“The significant number of vaccination claims for parvo is indicative of the pet owner’s desire for preventive care coverage,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, director of veterinary education and services for VPI. “People want to be able to use their insurance, especially when it comes to preventing infectious diseases like parvovirus.”

Canine parvovirus, or CPV, attacks and destroys intestinal cells resulting in excessive diarrhea and vomiting, usually accompanied by blood and a strong odor. The first symptoms manifest three to 10 days after infection. Successful treatment of CPV depends upon early detection; a dog with CPV must immediately be placed on intravenous fluids and antibiotics. If left untreated, most dogs will die from dehydration or bacterial infection in a matter of days. Even when CPV is detected early, hospitalization can last up to a week and result in unexpected expenses.

“During the first six weeks of a puppy’s life, it is protected by the antibodies in its mother’s milk,” said McConnell. “We see the highest incidence of CPV when the protection provided by these antibodies dissipates and the puppy’s immune system is still not fully developed. The best defense is repeated vaccination every three to four weeks, starting at six weeks, until 15 or 16 weeks of age.”

Veterinarians first diagnosed CPV in the 1970s. Before the availability of a parvovirus vaccine, the virus spread quickly and killed dogs of all ages with little warning. While vaccination has drastically reduced incidences of CPV, puppies remain especially susceptible.

“It is usually a shock,” said McConnell. “People do not understand the urgency. They come to their veterinarian expecting to pay for medication and leave, but in order to keep the pet alive, the veterinarian needs to hospitalize the pet and administer treatment immediately.”

Aside from vaccination, the most important thing pet owners can do to prevent the virus is keep their pets away from areas occupied by infected dogs. The virus spreads mainly through contact with infected feces, soil or surfaces, and displays unusual resilience, surviving harsh weather and most forms of disinfection. Any house or yard should not be considered safe for a new dog until all surfaces have been disinfected with bleach and at least six months have passed since the presence of an infected pet.

By providing reimbursement for the vaccination and treatment of CPV, as well as a multitude of other conditions, VPI hopes to protect pet owners from the financial shock and emotional toll of emergency veterinary care. Treatment for CPV can be considerably costly, while the average monthly cost of a canine health insurance policy is between $25 and $30.

“CPV is a threatening virus, and vaccination of pets is essential for any dog owner,” said McConnell. “By providing coverage for vaccinations and medical care, VPI enables pet owners to make optimal health care decisions for their pets.”