Accepted Answer

Hello Janet and Randy,

I'm sorry to hear your new puppy is ill. There is no doubt that parvo is a frightening diagnosis. I can understand your worry.

There are no hard statistics on survival of parvo. Various estimates are that between 50% and 80% of puppies who receive aggressive treatment will survive. Since your puppy is being treated at a vet clinic, he is probably receiving that aggressive treatment. Without any treatment, it is estimated that over 80% of puppies don't survive.

The prognosis with parvo is always guarded because it is such a serious disease. Some other factors affect the outcome, such as how healthy a given puppy was before being infected, how good of an immune system that puppy has, and how quickly treatment was started. You can read more about parvo, including how it is treated at these sites:

http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=aspcaprosm_parvovirus

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=467

Your puppy has a good chance of recovery, but it's not guaranteed. Nothing ever is when you're treating living creatures. You can ask your vet about it tomorrow, and get his/her perspective on the prognosis, too. Your own vet can give you the best estimate because she/he is familiar with the specifics of your puppy's illness.

If you have more questions about this, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope your little guy responds quickly and well to his treatment.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	2015
Answered:	12/10/2007

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant