Canine Parvovirus Trivia Quiz

Answer: Intestine and heart

CPV (as I will now refer to it) primarily attacks the fast replicating cells of the dog's intestine. In puppies there are cases when the virus attacks the heart tissue; cardiac infections aren't seen as often as intestinal ones.

Answer: Colostrum received from the mother.

The colostrum is what renders vaccines temporarily ineffective. This is a form of milk that is rich in antibodies that protect the puppy from harmful pathogens. As the puppy grows older, the protection from the colostrum wears off. There is a time when the colostrum is no longer strong enough to protect from a real parvo infection but is strong enough to fight off the vaccine (which is technically a dead or weakened version of the virus).

This is why it is important to give multiple vaccines, so that when the colostrum wears off completely, the puppy's system can fully react to the vaccine and create its own protection.

Answer: Latin word 'parvus' meaning small.

The word 'parvo' is derived from the Latin parvus meaning small. This is because the virus itself is actually really small (compared to other viruses). Its actual size is about 20-26 nm in diameter. All other options were made up.

Answer: All of these

Pretty much anything can transmit this virus. Fomites are any inanimate objects that carry a pathogen; the virus can be carried on infected cages, shoes, bowls, etc. Since the virus is shed in the feces, these commonly spread the virus. CPV can reside even on our hands; this is why good hygiene is important to avoid spreading.

Answer: is resistant to

Unfortunately, this is one hardy virus. It can still function in even the harshest of environments. It doesn't necessarily 'thrive' in these environments, but it can still survive in them.

Answer: Puppies less than 4 months.

According to the AVMA, puppies less than four months old and unvaccinated dogs are at an increased risk of getting parvo. All dogs are at risk of being infected by CPV but they are not at an increased risk of infection.

Answer: Fever, lethargy, vomiting, and severe (sometimes bloody) diarrhea.

These are the symptoms of a dog suffering from a CPV infection. They may not all be present. Symptoms depend on the dog and on the strain of the virus. Immediate veterinary attention is needed when these symptoms are noted.

Answer: Stool

A fecal examination can confirm a CPV diagnosis; seeing how the virus is shed in the stool it would be the easiest way to identify the pathogen.

Answer: False

Viruses are usually equipped with unique proteins to infect specific hosts, thus a human cannot have a CPV infection unless the virus mutated to be able to infect him/her. However, CPV can be carried by these even though they can't infect them. Parvoviruses that specifically infect humans, pigs, or birds do exist.

Answer: It can also infect some domestic cats.

This strain has been found to infect a small percentage of domestic cats, which is strange because viruses usually only infect a specific kind of host.

Answer: Vaccinating the dog.

CPV severely damages the intestinal wall making absorption difficult, thus IVs are needed to keep the dog from dehydrating. Damage to the intestinal walls allows for secondary infections; medication is used to prevent this. Keeping the dog warm is also recommended. Vaccinations are only effective when given before infection not during one.

Answer: True

As strange as it may sound, this is true. The black and tan breeds tend to succumb to parvo faster and their recovery rate is much lower compared to other breeds.

Answer: Vaccination and good hygiene.

Vaccinations are a good way to prevent an infection, the body is able to create the antibodies it needs to ward off an infection. Good hygiene is critical to prevent the spread of the virus, especially if you have come in contact with an infected dog or object. Looking for symptoms isn't a good way to 'prevent' an infection, if you see symptoms the dog already has the infection. Isolation isn't helpful either, if not vaccinated, the dog can still get infected.

Answer: Chlorine bleach.

Chlorine bleach is a common household product that one can use to disinfect objects that might have come in contact with the virus. Very few cleaning products will "kill" the virus. It is recommended to use a 1:30 ratio chlorine bleach to water. Some sources say one cup (or 1/2 cup) of chlorine bleach to a gallon of water will give you a solution to help disinfect objects.

Answer: True

It all depends on the dog. The vaccination is given to stimulate the dog's immune system to develop the correct antibodies to be able to fight any future infections by this virus. However because not every dog has an excellent immune system, the protection that is supposed to be developed isn't achieved. It all goes back to prevention.