Parvovirus: Protecting Your Pup with the Latest Treatment Options

Parvovirus, often simply called Parvo, is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease that attacks a dog’s intestinal tract. While vaccination remains the best way to prevent Parvo, even vaccinated puppies can become infected before their vaccinations take full effect. In that situation, or in circumstances where vaccination beforehand wasn’t possible, urgent care access becomes crucially important.

For pet owners facing a Parvo diagnosis, seeking proper care and treatment can be a challenge. Fortunately, recent advancements offer a more targeted approach, and VetExpress Animal Urgent Care has put together a brief breakdown to help you understand your options. Check out the following information to learn how you can stay one step ahead of Parvo.

The Traditional Approach to Parvo

Traditionally, Parvo treatment focused on managing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. This was primarily due to a lack of treatment efficacy for the viral infection itself.

• Veterinary care often involved hospitalization with intravenous fluids, medication to control nausea and vomiting, and supportive care to keep the dog’s strength up while their body fought the infection.
• While supportive care is still crucial, a recent development from Elanco offers a more direct way to combat the virus itself.

Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody Therapy: A Targeted Approach

Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody Therapy is a significant advancement in Parvo treatment.

• It’s the only treatment that directly targets the Parvovirus, effectively neutralizing it and preventing further infection of healthy cells in your dog’s intestines.
• This targeted approach offers several advantages over traditional supportive care alone.

How Does Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Work?

Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody Therapy is a single intravenous (IV) injection that works by mimicking your dog’s natural antibodies.

• These synthetic antibodies bind specifically to the Parvovirus, essentially stopping the virus in its tracks and preventing it from spreading within your dog’s body.
• You can find a video explaining the science behind the treatment here.

Benefits of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

The single IV injection not only simplifies treatment compared to traditional supportive care but also offers potential benefits for both your dog and your wallet. Studies have shown that Monoclonal Antibody Therapy can:

• Decrease recovery time: By directly targeting the virus, Monoclonal Antibody Therapy can potentially shorten the course of the illness, allowing your dog to recover faster.
• Reduce hospitalization time: Because the treatment helps stop the virus’s spread, it may lead to a shorter hospital stay for your dog, minimizing the associated costs and stress.
• Improve outcomes: Early intervention with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy may contribute to a higher chance of a successful recovery.

Important Considerations

Parvo is a serious disease, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

• While Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody Therapy offers a significant advancement, successful treatment is not guaranteed.
• Parvo is a serious and deadly disease, so it’s vital to keep any prognosis in perspective.

If you suspect your dog has Parvo, get in touch with our expert team immediately. We can perform the necessary tests, determine the best treatment plan, and discuss the potential benefits and risks of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for your dog.

At VetExpress Animal Urgent Care, our customized treatment plans, surgical procedures, and aftercare support are always executed with compassion and thorough consideration of all relevant medical history. Your emergency is our top priority, so if your pet is in need, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!