Parvovirus & Arthritis

Arthritis, a painful and potentially debilitating degenerative condition of the joints, strikes one in five dogs. Parvovirus is a highly contagious, potentially fatal disease that is most likely to be severe in dogs 12 weeks and younger. The current strain of the parvovirus is thought to be a mutation of the feline distemper virus, according to the website vetinfo.com. If dogs survive a bout with parvo, the effects of the virus can cause arthritis.

  1. Causes of Arthritis

    • Arthritis is commonly caused by wear and tear on the joints that naturally occurs with age; as joints wear down, bones begin to rub together, creating painful problems. Arthritis can also be caused by genetic predispositions (as with dysplasia), immune disorders and infections like Lyme disease and parvovirus.

    Symptoms of Arthritis

    • Symptoms of canine arthritis include malaise (general feeling of unwellness), pain, mood swings, a decrease in energy levels and/or alertness, disinterest in activities, an increase in the time spent sleeping, weight gain and the tendency to prefer one limb over others. Owners may also notice their arthritic dogs hesitating before jumping or climbing stairs, finding it difficult to stand, or other behaviors that suggest stiff and sore joints. Vetinfo recommends visiting a veterinarian if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

    Causes and Progression of Parvovirus

    • Parvovirus is spread mainly through contact with contaminated feces, though it has been known to survive on clothing, cage floors and other inanimate objects for over five months. Parvo attacks bone marrow and intestinal cells. Severe dehydration can occur, and vomiting and diarrhea are common to the disease, sending animals into shock and eventually causing death. Death can also occur from septic toxins entering the bloodstream through degraded intestinal barriers. It is important to note, however, that parvovirus can be prevented altogether with the proper vaccines.

    Symptoms of Parvovirus

    • According to vetinfo.com, symptoms of parvovirus include lethargy and weakness, decreased interest in activities, bloody and severe diarrhea, decreased appetite, fever and severe vomiting and diarrhea, including projectile vomiting. Several symptoms of parvovirus correspond with arthritis, such as malaise (which can be characterized by lethargy, lack of energy and some weakness), a decreased interest in activities and little appetite. However, severe vomiting and diarrhea generally do not occur with arthritis.

    Parvovirus Treatments

    • Without treatment, 80 percent of puppies with parvovirus die. With treatment, however, 85 percent survive, according to vetinfo.com. Treatment involves a hospital stay and supportive care, mainly intravenous fluids to replace fluids lost to vomiting and diarrhea, and other medicines. An electrolyte solution with dextrose (sugar) is given, as well as anti-nausea drugs, antibiotics to fight secondary infections and, in some cases, blood transfusions. If the animal survives, he may develop complications like arthritis, though it is not entirely clear why.

    Arthritis Treatments

    • Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis--either for humans or for dogs. Symptoms, however, can be treated and the progression of the disease slowed. A healthy diet accompanied by adequate amounts of low-impact exercise (like swimming) will keep a pooch's weight down and decrease stiffness. A veterinarian can also prescribe pain relievers, usually non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), over-the-counter medications, supplements and--if necessary--injections. Certain drugs commonly used in humans for arthritis--such as acetaminophen and ibuproften--can be toxic to dogs. Supplements appropriate for dogs with arthritis include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega fatty acids.