causative agent of the virus;
- restore the required amount of fluid;
- cleanse the body of toxins;
- restoration of immunity;
- restore proper functioning of the digestive system;
- maintaining heart function.
Stages of treatment
Catozal is a drug used to fight infection.
- The first stage of treatment must be carried out by a veterinarian , because the infection can only be overcome by injecting special drugs into a vein. After all, due to a large loss of fluid, other injections will not be absorbed.
- Used to fight infection serum or immunoglobulin containing antibodies . But they are not administered intravenously. They often resort to the use of catozal, erbisol and other agents that stimulate the immune system. Intravenous administration of a salt solution (disol, trisol, quartosol), as well as glucose. Which solution and its concentration is prescribed by the doctor, based on the dog’s condition. Glucose is used only in the form of a five percent solution.
- Toxins are eliminated by hydrolysine and its analogues . In this case, it is necessary to use substances that support the functioning of the liver (glutargin), because it is the liver that is involved in the treatment of intoxication. There are also medications that provide complex treatment. For example, taking polyoxidonium or lycopidium guarantees the removal of toxins and increased immunity.
- Metoproclamide helps stop vomiting . The main danger lies in the rapid development of microbes in the affected areas of the intestine. This problem can only be eliminated with antibiotics. In this case, it is necessary to include in the course of treatment the use of enterosgel, oak bark extract or flax seeds. They have an enveloping and bonding effect. But you can start intestinal rehabilitation only from the second day of infection.
- Love and attention to him will help save the life of your pet after suffering from enteritis. . Protect the animal from any stress and increased physical activity. The pet will need to follow a strict diet and take vitamins.
And most importantly, remember that you are responsible for the life of your dog; if at least one of the symptoms appears, immediately contact a veterinarian.
Video about enteritis in dogs
Parvovirus (hemorrhagic) enteritis of dogs, Parvovirus enteritis canine, is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of dogs caused by a pathogen of the parvovirus genus, accompanied by vomiting, hemorrhagic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, myocarditis, leukopenia, dehydration and death of puppies under 5 months of age.
The disease was first identified in the USA (Appel et al., 1978). Currently, it is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs. The concept has been put forward that parvovirus enteritis becomes widespread when the dog population density is 12 or more per 1 km². When the density decreases to 6 or less individuals, the infection practically stops.
Pathogen— Canine parvovirus is a DNA virus of the Parvoviridae family, antigenically related to the feline panleukopenia and mink enteritis viruses. Canine animals are susceptible to the virus, with young animals aged 2-12 months being the most sensitive. Diseases have been observed in the maned wolf, raccoon, raccoon dog, corsac dog, and coyote.
Epizootological data. The source of infection are sick dogs, dogs - virus carriers, which release the virus in large quantities into the external environment with feces within 10 days after the onset of the disease (perhaps urine and saliva also play a role in the spread of the virus), as well as rodents, insects and humans. Under natural conditions, the disease is observed in dogs of all ages, but more often in puppies under 6 months of age; parvovirus enteritis has been detected in martens and raccoon dogs. Infection of healthy dogs occurs mainly through contaminated food and water, as well as through contact - as a result of sniffing and licking directly sick animals or environmental objects infected by them. Additionally, dogs can become infected through virus-infected grooming items and bedding. In the occurrence of parvovirus enteritis in dogs, a decrease in the resistance of the dog’s body caused by: poor care, violations of housing and feeding conditions, helminthic infestation, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, stressful situations (change of owner, surgery) is of great importance. In 2-15 week old martens and raccoon dogs, the disease appears more often and the mortality rate reaches 30%. The virus is highly resistant to heat (stable when heated at 60°C for an hour), pH 3, disinfectants, and environmental factors. The virus is resistant to ether, chloform, alcohol and sensitive to sodium hypochlorite and soda.
