Side Effects of Parvovirus After Treatment in Dogs

Parvovirus, which typically affects puppies, can be fatal and devastating. Treatment is available but must be swift. There is no cure for parvovirus, so treatment is about keeping the dog alive and healthy while its body fights off the virus. Methods include fluid therapy, maintenance of electrolyte levels, the provision of various drugs and antibiotics and homeopathic and herbal remedies. Side effects should be constantly monitored and reported to your vet, as certain side effects may mean the treatment needs to be adjusted.

  1. Vomit and Diarrhea

    • Your puppy will continue to vomit and have diarrhea during treatment. This is because of the virus as well as the side-effects of parvo drugs. Vomiting and diarrhea result in fluid loss, so maintaining fluid levels is important. Your vet may provide anti-nausea medications and anti-diarrhea medication to help counter these effects.

    Increased Heart Rate

    • The puppy's heart rate needs be regularly checked during treatment. If it reaches an alarmingly high rate, well above the normal 120 beats for minute, tell your vet right away. This may mean that fluids need to be increased.

    Weakness

    • Your puppy's immune system is being stressed and, with the support of the treatment, all of its energy is going toward fighting the virus. Your puppy will be weak, tired and may have visible and significant weight loss.

    Disorientation

    • Your puppy may seem disoriented, dazed and minimally responsive. This is part of the puppy being weak, but may also be the result of parvo drugs, such as ondansetron, dolasetron and maropitant.

    Muscle Spasms

    • As part of maintaining electrolytes, the puppy will be put on a potassium infusion regiment. High levels of potassium can result in muscle spasms. If spasms are severe, the potassium may need to be reduced.

    Trouble Breathing

    • The breath rate of your puppy also needs to be monitored. If your puppy seems to be breathing rapidly, the fluids may need to be increased. If the puppy is having difficulty breathing, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction to one of the medications.