How Much Does Parvo Treatment Cost?
The canine parvovirus can be devastating to any dog. While this disease cannot be spread to a human, it can be easily spread to other dogs, often causing fatal consequences.
While a vaccine is on the market to help prevent this disease, thousands of cases still pop up to this day. Infected dogs will shed the virus through bodily waste fluids, making it easy to spread to other dogs in the area. This virus can live for months and is tough to kill. In fact, some studies have shown that this virus can stay on a surface for years. Parvo is a viral disease that attacks the lining of the stomach, and it can live anywhere.
How much does parvo treatment cost?
On average, a visit alone to the vet can cost anywhere from $40 to $90 to diagnose the issue.
If parvo is confirmed, procedures and tests will be performed and can cost anywhere from $100 to $250, depending on the tests required. This will often require blood work and fecal testing.
If hospitalization is required, IVs and injections will be necessary daily, and this can cost upwards of $100 to $240 per day, and during this time, the vet will run an electrolyte IV and blood transfusion. Some dogs may need to say hospitalized for up to 14 days.
On average, many dog owners have stated that it costs upwards of $800 to $2,300 to complete the treatment, but the costs may be higher if the dog is severely affected or additional hospitalization is needed. If the dog is brought to the vet within 48 hours of its first symptoms, the costs can be much cheaper than those who wait.
One of the most commonly used procedures to treat parvo is by using medicine. For example, Parvaid is a medicine that helps soothe and heal the digestive system, stimulate the appetite, and calm the nervous system. Parvaid retails anywhere from $34 to $43.
According to one DogForums.com thread, one forum member had paid upwards of $1,100 for the complete treatment. The treatment took upwards of 10 days to complete.
Parvo treatment overview
The total quote mentioned above should include the hospitalization, anti-nausea medication and IV fluids.
If parvo is suspected, the vet will either administer an electrolyte solution if the vomiting isn’t severe or an IV carryig replacement electrolytes if the dehydration is severe. This IV will help replace electrolytes since the dog loses its ability to absorb water and nutrients through the gut. During the IV treatments, the vet will closely monitor the blood sugar levels, potassium and the dog’s nutrient levels. Additionally, to help control the vomiting, the vet will prescribe an anti-emetic to control the vomiting.
Parvo is known to be a very contagious viral disease which can cause extreme gastrointestinal distress, especially with younger dogs. If your dog isn’t up to date on its vaccinations, then there’s a high chance of getting this disease, especially if exposed to feces of an infected animal.
If a dog is treated within 48 hours, then a full recovery should take no longer than seven days. Once the vomiting subsides after 12 hours, then the dog may be offered easy-to-digest foods low in fat such as rice and cottage cheese Even though the dog may recover, they still have a high risk of spreading the disease and reinfecting their system. Being difficult to kill and resistant to most cleaners, a vet will ask to keep your dog quarantined for at least six weeks. Any items the dog came in contact with before the virus will have to be washed in a 1:10 bleach solution or peroxide to ensure the virus is wiped clean.
What are the extra costs?
Additional costs involve follow-up visits after recovery. Each visit can be an additional, depending on the number of visits required.
After parvo, dogs need to be on a special diet for a month or so. This food may cost more than your dog’s regular diet.
Tips to know:
Common parvo symptoms include diarrhea, no appetite, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration and a fever. A pet that’s infected will often behave lethargically and may refuse food within the first days of infection. After 24 to 48 hours, vomiting and diarrhea with blood may be present. If not promptly treated, dehydration and stress on the animal’s heart can be fatal. This is why it’s so important to visit a vet if any of these symptoms occur.
As of today, there are no medications that can treat this disease. As stated above, a vet will start treatment immediately, and this will consist of a fluid and electrolyte replacement to help combat dehydration.
Most vets will tell you that your dog will have a 20 percent chance of surviving this disease. With this in mind, there’s no guarantee your dog will survive, even after paying thousands of dollars.
Puppies younger than one are the most at risk.
How can I save money?
To save on costs, always visit the vet first and avoid self treatment options. Although visiting the vet can cost you a bit more, the chances of your dog’s recovery will be much higher.
Talk with your vet to explore financing options. This could include a payment plan arrangement with the vet or he or she may be able to offer recommendations on low-cost loans.
While it may too late if the dog already has the virus, be sure to get your dog vaccinated to prevent this disease from getting to your dog.
Some local shelters or rescue centers may offer low-cost parvo treatment options for those on a limited income.
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Average Reported Cost: $100
How much did you spend?
- Peter Olufson (Garden Grove, California) paid $100 and said:
My puppy had parvo and survived due to quick action. The dog will very suddenly (onset) show extreme lethargy (tired) have severe diarrhea, fever, vomiting and severe weight loss. The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The Final Stages include these symptoms, and if not treated the dog will most certainly die from dehydration and starvation. Treatment needs to be quick as soon as these symptoms occur. Veterinary help will cost a good amount of money and days of hospitalization. An alternative is Paxxin (formerly Parvaid). I gave my puppy Paxxin and Pedialyte to counteract the virus, and it worked. I truly recommend this product.
Was it worth it? Yes