Pathogenesis. The virus usually enters the dog's body through the mouth and nose. Once in the body, the virus multiplies in the intestinal epithelial cells of the crypts, causing their lysis. Pathogenesis manifests itself based on the physiological state of the dog. As a rule, in puppies it occurs at 4 weeks of age, when intensive division of myocardial cells is observed, and the division of cells in the intestinal tract is slow during this period. After puppies are weaned, the division of intestinal epithelial cells increases rapidly, while the division of heart muscle cells slows down. Therefore, at this age, the intestines are more often affected in puppies than the myocardium. Characteristic of parvovirus enteritis is leukopenia, which begins to be observed in the first 4-5 days after the onset of the disease. The number of leukocytes decreases significantly and reaches 300-2500 per 1mm³. In this case, leukopenia is often accompanied by a rise in body temperature. On the 4-5th day of illness, antibodies appear and the concentration of the virus in the feces decreases. Antibody formation has a significant effect on viremia. Histological examination shows desquamation of epithelial cells of the jejunum and ileum, villous atrophy and expansion of the crypts. In the hyperplastic epithelium of the crypts, a high mycotic index is noted. Destroyed lymphoid cells are found in the lymph nodes, thymus and spleen.
Clinical signs. The incubation period for canine parvovirus enteritis is usually 4 to 10 days. A sick dog begins to release the virus into the external environment already 3-5 days after infection; the release of the virus from the body of a sick dog occurs in approximately 12 days, rarely - 25 days. Parvovirus enteritis in dogs manifests itself in 3 forms: intestinal, cardiac and mixed, which usually occur at lightning speed or acutely.
With the fulminant course of the intestinal form The death of puppies at the age of 6-10 weeks occurs a few hours after loss of strength, usually without signs of enteritis. Mortality in this form is very high and without treatment reaches 40-60% in affected puppies. The acute intestinal form develops within 5-6 days, the incubation period lasts up to 6 days.
Often the first sign of the disease is anorexia, followed by mucous vomiting and diarrhea appears 6-24 hours after the start of vomiting. The feces are gray or yellowish-gray at first, then turn green or bright purple, often contain streaks of blood, and are sometimes hemorrhagic with mucus or watery with a strong foul odor. Body temperature rises to 39.5°C, sometimes to 40-41°C. Vomiting () and diarrhea () quickly lead to dehydration of the dog’s body, then a state of shock sets in. Animals, especially young ones, may die 24-96 hours after the appearance of clinical signs of the disease. Leukopenia is not a constant sign; it is observed only in 20-30% of sick animals.
Cardiac form The disease occurs less frequently in dogs, more often in puppies from 1 to 2 (sometimes 7) months, more often after severe enteritis and is characterized by acute myocardial damage (). In sick animals, we observe heart failure with a rapid and weak pulse and pulmonary edema. Animals suddenly die due to disruption of nerve conduction in the heart muscle. The mortality rate for this form of the disease in dogs reaches 70-80%, with the intestinal form in puppies - up to 50%, in adult dogs - up to 5-10%.
Mixed (combined) form The disease is characterized by various lesions of the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems of the body. This form is observed in dogs with a weakened immune system, in puppies obtained from unvaccinated bitches, as well as in the presence of associated infections (adeno-, corona-, rotavirus, etc.) in a sick dog. However, the clinical signs of the disease can be very diverse.
When a dog's immunity and natural resistance of the body decrease, parvovirus enteritis is complicated by secondary bacterial diseases and helminthic infestations in the gastrointestinal tract.
Pathological and morphological changes in the intestinal form, they are characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the small and large intestines. The mucous membrane is hemorrhagically inflamed. Sometimes erosions are observed on the mucous membrane. The internal organs are hemorrhagic; in some cases, vascular inflammation is noted. The spleen is enlarged and has light areas. Mesenteric lymph nodes are swollen and enlarged. The thymus may be swollen. In some animals, mainly the proximal part of the colon is affected, pulmonary edema and myocarditis are observed.
