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A Vernon veterinarian is reminding pet owners to ensure their dogs have been vaccinated after coming across cases of parvovirus.
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problems.
Carey Keith, with the Central Animal Hospital, said two cases of parvovirus were diagnosed in a single day.
“We don't usually see it at this time of year and we wanted to let people know to be careful. To get two cases in one day in August is rare,” said Keith. “It is a serious disease for those that are vulnerable. It's a virus that is in the environment all the time, it's one you have to always be on the lookout for. We strongly recommend vaccination for it.”
Keith said a “sick animal will shed millions of these viral particles. This virus can live in the environment for months. It is a very sturdy virus. It is really hard to eliminate the virus from an environment.”
She does not recommend taking young puppies to busy dog parks until their vaccinations are complete.
However, older dogs that have not had a full set of vaccinations are also at risk.
Parvovirus has a five-to-seven day incubation period and symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Dehydration and sepsis are the two biggest threats associated with the disease that can be treated with antibiotics and IV fluids.
“It's several days in the hospital usually. Over 80 per cent survive with aggressive treatment, but I have seen very small puppies die from this even after we do everything we can,” said Keith.
Keith said there is no need to panic, but strongly recommends pet owners vaccinate their furry family members.
“The vaccine does work very well. I have not diagnosed parvovirus in a properly vaccinated dog,” she said.
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