Parvo avoidance time

[CAPP0]

Our dogs were in a field mixing with other dogs last week, and it turns out that there was a young Rott there who has now been diagnosed with parvo. Ours (should be) fine as they're fully up to date with inoculations, but the field is used exclusively for dogs. On the basis that this dog (who, it turns out, was not inoculated), had been in there several times, does the field need to be kept clear of dogs, and if so, for how long?

Thanks.

[Thevet]

In my experience of vaccinating dogs, especially my own, the risk is minimal when your dogs are fully vaccinated. I have had unintentional contact between my dogs and parvo cases and never had any hint of illness incurred. Just as important is an accurate diagnosis of parvo as opposed to hearsay, which can distort such situations.

[CAPP0]

Thanks. Although I've had it 2nd-hand, the notification was quite categoric, to the point of the prognosis for the Rott being poor. Our two are fully jabbed, although due next month, so I took them in to the vet yesterday to get that done slightly early just for peace of mind really.

I'll see what's going on with the field this week and whether other people are using or avoiding.

[Jasandjules]

Vaccinated dogs get parvo. However adult dogs cope far better.

[bexVN]

Jasandjules said:

Vaccinated dogs get parvo. However adult dogs cope far better.

It could depend on the strain of parvo re if a vaccinated dog could get it. However I can't recall ever seeing a vaccinated dog dx with Parvo (glad to say!!) and I've seen a lot of pups, young dogs over the years with Parvo

We usually advise 6 weeks to an owner if they have lost a pup to parvo before getting another one but that's in the home environment.

Edited by bexVN on Sunday 11th September 23:32

[CAPP0]

Thanks all. I'm hearing up to 6 months elsewhere! I'll check in with the owners of the field and with our vet tomorrow.

[bexVN]

CAPP0 said:

Thanks all. I'm hearing up to 6 months elsewhere! I'll check in with the owners of the field and with our vet tomorrow.

That is possible, though I think you would be extremely unlucky if anything was passed on after a few weeks away from the field, It is less in the home due to cleaning etc.

[CAPP0]

Thanks Bex - so (without putting you on the spot!) you would still think a few weeks for a field?

[bexVN]

CAPP0 said:

Thanks Bex - so (without putting you on the spot!) you would still think a few weeks for a field?

I assume your dog is vaccinated. If so then I probably would do that, unless when you ask your vet they tell you there has been more cases reported then it may be wise to stay away for longer.

I know that parvo is hardy and can survive months without a host but the ones at the biggest risk are young unvsccinated puppies.

[CAPP0]

Thanks - yes, both dogs fully vaccinated and were before this arose. Male GSD 2 years old, female GSDx, 4 years old, so hopefully (he is) old enough to be past the young dog risk point. Unfortunately he was playing and rolling around with the now-sick dog last Thursday, apparently before anyone knew

[bexVN]

That would understandably cause worry, incubation is 7-14 days. I would spk to your vet about it. Just to be on the safe side,they could see if they should preempt anything.

[CAPP0]

Thanks Bex, took both of ours into the vet yesterday just in case, she examined them and no cause for concern as they are up to date but as mentioned earlier I had them both jabbed as they were due boosters in the next 3-4 weeks anyway. The vet advised that when a booster is due, there is c. 3 months leeway anyway.

[bexVN]

All good .

[Jasandjules]

Do you know which strains are around and which strains your dogs are vaccinated for?

[CAPP0]

Jasandjules said:

Do you know which strains are around and which strains your dogs are vaccinated for?

What strains are around - no. The sick dog isn't mine. I know what vaccine mine have had. Is there a reference of what strains a vaccine covers?

[bexVN]

The most common vaccine used is nobivac and it covers both strains. I'm not sure about other brands though, woukd have to double check.

[Jasandjules]

bexVN said:

The most common vaccine used is nobivac and it covers both strains. I'm not sure about other brands though, woukd have to double check.

There are many strains. Two have been "identified". That's part of the problem, it mutates, reacts and adapts. As such things do.

As I said above, a healthy dog should in any event be able to fight off the infection.

[bexVN]

I don't want to argue with you as I know exactly what your stance is on vaccines.

But I know that nearly all cases of parvo are in dogs that have never been vaccinated.

It is irresponsible to say a healthy dog should fight it off aswell. That is definitely not always the case sadly.

[Thevet]

Jasandjules said:

As I said above, a healthy dog should in any event be able to fight off the infection.

Sorry but that is wrong. Having seen many healthy adult dogs die of parvo, including the first ever dog I rescued but was incubating the disease, I disagree very strongly with your post. It is true that puppies are more at risk that adults but adult dogs can and do easily die from parvo. There is not a single doubt in my mind that the reason we see less acute parvo now (less = less cases not milder disease) is due to regular vaccination of many dogs. Also, it is true that viruses do mutate, but vaccination is targeted against the antigens that are common to as many strains as possible.

[CAPP0]

Spoke to our vet earlier, they said that whilst it wouldn't hurt to avoid that location for a little while, they wouldn't specifically advise not to since the dogs are vaccinated and if you go elsewhere, who's to say what is lurking there anyway - hence the whole point of the jabs.

I haven't written that very well - I'm both busy and very tired!! - but you get the gist!