In microscopic (histological) studies, lesions in the intestine are characterized by necrosis of the crypt epithelium and lymphoid tissue in Peyer's patches, lymph nodes, and thymus. Sometimes intranuclear inclusions are found in epithelial cells. In the cardiac form, dilatation of the valves, pulmonary edema, signs of acute hepatitis and oscitis are observed.
Diagnosis. A presumptive diagnosis of parvovirus enteritis is made based on an analysis of epizootic, clinical data, pathomorphological changes and the results of laboratory (serological and histological) studies. Histological studies reveal characteristic atrophy of the intestinal epithelial villi. To detect the virus in dog feces, RGA is used, followed by its identification in RTGA or passage in a kitten kidney cell culture. Serological diagnosis is based on the study of paired dog blood sera in the RTGA.
Immunity and means of specific prevention. Dogs that have naturally recovered from the disease develop a strong immunity that lasts at least 3 years. There are some reports that it is a life sentence. After artificial immunization of dogs with inactivated vaccines, the duration of immunity does not exceed 6 months, and after vaccination with live virus vaccines - a year. For specific prevention, inactivated and live culture vaccines are used against panleukopenia in cats and parvovirus enteritis in dogs (pentodog, hexodog and others). Vaccination of dogs against parvovirus enteritis is carried out at the age of 2 months to a year twice with an interval of 2-3 weeks, after a year once.
Before vaccinating their dog, animal owners must undergo mandatory deworming. This is due to the fact that any helminthic infestation reduces the animal’s immune status, resulting in the risk of such a phenomenon as “vaccine breakthrough”, when, despite the vaccination, the dog may become ill with parvovirus enteritis. The most popular anthelmintics are: Cestal, SEVA Sante Animal; Drontal and Drontal Junior, Bayer and others.
Treatment.
Veterinary specialists at clinics when treating parvovirus enteritis in dogs usually adhere to a specific treatment regimen, which includes:
- destruction or neutralization of enteric viruses;
- removing a dog from a state of dehydration;
- cessation of vomiting and diarrhea;
- conducting detoxification therapy;
- stimulation of immunity;
- restoration of normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- restoration of normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
The main goal of treatment for a disease is to most effectively support the functioning of all organs and systems of the body until the animal’s own immune forces begin to fight the disease (by 5-6 days, when the production of its own antibodies to fight viruses begins). Considering that the dog’s disease develops very rapidly from the treatment, literally within a day from the start of treatment, the animal will either feel better (there is hope for recovery), or the sick dog will die (when the treatment was not effective). But it always makes sense for its owner to fight for the life of a pet!
Etiotropic therapy (antiviral).
For antiviral therapy, veterinary specialists use serums, immunoglobulins, interferons and interferogens.
- Anti-enteroviral serums(sources of ready-made antibodies against enteroviruses. Always used in combination with vitamins, antibiotics and other therapeutic and supportive drugs). Dose for dogs up to 5 kg – 2-3 ml, over 5 kg – 5-6 ml (based on serum concentration according to the instructions for the drug).
- Fosprenil(veterinary antiviral drug). A single dose varies according to the dog’s weight: 0.1 ml per weight up to 1 kg; 0.25 ml – up to 5 kg; 0.5 ml – 5-10 kg; 1 ml – 10-20 kg; 1.5 ml – 20-30 kg; 2 ml – over 30 kg. Administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, orally with a doubling of the dose, and intravenously with a halved dose. Regimen: 1 day - 4 doses every 6 hours, 2-8 days - 3 doses every 8 hours, 9-11 days - 2 doses every 12 hours, 12-15 days - 1 dose daily.
