5,582
edits
Changes
no edit summary
[[Image:Syringe.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<p>'''Syringe'''</p>Source: Wikimedia Commons; Author: ZaldyImg (2008)]]
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Until 1978 Parvovirus enteritis was totally unknown in dogs - it was first seen in dogs in Australia where it appeared very similar but perhaps slightly worse than the disease seen in the cat. Research revealed a new and distinct disease, but the virus is very closely related to the feline virus; viral DNA is 98% homologous to the feline virus. Clinically, the virus causes enteritis mainly affecting the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]] in young dogs over 6 weeks old and [[Myocarditis|myocarditis]] in puppies. Vaccines are very effective, but the virus is hardy and survives for a protracted time in the environment.
Until 1978 Parvovirus enteritis was totally unknown in dogs - it was first seen in dogs in Australia where it appeared very similar but perhaps slightly worse than the disease seen in the cat. Research revealed a new and distinct disease, but the virus is very closely related to the feline virus; viral DNA is 98% homologous to the feline virus. Clinically, the virus causes enteritis mainly affecting the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]] in young dogs over 6 weeks old and [[Myocarditis|myocarditis]] in puppies. Vaccines are very effective, but the virus is hardy and survives for a protracted time in the environment.