- Immunofan(a veterinary immunostimulating drug used in combination for the treatment and prevention of various microbial and viral infections). Maintenance dosage – 1 ml once a week for 1-2 months; therapeutic dose – 1 ml once a day (course of treatment up to 5 injections, done every other day). Subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
- Cycloferon(a mild immunostimulating drug that increases the restoration of cells in the affected mucous membranes - an option for veterinary medicine): the dose varies depending on the weight of the dog: up to 1 kg - 0.8 ml/kg; up to 2 kg - 0.4 ml/kg; up to 5 kg - 0.2 ml/kg; 6-12 kg - 0.15 ml/kg; up to 25 kg - 0.12 ml/kg; 26-40 kg - 0.10 ml/kg; over 40 kg - 0.08 ml/kg. Administered intravenously, subcutaneously and intramuscularly on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8. In acute cases of the disease, it is better to do it with globulins, serums and interferons.
Pathogenetic treatment (on the mechanism of disease development).
Pathogenetic treatment of a dog includes a whole range of additional therapies:
- rehydrating,
- detoxification,
- symptomatic.
Rehydration therapy
This therapy is aimed at removing a sick dog from a state of dehydration. In this condition, the use of any medications is considered absolutely ineffective. Rehydration solutions restore the alkaline balance of the blood and contain the necessary salt set of elements. Administered intravenously by stream or drip. Sometimes subcutaneous administration in small doses is allowed. All solutions must be brought to body temperature (38-40°C) and administered (dripped) until the dog begins to drink on its own without vomiting. Afterwards, it is recommended to pour small doses into the mouth several times a day.
- Ringer-Locke solution. Dose 10-20 ml per 1 kg of animal weight.
- Trisol. Dose 7-10% of body weight.
- Rehydration mixture: 200 ml of saline solution + 20 ml of 40% glucose solution + 4 ml of 5% ascorbic acid solution. Dose: 30-100 ml/kg body weight once a day, depending on the general resistance of the animal’s body.
Detoxification
This is a set of measures aimed at removing toxic products from the body from viral processes and cellular breakdown of the intestinal mucous membranes. Often combined with hepatoprotective drugs.
- Hemodez(a pronounced detoxifier that binds toxins and removes them through the kidneys). Dose: 5-10 ml/kg body weight 1-2 times a day until signs of general intoxication subside.
- Sirepar(a veterinary drug with a pronounced hepatoprotective and detoxifying effect). Dose: 2-4 ml once a day until signs of intoxication disappear. Slowly intramuscularly or intravenously.
- Hydrolysine(replenishes proteins in the body, removes toxins). Administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously in a mixture with saline. Dose: 5-15 ml for 3-5 days.
Symptomatic therapy
It is aimed at the general maintenance of the body, as well as the elimination of common clinical symptoms that accompany the disease.
- Antiemetic drugs:
- Cerucal. Dose 0.5-0.7 ml up to 3 times a day. Do not use on small puppies or pregnant bitches. Continuous use should not exceed three times a day for 7 days.
- Cerenia. Dose: 1-2 mg/kg. Administered only subcutaneously.
- Hemostatic drugs (if blood is detected in stool or vomit).
- Vikasol(a hemostatic drug that increases blood clotting - a synthetic analogue of vitamin K). Dose: 1-2 mg/kg body weight once a day for 3-5 days for general medical therapy. Intramuscularly.
- Etamzilat(veterinary hemostatic agent of capillary direction). Dose: 10-12 mg/kg. Intramuscularly.
- Cardiovascular support:
- Sulfocamphocaine ( a cardiac drug that stimulates the heart). Dose: 1-2 ml once a day for a month. Not prescribed for puppies. It is not possible if heart failure is manifested by tachycardia.
- Cordiamine Dose: 0.1 ml/kg intramuscularly or up to 3 drops orally.
- Riboxin(cardiodrug that improves nutrition and oxygen supply to the heart muscle). Dose: 5-10 mg/kg every 12 hours for two weeks.
- Antibacterial drugs are prescribed for prolonged elevated temperature and suspicion of secondary infection:
- Cefazolin(a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic). Dose: 5-10 mg/kg, dissolved in water for injection. The interval between injections is 6-8 hours daily for 5-7 days.
- Probiotics to restore intestinal microflora, prescribed when the animal regains its appetite.
- Bioprotectin(hepatoprotector + probiotic). Dose: 1 capsule. for weight up to 5 kg, 2 caps. – 5-10 kg, 4 caps. – more than 10 kg. Course – 23 days. Mix the contents of the capsules into food or drink.
- Bactoneotime(probiotic to normalize digestion). Dose: 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight of a large dog, ½ tablet for puppies. It is crushed, mixed with water and given half an hour before feeding twice a day.
Some veterinarians use the following treatment regimen when treating parvovirus enteritis in dogs:
In case of severe parvovirus enteritis in a dog, accompanied by severe dehydration of the body, it is necessary to resort to intravenous and subcutaneous administration of electrolyte solutions. For this purpose, saline solutions are used subcutaneously by jet, and intravenously by drip using droppers.
In the treatment of gastroenteritis, veterinary specialists most often use the following solutions: 0.9% sodium chloride solution, Ringer or Ringer-Locke solutions with the addition or separately 5-40% glucose solutions. Ascorbic acid or vikasol can be added to this solution.
When administered intravenously, along with isotonic solutions, veterinary specialists use hypertonic solutions (5-10%) of sodium and calcium chloride, calcium gluconate. In this case, the doses of isotonic solutions, depending on the degree of dehydration of the dog, are 5-100 ml/kg body weight and subcutaneous solutions - 10-100 ml/kg body weight.
Subcutaneous injections of large volumes of medicinal substances are most conveniently done in the area of the shoulder blade or withers, preferably at several points. A sick dog is usually given 10 to 500 ml of liquid. Injections are repeated 2-4 times a day, if necessary for several days in a row. For parenteral nutrition of sick dogs, veterinary specialists use plasma substitutes, which are administered intravenously. Hemodez and hemodez “N” are administered by drip at 5-10 ml/kg, polyglucin and reopolyglucin by drip up to 100-400 ml per day. The following medications have good healing properties for gastroenteritis: hydrolysine, which is administered intravenously (daily dose up to 200 ml); polyamine intravenous drip (daily dose up to 500 ml); casein hydrolyzate; Polyfer intravenous drip, etc. for gastroenteritis, effective prescriptions are Festal (Digestal), LIF - 52 (Hepaliv), Panzinorm Forte, Essentiale Forte, which are prescribed according to the annotation.
For pain in the stomach and intestines, the dog is prescribed painkillers and sedatives - belladonna (belladonna) preparations: belladonna tincture (1-5 drops per dose), dry belladonna extract 0.015 - 0.02 g per dose; complex tablets containing belladonna extract, papaverine hydrochloride, as well as tablets of becarbonate, bellagin, belastesin (1 tablet 2-3 times a day), besalol, etc. For this purpose, dogs with gastroenteritis are given almagel or almagel A 1 by mouth -2 teaspoons 4 times a day, gastrofarm ½ - 1 tablet 3 times a day, gastrocepin, calmagin, anastezin, no-shpu or 0.5% novocaine solution (1-2 tablespoons 4-6 times a day) and others. Alcohol has good sedative and analgesic properties.
After the gastrointestinal tract has been cleared of toxic contents, spasms and pain in the intestines have been relieved, veterinary specialists prescribe various adsorbents into the treatment regimen - activated carbon, white clay, enterosorbent, polyphepane, aluminum hydroxide, talc. These drugs are used according to instructions; astringents - preparations of tannin, bismuth, salvin, oak bark, St. John's wort, alder fruits, chamomile flowers, string, bird cherry and blueberry fruits, etc., as well as enveloping - decoctions of flax seeds, chicken eggs, phospholugel and other gel-containing preparations. All of the above drugs are used according to the instructions.
To suppress pathogenic microflora in the cavity of the stomach and intestines, various antimicrobial drugs are used, such as: imodium 1-2 capsules 1-2 times a day; chloramphenicol ½ -1 tablet 3-4 times a day for a week; Baytril 1-2 times a day at the rate of 5 mg per 1 kg of live weight; Tsifran 2 times a day at the rate of 250-500 mg per dog, as well as other antibiotics from the groups of penicillin, cephalosporins, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides, which are given orally or injected strictly according to the instructions. Instead of antibiotics, a sick dog can be prescribed sulfonamide drugs - biseptol, norsulfazole, sulgin, sulfadimezin, sulfadimethoxine, sulfalene, sulfatone, phthalazole, etazol, etc. The course of treatment with these antimicrobial drugs is usually 5-7 days. Use these drugs according to the attached instructions. In some cases, instead of antibiotics and sulfa drugs, veterinary specialists prescribe nitrofuran derivatives to sick dogs - furagin, furadonin, furazolidone or furatsilin. These nitrofuran preparations are given to sick dogs 3-4 times a day at the rate of 0.1-0.2 g for 5-10 days. Veterinary specialists in the treatment of gastroenteritis note a good therapeutic effect from the use of Trichopolum. Trichopolum is used ½ -1 tablet. 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 10 days.
Along with antimicrobial drugs, sick dogs are prescribed vitamin preparations in the form of powders, tablets, capsules, dragees and solutions ().
For parvovirus gastroenteritis, immunomodulatory drugs are used: gamma and immunoglobulins, thymalin and thymogen, interferon and cycloferon, comedon and decaris, anandin and dibazol, lactoglobulin, etc. according to the annotation.
To prevent and relieve an allergic reaction to drugs, antihistamines are prescribed: 10% gluconate solution, calcium chloride 1-5 ml per injection, diphenhydramine orally or parenterally 2-3 times a day, tavegil orally or intramuscularly, suprastin, pipolfen, diazolin , fenkarol, trexil, kistin, etc. according to the instructions.
When vomiting, sick dogs are treated with antiemetic drugs - atropine, aloperidol. The sick dog is prescribed dietary feeding.
Prevention and control measures. General prevention of parvovirus enteritis, as well as other infectious diseases, is to not bring dogs into safe settlements from areas unfavorable for parvovirus enteritis. The importation of dogs is carried out according to veterinary accompanying documents, form No. 1-vet, and 4-vet.
All imported dogs are required to be quarantined for 30 days.
When organizing exhibitions, competitions and other events, dogs are allowed only with veterinary accompanying documents (form No. 1 - vet, 4-vet), which must indicate that the dog is clinically healthy and vaccinated against parvovirus enteritis.
Dog owners must strictly follow the rules of feeding and keeping animals. Regularly carry out preventive disinfection of premises, care items and equipment. For disinfection, 2-3% solutions of sodium hydroxide or formaldehyde are used. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to promptly vaccinate dogs against parvovirus enteritis. Today, this is the most effective way to prevent serious illness.
The domestic industry produces vaccines that should be used in strict accordance with the instructions. The most common: “Multican-4” - includes preventive properties not only against parvovirus infection, but also against plague, coronavirus enteritis, and adenovirus infection. "Multican-6" - in addition to the listed diseases, this composition includes the prevention of leptospirosis.
If you had a dog in your house that had a viral infection, then before purchasing a puppy, thoroughly disinfect the entire apartment, quartz each room for an hour and do not bring the puppy into the house for a month. To prolong immunity and protect the puppy from possible infection with a viral infection, at one and a half months he will need serum against parvovirus enteritis. A serum should be administered that will extend the puppy’s immunity to three types of infections for two weeks: plague, hepatitis and enteritis. This polyvalent serum is obtained from the blood of horses that have been hyperimmunized with strains of canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, and canine adenovirus serotype 2. It is a clear light yellow liquid. Sometimes it has a reddish tint. The product is recommended for subcutaneous injections.
When a disease is detected, restrictions are imposed on the affected farm. According to the conditions of the restrictions, sick dogs are isolated and the places where they are kept are disinfected with a 1% solution of formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide or chloramine. Organize adequate feeding with sufficient vitamin content in the diet.
Restrictions on a dysfunctional service dog kennel are lifted 40 days after the last case of recovery and death of the sick dog and the final disinfection.
What kind of pathology is this
Just like people, our pets suffer from various diseases. Of course, preventative vaccines for our tailed and shaggy friends have been developed a long time ago. Such terrible diseases as plague and rabies have become much less likely to claim the lives of dogs. However, caused by viral pathogens, enteritis in dogs is also a serious pathology, often leading to death. There are both domestic and imported vaccines against lesions of the digestive tract caused by parvovirus and enterovirus. However, these vaccinations are given to the puppy at six to eight weeks of age. Until this age, unfortunately, even if the baby is not allowed outside, he can easily get enteritis. In dogs, the route of infection into the body is fecal-oral, as well as contact (by licking and sniffing dirty hands of people, various objects, shoes, a sick animal). Enteritis pathogens are quite stable in the environment and can enter an apartment as part of dirt from the owners’ shoes or the paws of another dog. A baby under 12 weeks of age is more vulnerable to infection than an adult dog, even if it is unvaccinated. Viral enteritis in dogs can begin as a result of infection with both specific pathogens that have a destructive effect on the intestines, such as a group of parvo- and enteroviruses, and microorganisms that cause plague and hepatitis. Let's consider specific intestinal lesions.
How does enteritis manifest in dogs?
The disease progresses quite rapidly, death can occur within 1-3 days. The baby dies from dehydration, heart failure and pain. This pathology is difficult to miss; it has noticeable signs. However, the disease begins with mild symptoms: depression, increased body temperature (more than 39 degrees). Symptoms of abdominal pain are noted: when touched, the animal shudders and may arch its back. Then the clinic becomes more expressive:
- After about 24 hours, the dog begins to vomit. Next comes diarrhea, at first the feces are pale yellow in color, then become bloody.
- Abdominal pain does not allow the animal to lie down; the pet stands.
- He refuses food and water, this is due to massive inflammation of all parts of the intestines. By the way, when it is affected by other viruses (for example, hepatitis or plague), sick animals drink water.
Diagnostics
It is carried out according to clinical signs and epidemiological history, the diagnosis is confirmed by methods of detecting the pathogen in feces (PCR, ELISA) and antibodies to it in the animal’s blood serum (hemagglutination reaction).
Disease therapy
Enteritis in dogs is characterized by very high mortality among puppies - up to 90% when kept in groups and up to 60% when kept individually. Treatment should begin immediately as soon as the owner notices threatening symptoms. He himself can help in the following way:
- The animal must be left alone, not watered, not fed.
- Vaseline oil is used (to protect the intestinal wall and reduce the amount of toxins absorbed through it).
- Urgently take the dog to the clinic.
Principles of therapy
- immune sera;
- Ringer's solutions, trisol, disol to relieve dehydration and replenish mineral balance;
- 5% glucose solution with vitamin C;
- antibiotics;
- symptomatically: antiemetics, antidiarrheals, heart medications, painkillers.
An animal's immunity after an illness is long-lasting.
Features of feeding a sick dog
For the first 48 hours, any food is excluded; on the third day, a special diet is prescribed. This will include special prepared foods (or baby food) in small portions and at high frequencies. Next, the animal is fed lean meat, vegetables, and rice in broth. All food is boiled. Fermented milk products are prohibited, as are sausages, fatty meats, bones, and fish. The normal diet is allowed for the dog only after three weeks.
Prevention
As already mentioned, this dangerous disease can be easily prevented through vaccinations. The first of them should be done in one and a half to two months. Then after two weeks the puppy is revaccinated. Immunity is developed for approximately 6-12 months, then vaccination should be repeated annually. There is no point in vaccinating puppies before the specified period; immunity will not be formed. If the epidemic situation is threatening and there is a chance that the baby may get sick, you can create the body’s immune defense through special serums.
